Celery And Pecan Casserole
A comforting casserole combining tender celery and crunchy pecans in a creamy, cheesy sauce, topped with crushed crackers—perfect for a cozy side dish or light meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook diced celery in water with sugar until tender; drain.
- Mix cooked celery with chopped pecans.
- Make cream sauce by melting butter, blending in flour, and stirring in cream until thickened.
- Add salt, red pepper, and beaten egg to the cream sauce.
- Combine the cream sauce with the celery and pecans.
- Pour the mixture into a buttered dish.
- Top with crushed Ritz crackers.
- Bake until brown on top, about 30 minutes, at 325° to 350°.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing the celery in a bit of olive oil before boiling. If you want a nut-free version, you can substitute sunflower seeds for the pecans. Adjust the level of red pepper to suit your spice preference, and you can use half-and-half instead of cream for a lighter sauce. Incorporating some grated cheese into the cream sauce gives it a richer taste.
Serving Suggestions
This celery and pecan casserole is a delightful side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or grilled fish. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a fresh garden salad or some crusty bread. Explore more vegetarian recipes to complement this dish and create a well-rounded dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, heating in short intervals to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Celery And Pecan Casserole contains roughly 652 calories, with 10g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (23% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1517mg per serving (66% 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 prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to a day ahead. Assemble it fully, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven. This helps it bake evenly.
Can I freeze the celery and pecan casserole?
If you're looking for a similar comforting dish, try making a Crock-Pot Vegetable Casserole for a convenient meal option.
What can I substitute for the cream?
You can use whole milk or a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk as a lighter alternative to cream. Keep in mind that using a lower-fat option may result in a thinner sauce, so you might need to adjust the amount of flour.
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).