Celery Hot Dish
Creamy celery hot dish with water chestnuts and pimentos offers a comforting, savory flavor perfect for family dinners or potlucks, combining crunchy and tender textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, cook sliced celery for 8 minutes. Drain and slice water chestnuts, then add to the celery.
- Stir in pimentos and cream of chicken soup.
- Pour the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish.
- In a small bowl, blend melted butter with bread crumbs.
- Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the casserole.
- Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing the celery with some onions or garlic before adding it to the casserole. You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade version or a cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian twist. If you don't have pimentos, roasted red peppers or chopped olives can be a great alternative. You can also use crushed crackers instead of bread crumbs for a different texture.
Serving Suggestions
This Celery Hot Dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted chicken for a complete meal. It can also be served alongside American recipes like Chicken Spaghetti Or Noodles for a comforting dinner. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving to enhance both flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the cooled casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but be sure to cover to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Celery Hot Dish contains roughly 277 calories, with 5g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is a good source of iron (13% of the Daily Value) and protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1262mg per serving (55% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of water chestnuts?
If you don't have water chestnuts, you can substitute with chopped jicama for a similar crunch, or omit them entirely if you prefer a smoother texture. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the dish's crunch factor.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, this Celery Hot Dish can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed until heated through.
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).