Celery Water Chestnut Casserole
A creamy, crunchy casserole combining tender celery, water chestnuts, and toasted almonds, topped with bread crumbs. Perfect for a comforting side dish at family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook celery in a small amount of water for 8 minutes; drain.
- Mix cooked celery, water chestnuts, cream of chicken soup, and diced pimento; turn into a buttered casserole.
- Mix bread crumbs with toasted almonds and melted butter.
- Sprinkle the bread crumb and almond mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider including garlic powder or a sprinkle of nutmeg to the mixture. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade roux or a low-fat alternative. You can also use pecans instead of almonds for a different nutty flavor. Ensure the celery is cooked just until tender for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, serve alongside roasted chicken or as a side to grilled fish. It's perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, and can be complemented by a light vinaigrette dressing drizzled over the salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish covered with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Celery Water Chestnut Casserole contains roughly 435 calories, with 8g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is a good source of protein (16% of the Daily Value), iron (16% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1415mg per serving (62% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble the dish but don’t bake it. Cover and refrigerate it, then bake when you're ready to serve. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
Can I use fresh water chestnuts instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh water chestnuts will add a crunchier texture to the casserole. Peel and slice them thinly, then add them to the mixture just like you would the canned version. They may need a slightly longer cooking time to soften.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
You can easily make a vegetarian version by substituting the cream of chicken soup with a vegetable-based cream soup or a homemade béchamel sauce. This will maintain the creamy texture while keeping it meat-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).