Water Chestnut Casserole
A savory and crunchy casserole featuring water chestnuts, celery, and almonds, topped with crushed Ritz crackers and baked to perfection. This dish offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, making it an excellent side for family dinners or holiday gatherings that appreciate a touch of crunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook chopped celery halfway in salted water and drain.
- Mix the cooked celery with cream of celery soup and chopped water chestnuts.
- Transfer the mixture into a casserole dish.
- In a skillet, sauté the crushed Ritz crackers, slivered almonds, and melted butter until golden.
- Pour the toasted cracker and almond mixture over the celery mixture.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the mixture. You can substitute the cream of celery soup with cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor. If you prefer a gluten-free option, use gluten-free crackers instead of Ritz. This dish is great for family gatherings or potlucks, and pairs beautifully with Cheddar Quiche.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole as a delightful side dish alongside roasted chicken or a holiday ham. It also works well with a fresh green salad for a light meal. For a heartier option, pair with Louisiana Date Balls for a sweet contrast. The crunchy topping adds a nice texture, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture, for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Water Chestnut Casserole contains roughly 325 calories, with 4g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 33g fat.
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 a day in advance. Assemble everything in the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake as directed. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I use instead of slivered almonds?
If you don’t have slivered almonds, you can use chopped pecans or walnuts for a different nutty flavor. Alternatively, for a nut-free version, you can skip the nuts entirely or replace them with sunflower seeds for added crunch.
Is this casserole suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Water Chestnut Casserole is a vegetarian recipe, as it contains no meat products. Just ensure that your cream of celery soup is vegetarian-friendly, and you'll have a delicious dish suitable for vegetarians. It's perfect for holiday meals or family dinners.
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).