Celery Crunch
Celery Crunch is a delightful casserole that combines the earthy flavors of cooked celery and crunchy water chestnuts, all enveloped in a creamy celery soup mixture. Topped with buttery cracker crumbs, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or as a comforting side for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut up celery.
- Cook and drain celery.
- Put celery in a buttered baking dish.
- Add drained water chestnuts.
- Mix undiluted celery soup, 1/2 cup milk, and juice from the chestnuts.
- Pour the mixture over the celery.
- Spread cracker crumbs on top and drizzle melted margarine over the cracker crumbs.
- Bake at 350° for 30 to 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, consider adding some chopped nuts or seeds, like slivered almonds or sunflower seeds, to the cracker crumbs. If you want a creamier sauce, substitute heavy cream for the milk. You can also use fresh celery instead of canned soup for a more vibrant flavor. Experiment with different types of crackers for varied taste profiles.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish alongside grilled chicken or a hearty salad for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with Glazed Carrots for a colorful side. For a vegetarian option, consider serving it with a warm quinoa salad or roasted vegetables to enhance the meal's nutritional profile.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it may make the dish soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Celery Crunch contains roughly 527 calories, with 2g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 721mg per serving (31% 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 celery instead of cooked?
Yes, you can use fresh celery. Just chop it finely and lightly steam it until tender before adding it to the dish. This will give a fresher taste and a bit more crunch.
What can I substitute for the water chestnuts?
If you don't have water chestnuts, you can use diced jicama or even diced bell peppers for a similar crunch. Both options will add a nice texture to the dish.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Certainly! You can substitute the cracker crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Just ensure that all other ingredients, including the soup, are also gluten-free.
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).