Savory Celery & Almond Casserole
Elevate your vegetable dish with our Savory Celery & Almond Casserole, where vibrant celery takes the spotlight! This comforting bake combines tender celery and crunchy water chestnuts enveloped in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with a golden layer of buttery cracker and almond crunch. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering, this casserole showcases the delightful flavor of celery, transforming it from a mere side into a crowd-pleaser. For a fun twist, feel free to substitute crushed chow mein noodles for the crackers for an extra crunch!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
celery
3 cups (sliced 1/4-inch thick)
water chestnuts
1 (8 ounce) can (drained)
cream of mushroom soup
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can (no preparation needed)
butter
1/4 cup (melted)
Ritz crackers
1 cup (crushed)
slivered almonds
2 ounces (no preparation needed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the sliced celery. Cook for 7 minutes, then drain thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked celery with the drained water chestnuts and the cream of mushroom soup, mixing well until evenly coated.
4
Transfer the vegetable mixture into a greased 1 1/2-quart casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
5
In a separate sauté pan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add the crushed Ritz crackers and slivered almonds. Stir continuously until the mixture is well combined and the crackers begin to crisp up, about 3-4 minutes.
6
Evenly sprinkle the cracker and almond mixture over the celery mixture in the casserole dish.
7
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
8
Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this deliciously unique twist on celery!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Celery & Almond Casserole?
It is a comforting vegetable bake that features tender celery and crunchy water chestnuts in a creamy mushroom sauce with a buttery almond topping.
What are the primary ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include celery, water chestnuts, cream of mushroom soup, butter, Ritz crackers, and slivered almonds.
How should the celery be prepared?
The celery should be sliced approximately 1/4-inch thick before cooking.
How long should I boil the celery?
Boil the sliced celery in salted water for 7 minutes and then drain it thoroughly.
What size casserole dish is required?
A greased 1 1/2-quart casserole dish is the recommended size for this recipe.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the casserole.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
The casserole should bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy.
What type of soup is used in the mixture?
The recipe calls for one 10 3/4 ounce can of cream of mushroom soup.
How do I prepare the water chestnuts?
Use one 8 ounce can of water chestnuts and ensure they are fully drained before mixing.
What is the topping made of?
The topping consists of crushed Ritz crackers and slivered almonds mixed with melted butter.
How do I prepare the cracker topping?
Melt butter in a sauté pan over low heat, add the crackers and almonds, and stir for 3-4 minutes until crisp.
Can I substitute the Ritz crackers?
Yes, you can substitute crushed chow mein noodles for the crackers for an extra crunchy texture.
Is this recipe suitable for a potluck?
Absolutely, its unique flavor and comforting texture make it a popular crowd-pleaser for gatherings.
How much butter is needed for the topping?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of melted butter for the topping mixture.
How much celery is needed?
You will need 3 cups of sliced celery.
Do I need to salt the water when boiling celery?
Yes, bringing salted water to a boil helps season the celery during its initial cook.
Can I add extra almonds?
The recipe calls for 2 ounces of slivered almonds, but you can add more if you prefer extra crunch.
What is the texture of the dish?
The dish is creamy on the inside with tender-crisp vegetables and a very crunchy, buttery top layer.
Do I need to cook the soup before adding it?
No, the cream of mushroom soup should be mixed in directly from the can without prior preparation.
How should I drain the celery?
Drain it thoroughly in a colander to remove as much excess moisture as possible to prevent a watery casserole.
Is this dish considered a side or a main?
While primarily a vegetable side dish, its hearty nature makes it a great addition to any meal.
Can I use a different type of nut?
While slivered almonds are traditional for this dish, you could try sliced almonds or even chopped pecans.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 simple ingredients used to create this savory casserole.
Is the celery the main focus of the dish?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed to elevate celery from a side ingredient to the star of the show.
Should the butter be melted before adding crackers?
Yes, melt the butter over low heat in a sauté pan before stirring in the crackers and almonds.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the vegetable base in advance, but for the best crunch, add the topping just before baking.
What should I look for to know it is done?
The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and the internal mixture is bubbly.
How should I serve this casserole?
Let it cool for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven so the sauce can set slightly before serving.
Can I use cream of celery soup instead?
Yes, cream of celery would be a great substitute if you want to double down on the celery flavor.
Is this a family-friendly recipe?
Yes, the creamy sauce and cracker topping are usually very popular with both children and adults.