Celery Casserole
A creamy, crunchy celery casserole combining tender celery, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and water chestnuts, topped with toasted bread crumbs and almonds. This comforting dish offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures, perfect for a family dinner or potluck side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook celery in a small amount of salted water until tender but crisp.
- Drain the celery and add the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, drained water chestnuts, and slivered almonds.
- Pour the mixture into a shallow 2-quart dish.
- Sprinkle with buttered bread crumbs on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes until heated through and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of grated cheese, such as cheddar, to the mixture. If you’re looking to reduce calories, you can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt. For added crunch, use toasted pecans instead of slivered almonds. Make sure not to overcook the celery; it should remain crisp to give the dish a nice texture.
Serving Suggestions
This celery casserole makes a delightful side dish for roasted chicken or pork. It pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a vegetarian twist, serve alongside a hearty vegetable soup. It’s perfect for potlucks or holiday dinners, offering a unique addition to your spread.
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 15-20 minutes until warmed through. If it appears dry, you can add a splash of water or broth before reheating to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Celery Casserole contains roughly 195 calories, with 7g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of calcium (18% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (18% of the Daily Value), and protein (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 912mg per serving (40% 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?
Yes, you can use fresh water chestnuts for a crunchier texture. Simply peel and slice them before adding them to the mixture. Fresh water chestnuts will add a delightful crispness to the dish and enhance its overall flavor.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, so it cooks evenly. This makes it a great option for busy days.
What can I substitute for the cream of chicken soup?
If you need a substitute for cream of chicken soup, you can use a homemade version by mixing equal parts of chicken broth and heavy cream with some sautéed onions and garlic. Alternatively, a can of cream of mushroom soup works well to maintain the creamy texture.
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).