Creamed Celery Parmesan
Creamed Celery Parmesan is a rich, savory side dish featuring tender celery in a creamy, cheesy sauce with a nutty crunch from almonds, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet until frothy. Add 1 cup slivered almonds and 3 cups diced celery.
- Cover and sauté for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add 2 more tablespoons butter and let melt.
- Blend in 2 tablespoons flour and cook, stirring for 1 minute.
- Add 1/2 cup light cream, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, and 1 cup boiling chicken broth.
- Stir until blended.
- Cook over moderately high heat, stirring until the sauce comes to a boil and thickens.
- Spoon into a 1-quart casserole and sprinkle with 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese.
- Broil until the cheese browns.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, toast the slivered almonds before adding them to the skillet. If you need a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. You can also use heavy cream instead of light cream for a richer sauce. Adding sautéed garlic can enhance the flavor profile as well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamed celery Parmesan as a side dish to complement chicken recipes like Baked Chicken With Wine Sauce or alongside a hearty Sausage Vegetable Stew. It pairs well with a light salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. Consider garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the creamed celery in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also add a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamed Celery Parmesan contains roughly 611 calories, with 23g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (166% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), and protein (47% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 14g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 dish a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to step 8, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, broil the cheese just before serving for the best results.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you prefer a vegetarian option, vegetable broth is an excellent substitute for chicken broth in this recipe. It maintains the flavor balance without compromising the dish's integrity.
Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
To make this dish dairy-free, you can replace the light cream with a non-dairy cream alternative, such as coconut cream or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
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).