Celery Delight
A crunchy, creamy celery casserole topped with toasted almonds and breadcrumbs, perfect for a comforting side dish at family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook celery in salted boiling water for 8 minutes; drain.
- Combine cooked celery, undiluted cream of chicken soup, sliced water chestnuts, and sliced pimentos. Turn into a 6-cup casserole.
- Heat butter until hot; add slivered almonds and stir until pale brown.
- Scatter the toasted almonds over the casserole.
- Sprinkle bread crumbs over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 20 minutes at 350°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding cooked chicken or turkey to the casserole for a heartier dish. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the cream of chicken soup with a plant-based alternative. You can also use fresh almonds instead of slivered for a crunchier texture. If you want extra flavor, sauté the celery in the butter before adding it to the casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Celery Delight is a fantastic side dish for roasted meats or can be served as a light main course paired with a fresh salad. It pairs beautifully with Extra Special Baked Chicken for a complete meal. For a more casual gathering, serve it alongside your favorite American recipes to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will help maintain the crispy topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Celery Delight contains roughly 397 calories, with 7g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 968mg per serving (42% 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 pimentos instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pimentos if you prefer. Just roast and slice them before adding to the casserole. Fresh pimentos will add a vibrant flavor and color to the dish, enhancing its overall appeal.
Is there a gluten-free option for the bread crumbs?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. This will maintain the texture and flavor while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, uncover and add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through completely.
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).