Celery Sizzle
Creamy celery casserole with water chestnuts and toasted almonds, topped with buttery crumbs, offering a delicious side dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Simmer chopped celery in water for 5 minutes.
- Drain the celery.
- Combine cream of chicken soup, sliced water chestnuts with juice, and cooked celery in a casserole dish.
- Top the mixture with buttered bread crumbs and toasted almonds.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes until heated through and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding cooked diced chicken or swapping the cream of chicken soup for a cream of mushroom for a vegetarian option. To enhance flavor, sauté the celery with garlic before combining it with other ingredients. If you prefer a crunchier topping, broil the dish for the last few minutes of baking. This dish pairs well with a side of Chicken And Noodles for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Celery Sizzle as a comforting side dish alongside grilled chicken or pork. It also makes a wonderful accompaniment to a light salad for a refreshing meal. For an elevated experience, pair it with a creamy soup or browse more American recipes for a complete dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store 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 heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to keep moisture in.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Celery Sizzle contains roughly 161 calories, with 5g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is a good source of iron (11% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1341mg per serving (58% 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, fresh water chestnuts can be used for a crunchier texture. Just peel and slice them thinly before adding to the casserole. However, you may want to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they soften properly during baking.
Is there a substitute for buttered bread crumbs?
You can use crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little olive oil as a substitute for buttered bread crumbs. This will still give a crunchy topping while adding a different flavor profile to the dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just be sure to bake it for an additional 5-10 minutes to ensure it's heated through before serving.
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).