Escalloped Celery
Creamy and savory escalloped celery layered with crackers and herbs, baked to tender perfection—ideal as a comforting side dish for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Layer a portion of cut-up celery in the dish.
- Sprinkle with coarsely crumbled Ritz crackers, minced chives, and minced parsley.
- Repeat layering with remaining celery, crackers, and herbs until all are used.
- Heat the hot milk and pour it over the layered ingredients, ensuring the milk covers the contents. Add more milk if necessary.
- Dot the top with butter.
- Dust with paprika.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the celery is cooked and the milk is absorbed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding grated cheese between the layers or using flavored crackers instead of standard Ritz. Fresh herbs like dill or thyme can also be delicious substitutes for chives and parsley. If you prefer a crunchier topping, broil the dish for a few minutes after baking to achieve a golden crust. Serve with a side of grilled chicken for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Escalloped celery makes a delightful side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted meats or a light salad. Consider serving alongside Sweet Potato Biscuit With Country Ham for a comforting meal. For a vegetarian option, serve with grilled vegetable skewers. Garnish with additional fresh herbs to enhance presentation and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You may need to add a splash of milk to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the dish soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Escalloped Celery contains roughly 1063 calories, with 29g protein, 142g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (234% of the Daily Value), iron (144% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (121% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1054mg per serving (46% 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 a different type of cracker?
Yes, you can substitute Ritz crackers with any other buttery cracker or even panko breadcrumbs for added texture. Just keep in mind that different flavors may alter the overall taste of the dish, so choose a cracker that complements your other ingredients.
What can I do if the celery is still crunchy after baking?
If the celery remains too crunchy for your liking, cover the dish with foil during baking to create steam, which will help soften the celery. You can also pre-cook the celery in boiling water for a few minutes before layering it in the casserole to ensure it becomes tender.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
While you can freeze escalloped celery, the texture may change upon thawing. To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven for best results.
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).