Scalloped Celery
Creamy scalloped celery with almonds, mushrooms, and water chestnuts offers a comforting, savory flavor profile perfect for family dinners or holiday sides.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the chopped celery in water for 5 minutes, then drain.
- Mix the drained celery with slivered almonds, sliced water chestnuts, and sliced mushrooms.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add flour to the melted butter and cook until it bubbles.
- Gradually add 1/2 cup of milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly.
- Cook until the mixture thickens.
- Blend the celery mixture into the sauce.
- Pour the mixture into a casserole dish.
- Top with bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 375°F until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your scalloped celery, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or some grated cheese into the sauce for an extra depth. If you’re out of slivered almonds, chopped walnuts or pecans can be used as a substitute. For a vegetarian version, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. Be careful not to overcook the celery; it should remain slightly crisp for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
Scalloped celery is a delightful side dish that pairs beautifully with chicken recipes like Sherried Chicken And Rice or Aunt Pat'S Chicken. It also complements hearty main courses, such as roasted meats or grilled fish. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or some crusty bread to create a well-rounded meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warm throughout, about 15-20 minutes. If the dish looks dry, add a splash of milk or broth to keep it moist during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Scalloped Celery contains roughly 1056 calories, with 20g protein, 156g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (69% of the Daily Value), calcium (59% of the Daily Value), and protein (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 796mg per serving (35% 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 prepare scalloped celery ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the scalloped celery ahead of time by assembling the dish and refrigerating it before baking. Just make sure to cover it tightly. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through completely.
What can I substitute for the water chestnuts?
If you don’t have water chestnuts on hand, you can use sliced jicama or chopped celery for a similar crunch. While they won't have the exact flavor, they will maintain the texture and freshness in the dish.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make scalloped celery gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free bread crumbs on top. Be sure to check that your chicken broth is also gluten-free to keep the whole dish compliant.
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).