Creamy Celery Almond Casserole Bake

Save

By: Clara Updated: November 1, 2026

Affiliate disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. See our Privacy Policy for details HERE.

Creamy Celery Almond Casserole Bake is the kind of cozy side dish that makes an everyday dinner feel a little more special. I love how it turns simple celery into a warm, creamy casserole with a crunchy topping. It is comforting without being heavy, and it fits right in at a family meal.

The flavor comes from tender celery, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, toasted slivered almonds, and sliced water chestnuts. Together, they make a savory, creamy filling with a gentle tang. The almonds and water chestnuts add two kinds of crunch, while buttered soft breadcrumbs turn golden on top.

This Creamy Celery Almond Casserole Bake is easy to put together. Boil the celery until tender but still crisp, drain it well, and stir it with the soup, sour cream, almonds, and water chestnuts. Then spread the mixture in a buttered shallow 2-quart dish, add the buttered breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Prep takes 15 minutes, so the total time is 45 minutes.

Serve it on a chilly evening, bring it to a potluck, or set it beside a holiday roast. Since the recipe makes 8 servings, it is a handy choice for sharing. Better yet, you can prepare the filling ahead and bake it when dinner is close.

Save

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Celery Almond Casserole Bake

• It is quick to prepare. The active prep takes about 15 minutes, and the oven does the rest.
• It uses simple ingredients. Celery, soup, sour cream, nuts, water chestnuts, and breadcrumbs make a familiar, satisfying dish.
• It has a lovely mix of textures. The celery stays pleasantly crisp, the filling turns creamy, and the topping adds a golden crunch.
• It is easy to serve. Bake it in a shallow 2-quart dish, then spoon it straight onto plates.
• It works for many occasions. Enjoy this Creamy Celery Almond Casserole Bake with a weeknight meal, a holiday spread, or a shared supper.

Celery Tips

Choose firm celery stalks with fresh-looking leaves and no limp or yellow sections. Rinse the stalks well, especially around the base, where grit can collect. Cut them into even 1-inch pieces so they cook at about the same rate. Then boil them only until tender but still crisp. Celery releases water as it cooks, so drain it thoroughly before mixing the casserole. That small step helps the creamy filling stay rich rather than watery.

Options for Substitutions

• Use cream of mushroom soup: Replace the cream of chicken soup with the same amount for a meat-free variation. Check the label if you need a fully vegetarian option.
• Try plain Greek yogurt: Swap it for the sour cream for a similar tang. Full-fat yogurt gives the creamiest result.
• Change the nuts: Use toasted chopped pecans or walnuts instead of slivered almonds. Toast them first to bring out their flavor.
• Replace the water chestnuts: Chopped cooked mushrooms can add a savory note, though they will not have the same crisp bite.
• Choose a different topping: Use buttered crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs instead of soft breadcrumbs. Add the topping just before baking for the best texture.
• Add a mild herb: Stir in a small amount of chopped parsley or thyme. Keep the flavor light so it does not cover the celery and toasted almonds.

Watch Out for These Mistakes

Do not boil the celery until it turns soft. It will continue cooking in the oven, so take it off the heat while it still has a little bite. If it is already very tender before baking, it may become mushy in the finished casserole.

Drain the celery well before you add the creamy ingredients. Excess cooking water can thin the soup and sour cream mixture. For an especially tidy casserole, let the drained celery sit in a colander for a minute or two, then gently shake away any extra water.

Be careful with salt. Condensed soup can already be salty, and the celery is boiled in salted water. Season lightly, if at all, until you have tasted the combined filling.

Finally, do not add the buttered breadcrumbs too early if you are assembling the casserole ahead. The topping can absorb moisture while it sits. Keep it separate and scatter it over the filling just before baking.

Save

What to Serve With Creamy Celery Almond Casserole Bake?

This creamy celery casserole pairs well with roasted chicken, baked ham, or a simple roast turkey. For a balanced plate, add green beans or steamed broccoli and a fresh green salad. You could also serve it with mashed potatoes or warm dinner rolls when you want a more filling comfort-food meal. Since the casserole is creamy and crunchy, fresh or lightly seasoned sides offer a nice contrast.

Storage Instructions

Store: Let the casserole cool, then cover it tightly or move leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate for 3 to 4 days. For best texture, store any unused breadcrumbs separately if you have not baked them yet.

Freeze: You can freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months, although the creamy filling may change texture slightly after thawing. Cool it completely, wrap it well, and freeze it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. If you are making it ahead, you can also freeze the filling without the breadcrumb topping and add fresh topping before baking.

Reheat: For the stovetop, place a portion in a small covered pan over low heat. Stir gently and add a splash of milk or broth if the sauce seems too thick. For the microwave, cover the portion loosely and heat in short intervals, stirring between each one, until hot throughout. The topping will soften when reheated, but you can crisp it in a toaster oven or regular oven for a few minutes.

Recipe Info

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Level of Difficulty: Easy
• Servings: 8
• Calories: 175 kcal per serving, as provided

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

These figures are estimates and can vary by brand, the amount of butter in the breadcrumbs, and the size of each serving. The provided calorie estimate is 175 kcal per serving. As a rough guide, each serving may contain:

• Calories: 150 to 200 kcal
• Protein: 4 to 7 g
• Fat: 10 to 15 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 to 16 g

Ingredients

• 4 cups celery, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 can (10 3/4 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup toasted slivered almonds
• 1 can (4 oz) water chestnuts, drained and sliced
• Buttered soft breadcrumbs

Save

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Heat the oven to 350°F. Butter a shallow 2-quart baking dish, making sure to lightly coat the bottom and sides. Set it aside while you prepare the celery.

Step 2: Boil the Celery

Place the celery pieces in a saucepan with a small amount of salted water. Bring the water to a boil, then cook the celery until it is tender but still crisp. Check it after a few minutes so it does not get too soft. Drain it thoroughly.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Filling

Put the drained celery in a bowl. Stir in the condensed cream of chicken soup and sour cream. Then fold in the toasted slivered almonds and sliced water chestnuts until the ingredients are evenly mixed.

Step 4: Fill the Baking Dish

Spread the celery mixture in the buttered baking dish. Smooth it into an even layer so it heats evenly. Scatter buttered soft breadcrumbs over the top.

Step 5: Bake Until Hot and Golden

Bake for 30 minutes, or until the filling is hot and the breadcrumb topping is lightly golden. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving so it is easier to scoop.

Conclusion

Creamy Celery Almond Casserole Bake brings tender-crisp celery, a smooth savory filling, toasted almonds, and a crisp breadcrumb top together in one easy dish. It takes just 45 minutes from start to finish and serves 8, making it a practical choice for family dinners and gatherings. Try it with roasted chicken or your favorite holiday main dish, then share how it turned out. If you enjoy cozy, easy casseroles, explore another simple recipe for your next meal.

Creamy Celery Almond Casserole Bake

A cozy and creamy casserole that turns simple celery into a warm dish with a crunchy topping, perfect for family meals or potlucks.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 175

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the casserole

• 4 cups celery, cut into 1-inch pieces Choose firm celery stalks with fresh leaves.
• 1 can (10 3/4 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup Can substitute with cream of mushroom soup for a meat-free option.
• 1/2 cup sour cream Plain Greek yogurt can be used instead for a similar tang.
• 1 cup toasted slivered almonds Can substitute with toasted pecans or walnuts.
• 1 can (4 oz) water chestnuts, drained and sliced Chopped cooked mushrooms can be used as a replacement.
• buttered soft breadcrumbs Use buttered crackers or panko for a different topping.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Heat the oven to 350°F. Butter a shallow 2-quart baking dish, coating the bottom and sides.
2. In a saucepan, bring a small amount of salted water to a boil. Cook the celery pieces until tender but still crisp, then drain thoroughly.
3. In a bowl, mix the drained celery with the cream of chicken soup and sour cream. Fold in toasted almonds and sliced water chestnuts until combined.

Baking

1. Spread the celery mixture evenly in the buttered baking dish and sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs over the top.
2. Bake for 30 minutes or until the filling is hot and the topping is lightly golden. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Let the casserole cool before storage. For freezing, wrap well and freeze in a container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Excess cooking water can thin the mixture, so drain the celery well.