Celery And Water Chestnut Casserole
A crunchy, creamy casserole combining tender celery, water chestnuts, and savory soup, topped with toasted almonds and bread crumbs—perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook celery in a small amount of water until crisp, about 8 minutes; drain.
- Mix cooked celery with sliced water chestnuts, cream of chicken soup, and diced pimentos.
- Pour the mixture into a buttered casserole dish.
- Toss bread crumbs, toasted slivered almonds, and melted butter together.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top of the casserole.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes until lightly browned and hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs like thyme or dill into the mixture. If you don't have cream of chicken soup, a homemade version using chicken broth and flour can work well. Alternatively, use cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian option. To enhance texture, try adding some sautéed mushrooms or a sprinkle of cheese on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole warm as a delightful side dish alongside roasted chicken or grilled fish. It pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a comforting winter dinner, consider serving it with a bowl of soup, such as Andouille & Potato Soup, for a cozy combination.
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 (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. You can also microwave individual portions, heating in 30-second increments until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Celery And Water Chestnut Casserole contains roughly 336 calories, with 7g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value) and iron (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1252mg per serving (54% 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, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as directed. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and saves time on busy days.
Can I use frozen celery or water chestnuts?
While fresh ingredients yield the best flavor and texture, frozen celery or water chestnuts can be used in a pinch. Just ensure they are thawed and drained properly to avoid excess moisture in the casserole, which can make it soggy.
What can I substitute for the almonds?
If you have nut allergies or prefer not to use almonds, you can substitute with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch. Alternatively, you can skip the nuts altogether or use crushed crackers or crispy fried onions for added texture on top.
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).