Crunchy Celery Casserole
A crunchy, creamy casserole combining tender celery, water chestnuts, and savory soup topped with buttery crackers, perfect for comforting family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook chopped celery and chopped onion until almost done.
- Drain the cooked celery and onion.
- Blend cream of celery soup with milk until smooth.
- Add the soup mixture, salt, and sliced water chestnuts to the cooked celery and onion; transfer to a greased casserole dish.
- Combine melted butter with crushed Ritz crackers and sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the soup mixture. If you want a little crunch, you can substitute the Ritz crackers with crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs. To enhance the flavor, sauté garlic with the onion and celery. Using low-sodium cream of celery soup can help control saltiness, especially if you’re watching your sodium intake.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a side of roasted chicken or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. Consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes or corn meal pie for a heartier spread. For a vegetarian option, it can be served with a side of steamed vegetables or a light fruit salad with fruit dressing to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crunchy Celery Casserole contains roughly 409 calories, with 4g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is a good source of iron (14% of the Daily Value) and calcium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1723mg per serving (75% 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 up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, simply add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through completely.
Can I use fresh celery instead of chopped?
Absolutely! Fresh celery will add a great crunch to the casserole. Just make sure to chop it into smaller pieces to ensure it cooks evenly. The flavor will be fresher and more vibrant compared to using pre-chopped celery.
What can I substitute for cream of celery soup?
You can make a homemade version using a roux of butter, flour, and vegetable broth, seasoned with celery salt and fresh chopped celery. Alternatively, cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup can be used, but keep in mind that it will alter the flavor profile slightly.
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).