Easy Ham-Celery Casserole

Easy Ham-Celery Casserole Recipe: A Quick & Delicious Meal

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

This Easy Ham-Celery Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering. The combination of tender-crisp celery, savory ham, and creamy chicken soup topped with a crunchy almond-crumb mixture is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

History

The origins of this recipe are unclear, but casseroles have long been a popular choice for busy home cooks looking for a simple and satisfying meal. This particular casserole is a great way to use up leftover ham and can be easily customized with your favorite ingredients.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of sliced almonds
0.75 cup of onion cracker crumbs
2 tbsp of butter
3 cups of chopped celery
1.5 cups of chopped cooked ham
2 cans (10.75 oz or 305 g each) of cream of chicken soup

How to prepare

In a pan, sauté almonds and cracker crumbs in butter. Set them aside.
Par-boil celery until it becomes tender-crisp, then drain it.
Mix the celery with ham and chicken soup.
Divide the mixture evenly among 4 ramekins.
Spoon the almond-crumb mixture on top of the ramekins.
Bake the ramekins at 350°F (177°C) for 20 – 25 minutes or until they become hot and bubbly.

Variations

Substitute the ham with cooked chicken or turkey for a different flavor.
Use different types of nuts or breadcrumbs for the topping.
Add in your favorite herbs or spices for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to par-boil the celery before mixing it with the other ingredients to ensure that it is tender-crisp in the finished dish.

- Feel free to add in extra vegetables or seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

- For a more indulgent version, you can top the casserole with shredded cheese before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Easy Ham-Celery Casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Par-boiling the celery before mixing it with the other ingredients helps to ensure that it is cooked to the perfect texture in the finished dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have almonds, you can use another type of nut or omit them altogether. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake and serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Easy Ham-Celery Casserole in individual ramekins for a cute and elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This casserole pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Easy Ham-Celery Casserole contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this Easy Ham-Celery Casserole contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this Easy Ham-Celery Casserole contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this Easy Ham-Celery Casserole contains approximately 12 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This casserole is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains almonds, dairy, and gluten.

Summary

This Easy Ham-Celery Casserole is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

This Easy Ham-Celery Casserole is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for a family dinner or potluck gathering. With a creamy base, tender-crisp celery, savory ham, and a crunchy almond-crumb topping, it is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly remember the moment I discovered this recipe for Easy Ham-Celery Casserole. It was a cold winter day, and I was visiting my dear friend Mildred, who was known for her delicious home-cooked meals. As soon as I walked into her cozy kitchen, I was greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of ham and celery baking in the oven.

Mildred greeted me with a warm smile and a hug, then invited me to sit at the kitchen table while she finished up the casserole. As I watched her effortlessly chop vegetables and layer the ingredients in the baking dish, I couldn't help but marvel at her culinary skills.

"Would you like to learn how to make this casserole, dear?" Mildred asked, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

I eagerly nodded, knowing that any recipe from Mildred's kitchen was sure to become a family favorite in my own home. As she guided me through the steps of preparing the dish, she shared the story behind the recipe.

"I first learned to make this casserole from my own grandmother," Mildred explained. "She used to make it for our family gatherings, and it was always a hit with everyone. Over the years, I've tweaked the recipe to make it my own, adding a few extra ingredients here and there to enhance the flavors."

As we chatted and cooked together, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me. The familiar scents and tastes of the casserole reminded me of my own childhood, spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, learning the art of cooking from her loving hands.

After the casserole had finished baking and we sat down to enjoy our meal, Mildred shared some more stories about her grandmother and the recipes she had passed down through the generations. I listened intently, savoring every bite of the delicious casserole and feeling grateful for the opportunity to learn from such a talented cook.

As I left Mildred's house that day, she handed me a handwritten copy of the recipe for Easy Ham-Celery Casserole, along with a container of leftovers to take home to my own family. I promised to make it for them soon, and as I drove back home, I couldn't wait to share this newfound treasure with my loved ones.

The following weekend, I gathered all the ingredients for the casserole and set to work in my own kitchen, following Mildred's instructions to the letter. As the casserole baked in the oven, filling my house with its comforting aroma, I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction knowing that I had successfully recreated a dish that held so much history and tradition.

When my family sat down to dinner that evening and took their first bites of the Easy Ham-Celery Casserole, their faces lit up with delight. They showered me with compliments and asked for second helpings, declaring it one of the best meals they had ever tasted.

From that day on, Easy Ham-Celery Casserole became a staple in our household, a dish that brought us together around the dinner table and filled our hearts with warmth and memories of times spent with loved ones. I continued to make it for special occasions and family gatherings, sharing the recipe with friends and passing on the tradition of good food and fellowship.

I often think back to that cold winter day in Mildred's kitchen, where I first discovered the magic of Easy Ham-Celery Casserole. It was more than just a recipe - it was a connection to the past, a reminder of the love and care that goes into every homemade meal. And as I continue to cook and share this dish with others, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together, to create lasting memories, and to nourish not just our bodies, but our souls as well.