Baked Celery
A comforting baked celery dish featuring tender celery, crunchy water chestnuts, and toasted almonds, all coated in creamy soup and crispy bread crumbs—perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line a casserole dish with half of the bread crumbs.
- Mix sliced celery, sliced water chestnuts, cream of chicken soup, and sliced almonds.
- Pour the mixture over the bread crumbs in the casserole.
- Cover with the remaining bread crumbs.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or onion powder to the celery mixture. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, substitute the cream of chicken soup with a cream of mushroom soup. You can also use crushed crackers instead of bread crumbs for added crunch. Make sure to chop the celery into even pieces for consistent cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Baked Celery makes a delightful side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or hearty casseroles, such as Cheddar Corn Chowder. Consider serving it alongside roasted chicken or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It also complements American recipes well, making it a versatile addition to any dinner table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Baked Celery in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but the oven helps maintain the crispy topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Celery contains roughly 444 calories, with 8g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is a good source of iron (17% of the Daily Value), protein (16% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1488mg per serving (65% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh water chestnuts instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh water chestnuts will add a crunchier texture to your dish. Just peel and slice them thinly before mixing them with the other ingredients. They will need to be cooked slightly longer, so you might want to sauté them briefly before adding to the casserole.
What can I substitute for the bread crumbs?
If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can use almond flour or gluten-free bread crumbs. Crushed cornflakes or panko crumbs can also add a nice texture. Just remember to adjust the quantity to ensure even coverage over the casserole.
How do I know when the Baked Celery is done?
The dish is done when the top is golden brown and bubbly, usually after about 25 minutes in a preheated oven at 350°F. You can also use a fork to check the tenderness of the celery; it should be soft but still hold its shape.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).