Crumb-Topped Celery Bake
A comforting baked dish featuring tender sliced celery and water chestnuts topped with seasoned bread crumbs. The creamy chicken soup adds richness, while the crunchy topping provides texture. Ideal for a quick side dish or light main, it appeals to those craving savory, vegetable-forward flavors. Perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Position the bowl with slicing side up; slice the celery and water chestnuts.
- When sliced vegetables reach fill level, transfer them into an ungreased, shallow, 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Slice the remaining vegetables and add to the casserole.
- Add the condensed cream of chicken soup to the casserole and stir to mix thoroughly.
- Sprinkle seasoned bread crumbs over the top of the mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding some grated cheese atop the bread crumbs before baking. 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 mix in some sautéed onions or garlic for added depth. This dish pairs beautifully with Flaky Meat Pies as a comforting side.
Serving Suggestions
This Crumb-Topped Celery Bake makes a delightful side dish for roasted meats or a centerpiece for a vegetarian meal. Consider serving it alongside No Bean Chili Dip for a hearty spread during gatherings. It also complements salads or can be paired with crusty bread for a satisfying lunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and warm the dish covered with foil for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be careful not to overcook them.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crumb-Topped Celery Bake contains roughly 319 calories, with 7g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 923mg per serving (40% 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, using fresh water chestnuts will provide a crunchier texture. Just peel and slice them thinly before adding to the casserole. They will add a fresh flavor that can enhance the overall dish.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the seasoned bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Just ensure that your cream of chicken soup is also gluten-free or make a homemade version.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the casserole a day in advance by assembling all the ingredients and covering it tightly. Store it in the refrigerator, and when ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's 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).