Creamed Celery
Creamed Celery offers a comforting blend of tender cooked celery and crunchy water chestnuts, all enveloped in a creamy sauce topped with toasted bread crumbs and almonds. Perfect as a side dish for family dinners or special occasions, it combines textures and flavors that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the sliced celery in lightly salted water until tender; drain.
- Add sliced water chestnuts, condensed cream of chicken soup, and pimento to the cooked celery.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with toasted bread crumbs, sliced almonds, and melted butter.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or onion powder to the cream of chicken soup mixture. If you're looking for a vegetarian version, substitute the cream of chicken soup with a cream of mushroom soup or a homemade white sauce. You can also add in some cooked chicken or ham for extra protein, similar to what you'd find in Creamy Pot Roast.
Serving Suggestions
Creamed celery makes an excellent side dish for roasted meats or grilled chicken. It pairs beautifully with Old Timey Potato Salad for a classic comfort meal. For a complete dinner, serve it alongside a crisp green salad and some warm Cheese Rolls to balance the creaminess of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover creamed celery can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a baking dish and cover with foil, warming it in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions until heated through, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamed Celery contains roughly 174 calories, with 5g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of iron (12% of the Daily Value) and protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1080mg per serving (47% 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 them to the mix. They will give a fresher taste and a bit more crunch compared to the canned variety.
Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free cream soup or a homemade cashew cream. Use dairy-free butter for the topping, and ensure that the bread crumbs are also dairy-free.
What can I serve with creamed celery?
Creamed celery can be served alongside various dishes. It pairs well with roasted chicken or turkey, and it also complements hearty meals like meatloaf or grilled sausages. Consider serving it with some crusty bread or a fresh salad to round out the meal.
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).