"Celery Bake"
A savory baked celery casserole with water chestnuts, mushrooms, and green onions, topped with crunchy bread crumbs—perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Combine cooked sliced celery, sliced water chestnuts, cream of chicken soup, sliced mushrooms, and chopped green onions in a bowl.
- Mix well and pour into a greased casserole dish.
- In separate bowls, combine melted margarine with dried bread crumbs and mix well.
- Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for about 30 minutes until heated through and topping is golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a sprinkle of grated cheese to the top before baking. If you're short on time, pre-cooked or canned celery can be a convenient substitute. You can also swap the cream of chicken soup with a homemade version or a different cream soup for a unique flavor. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley add a delightful freshness.
Serving Suggestions
This celery bake pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or alongside roasted chicken for a comforting meal. You can also serve it as a side dish to complement main courses like firehouse chicken or grilled meats. For a heartier option, consider adding a protein like shredded chicken or turkey to the mixture.
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 until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until hot. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Celery Bake" contains roughly 481 calories, with 14g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (62% of the Daily Value), iron (31% of the Daily Value), and protein (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1692mg per serving (74% 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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble all the ingredients in the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.
What can I use instead of water chestnuts?
If you don't have water chestnuts on hand, you can use sliced jicama for a similar crunchy texture. Alternatively, chopped nuts like almonds or pecans can add a nice crunch and a different flavor profile to the dish.
Is there a vegetarian version of this celery bake?
Absolutely! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by using vegetable broth and substituting the cream of chicken soup with a cream of mushroom or a plant-based cream soup. This will retain the creamy texture while catering to vegetarian diets.
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).