Celery And Chestnut Casserole
A savory casserole combining crunchy celery, water chestnuts, pimento, and tender bread crumbs, topped with almonds and baked to perfection—ideal for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the chopped celery for 8 minutes and drain.
- Mix the cooked celery, sliced water chestnuts, chopped pimento, and undiluted cream of chicken soup in a bowl.
- Pour the mixture into a buttered casserole dish.
- Toss the bread crumbs and margarine together and sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
- Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes until golden and heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing the celery in a bit of olive oil before boiling. You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade version or a cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian option. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free bread crumbs. Adding some grated cheese to the topping can enhance the dish's creaminess and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It also makes a great side dish for holiday gatherings or family dinners. For a heartier meal, serve alongside protein-rich dishes like Bacon-Wrapped Baked Chicken or delicious chicken salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but the oven provides a better texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Celery And Chestnut Casserole contains roughly 526 calories, with 7g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (64% of the Daily Value) and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1464mg per serving (64% 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking.
What can I use instead of water chestnuts?
If you can't find water chestnuts, you can use sliced jicama or even crunchy diced apples for a different texture. While these won't provide the exact flavor, they will still add a nice crunch to the casserole.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this casserole vegetarian, simply replace the cream of chicken soup with a cream of mushroom soup or a homemade vegetable cream sauce. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegetarian option without sacrificing flavor.
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).