This Braised Celery really is such a simple side dish. The recipe has just 5 ingredients, including salt and pepper; turning an underused vegetable into a delicious savory side.
The celery mellows as it cooks, so it is soft enough to easily cut with a knife but still with enough crunch to keep it interesting. This is perfect for pairing with meat or fish for a different side with dinner. Or add it to your Thanksgiving or holiday table for something a little different!
Do you ever buy a head of celery, use one stalk for a recipe and then forget about the rest in the bottom of the fridge?
A week later you are left with a sad floppy celery head? I mean there is only so much celery and cream cheese you can eat!
Which is why this recipe is such a great one. It uses the celery and turns it into a fabulous side dish!
Jump to:
Ingredients Notes
These notes are here to help make this recipe a success; they cover some but not all ingredients. For a complete ingredient list, with quantities, check out the recipe card below.
Celery: Just regular celery from the grocery store. You don't need to use the hearts or the pre cut sticks. If you have those leftover then use them, but if you are buying celery for this recipe, then go for the regular bunch of celery. If your celery isn't as crunchy as when you first bought it, don't worry, this recipe will still work well.
Butter: I use salted butter as that is what I always have in the fridge, but feel free to use what you have available. You can also use olive oil.
Broth/Stock: I generally use vegetable stock for this. But it is delicious with chicken broth/stock as well. Depending on the salt content you may need to add extra salt to the finished dish.
Recipe Tips
We've tested this recipe at least 3 times to ensure it works well for you. Have a look at our tips for getting the best dish you can!
- I suggest cutting the celery diagonally into 1 inch (2.5cm) lengths, but you can cut it into long batons if you prefer.
- When cutting the celery remove any strings, as they aren't pleasant to eat.
- As written the celery is soft but still with a little texture to it. If you prefer it extra soft you can cook it covered for 20 minutes and uncovered for 5minutes. I would double the amount of broth you use.
- Use any celery leaves as a garnish!
Why Is This Recipe Special?
I developed this recipe because I love how soft and delicious celery gets when you make chicken noodle soup or a chicken stew. It is that savory, deliciousness that is so comforting. Celery rarely gets seen as a vegetable worthy of its own serving dish! I think we forget it's a vegetable and just use it as a flavor base, much like onions, which I heroed in my Sweet Onion Casserole. For this recipe I wanted to hero celery and use it up. So I could stop feeling bad when I realise I had left it to go floppy at the bottom of the crisper drawer!
- It uses a vegetable that is often overlooked and turns it into something delicious.
- It reheats well.
- It tastes so comforting and delicious.
- It goes perfectly with a roast chicken and you can use the leftover of both to make a delicious soup.
Recipe Adaptations
These are just suggestions and things that have worked in my test kitchen for my family, but it is your dinner, so adapt it to suit your family. That is the beauty of cooking; we can all create our own delicious meals.
- Add garlic or onion: You can gently sauté some garlic or onion with the celery.
- Add herbs: Finish the dish with some chopped parsley, oregano or dill.
- Add heat: Sprinkle over some red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Add cream: When you remove the lid for the last 5 minutes cooking, add a little cream to the pan to make creamed celery.
- Add citrus: A spritz of lemon at the end of cooking can really perk up the flavors.
- Add cheese: Some grated parmesan or crumbled goats cheese is delicious at the end of cooking!
Cooking celery!!
I know, we so rarely cook celery but it is so good! Just check out the comments, people love this recipe. Well apart from "Celery Stalk" they were a little grump about my writing! But everyone else loves it.
When it comes to how to cook celery, I love braising it as it gets that soft sweet flavor that we all associate with chicken noodle soup and creamy chicken pot pie. But you still get little crunch.
You can also stir fry it for added crunch with your rice based dishes.
Want to save this recipe?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
How to braise celery
You want the celery to still have some shape and texture, so this dish takes under 15 minutes to cook.
The celery is first sauteed in a little butter, then cooked over a low heat with some vegetable stock (or chicken stock).
A final seasoning of salt and pepper and you have your braised celery side dish done. How easy!!!
Plus you don't need any herb garnish because you can add a couple of the celery leaves!
FAQ's
These are some of the questions our testers have asked. If you have any other questions, please drop me a comment below, are I'll get back to you as soon as I can.
I have found that while it does freeze, it is much softer when you defrost it. You can add the softer defrosted celery to soups and stews, but it isn't the same as a side dish.
You can, preheat the oven to 350ºF/180°C. Saute the celery as per the recipe but add an extra ½ cup of broth (So 1¼ cups in total). Pop a lid on your pan and braise in the oven for 25 minutes.
It tastes like celery still, but it is more mellow. Think comforting vegetable soup or pot pies.
I do. If I have some celery left in the fridge for a day or two too long, it is perfect for this recipe as we are braising and softening it anyway. Don't use celery that has gone slimy! 😫
What to eat with Braised Celery
This is a great side for so many dinners. It is wonderful next to a Roast Chicken, or this Creamy Chicken with White Wine.
We love it with turkey as well, maybe this Crockpot Turkey Breast or a Stuffed Rolled Turkey Breast.
Or I recently tried it just served over rice with some leftover rotisserie chicken and it was so delicious and comforting. (This was a recommendation from a reader in the comments section and I am so glad I tried it!)
Although I haven't tried it as I am writing I think it would work so well with my Salmon and Mashed Potatoes!
More Recipes to Try
If you enjoyed this dish, here are a few more recipes I think you'll love! They're all easy, tasty, and perfect for adding to your weekly meal plan.
Enjoy x
If you try this Braised Celery, please leave a 🌟rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I really appreciate it, and it helps others to know that this recipe is trustworthy. And in a world where AI is becoming so common, it is nice to still have real human interactions.
Any questions about the recipe? Use the comment section below and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.
Get the Recipe
Braised Celery - A Simple Side Dish
Ingredients
- 12 sticks celery
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¾ cup vegetable broth/stock
Instructions
- Wash the celery then top and tail it, reserving any leaves for later. Cut the celery, on the diagonal, into 1 inch chunks.12 sticks celery
- Melt the butter in a heavy based skillet or pan (one that has a lid)2 tablespoons butter
- Add the chopped celery, salt and pepper, then sauté gently for 5 minutes until it has started to soften.¼ teaspoon salt¼ teaspoon pepper
- Add the broth/stock and bring to a simmer.¾ cup vegetable broth/stock
- Cover the pan and cook for 5 minutes.
- Remove the lid and cook for a further 5 minutes so the liquid can evaporate.
- Serve garnished with any reserved leaves.
Nutrition
Nutrition is per serving
Yuval says
Just made this with lots of leftover celery.
Added two minced garlic cloves, leek, and beef stock. I along substituted some butter for olive oil.
It was so good! Thank you for this recipe.
Claire | Sprinkles and Sprouts says
So happy you enjoyed it 🙂
Cx
Dan says
I don't usually like celery all that much, but as we have so much of it growing in the garden I wanted some new ideas. This was delicious and we'll definitely be making it again (even the kids liked it)!
Margie Lane says
My kids brought in celery they grew in the garden so I had to figure out how to serve it. This was quick and easy and they all liked it. Thank you!
carol bohley says
Delicious! such mild flavor and nice crunch. Husband asked for it again tonight
Lynn R. says
When I buy a head of celery, I do 3 things with it. I simmer & puree the leaves and add them to cream of mushroom soup, I cut some up for snacks (insert peanut butter!) and I cut the rest up to make your recipe for supper that night. It's so quick & easy. Thanks.
Claire | Sprinkles and Sprouts says
This makes me smile.
So happy you love the recipe.
Thank you for taking the time to come back and comment.
Cx
Jill Ruschli says
Can I warm the leftovers in the oven?
Claire McEwen says
I haven't tried it Jill, but I would have thought they could be 🙂
Hope that helps
Cx
Suzy Pike says
I used your recipe as a base, added an onion and ground turkey. Used Celery Salt and White Pepper and a touch of dill instead of plain salt and pepper. Served over garlic croutons. Called it Skillet Thanksgiving. Wish I could post a picture.
Claire | Sprinkles and Sprouts says
Oh your additions sound delicious 🙂
You can always tag me on social media if you ever have a photo one there
Cx
Grace says
Simple and tasty! I took other commenters' suggestions to add minced garlic & sliced onions, and it all turned out well. Thanks!
Rosanne says
So easy to make, and a great way to eat more celery!!!
Teri says
This was SO good! I have been looking for more veggie side dishes, especially ones that don't require me to dump a bunch of cheese on them. I never thought I could pull off a celery dish without major complaints from my husband, but even he liked it! I also love that it's super low in calories and fat. Thank you for the recipe!
Heather Van Den Broek says
Oh my word this was SOOOOO simple and delicious! Highly recommend!!
Claire McEwen says
Thank you Heather 🙂 Cx
Celery Stalk says
Have you ever been cooking dinner in a hurry only to realize you’ve forgotten to think of a vegetable for a side and it’s too late to go to the grocery store? Have you looked into your fridge and found a solitary head of celery there in the crisper?
Have you ever wanted to get a quick recipe for celery of the interment because the only thing that comes to mind is sautéing it with a little butter and broth and surely there must be something else that can be done?
Have you ever googled for celery recipes only to find an inviting list of results? Have you ever had to read through a long and superfluous back story to get to the actual flipping recipe? I mean pages of back story. A back story that would make Michener proud.
Which reminds me, my aunt Bessie’s Turkey stuffing featured celery. She must have had leftover celery after that and I wonder what she did with it or wether it would take several minutes of interesting, yet not interesting when you just want the damn recipe, narrative to find it? Well she’s gone to her maker so no telling... except maybe if I hold a séance and use a Ouija Board to spell out the recipe using the guiding spirit of dear aunt Bessie from the other side. That might be faster. Oh, and I’m gonna try this tonight.
Christine says
Blah blah blah. Your rambling added nothing except you got to see your writing in print. Save it for your journal
Cindy says
Wow. Didn't your mother teach you that if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all? That's sooooo UN-Christian-like, which is probably what you claim to be. Shame.
Dreen says
There is an option "Jump to Recipe" to click on at the top which allows you to bypass the "back story", which I personally like to read.
Claire | Sprinkles and Sprouts says
Thankyou Dreen.
I try to provide information in the "back story" and show a bit of my personality, I am glad some people like to read it 🙂
Cx
Conni says
This is a very good recipe. It was so simple to make and tasty too. I add garlic to everything and this was no exception. I added a clove diced to a half recipe. My finiky BF really liked it too. I also love that this is a great way to use celery that otherwise could go bad.
Claire McEwen says
Garlic sounds like a great addition.
So pleased you liked the recipe 😄
Cx
laura says
love this recipe, thank you
Lin says
Claire I was so pleased to find this recipe and never would have guessed celery could taste so good! Now I don't end up throwing it away when I have excess. Also I love your stories! Thank you for this wonderful post and recipe!
Linda C says
I needed a simple veggie side to go along with Chicken Adobo & rice. This is perfect. I like to use low sodium chicken broth instead of veg broth (haven't found a brand I like). Great little recipe. Thanks!!
Claire McEwen says
Oh I am so pleased you enjoyed the recipe Linda 🙂
Cx
Lisa L. says
Wow, this was shockingly delicious! It stole the show! We had it with pork tenderloin, ginger carrots and couscous. The braising liquid was so yummy over the couscous!
Felix says
Perfect recipe for eating whole clean foods. I actually braided for mush longer than the recipe called because I needed the celery very soft for my elderly dinner guests.
It’s a recipes and wows in its simplicity. I bet most people wouldn’t even imagine celery being the star side dish!
Tanya says
I loooooove this side dish. It is such a comfort food with rice. I know I need protein, but when you have one of those days where you are craving comfort food, braised celery in butter with rice is perfection.
Claire | Sprinkles and Sprouts says
Oh I cannot wait to try it with rice! I am LOVING the sound of that!!
I know exactly what you mean though, for me this dish reminds me of the soft delicious celery in a chicken noodle soup or a slow cooked chicken stew. So it makes perfect sense that it would have comfort when eaten 🙂
So pleased it brings you joy
Cx
Linda gale says
I cooked two stocks of celery cut, with one half Spanish onion chopped. I added one cup of water with a beef boullion cube. I put teaspoon of butter n the sauté pan to begin. Salt and pepper to taste. It was a veg.side dish for dinner. My husband loved it. It’s my adaptation from the braised celery recipe above.
Claire McEwen says
I am loving your adaptions Linda 🙂
Thank you
Cx
Doug says
I wouldn't really call this modern Australian since I was eating this side 45 years ago in America, it was a regular in my grandmother's side dish rotation.
Also its pretty much the same recipe Alton Brown lists.
That aside, Ive always loved this under rated side dish
Lisa says
Thanks so much for this simple and delicious recipe. The celery came out perfect! Who knew celary could taste so yummy!
Claire McEwen says
Hi Lisa!
Thank you, cooked celery is a revelation isn't it!
I am so pleased you enjoyed it
Cx
Avril Blackwood says
Looking forward to making this recipe tomorrow for our Sunday meal.
Thanks for sharing!
Carolannstreavel says
I have 6 celery stalks. Saw the recipe for the celery dish. Going to make it soon. Going to make celery soup also. Thank you.
Claire McEwen says
I hope you enjoy it Carol 🙂
Cx
Christine says
Celery is one of my favorite vegetables and this recipe is just perfect as a side to anything!!!! I’ve even had it with rice as a simple, quick meal. Some fresh mint and lemon when you serve is great too!
Claire McEwen says
Mine too!!!!
So pleased you enjoyed it Christine. I am loving the rice idea...definitely going to try that!
Cx
Sherry says
I love celery, so was really happy to find this recipe. It is easy, easy, easy and celery has never tasted better! I did cut one minute out of each step, just to absolutely ensure that the celery would retain some of its crunch. It worked out perfectly.
Claire McEwen says
I love celery too 😀
So pleased you enjoyed it and were able to adapt it to your tastes.
Thank you for coming back to comment.
Cx
Bill says
Cooked celery using your recipe for my wife and daughter. Easy. They liked it. Will now be “my go to” for celery. Thanks
Claire McEwen says
Oh I am so pleased the family enjoyed the cooked celery Bill.
Thank you for coming back to comment 😀
Joan Livsey says
Tried it what I was looking for very happy
Claire McEwen says
I am so pleased you enjoyed it Joan 😀
Grom says
Less talk more recipe haha cool story an all but... Just want to cook! Thank you tho ?
Claire | Sprinkles and Sprouts says
Too much talk about celery??? But I love celery 😉
Each recipe does have a jump to recipe button at the top of the page, that will jump you straight to the recipe.....although then you miss my wonderful stories! 😉
samantha says
I like the stories!
Claire McEwen says
Me too! The stories are my favorite parts of blogs. I love knowing how family food traditions and peoples favorite dishes came about. Sadly that isn't where the rest of the world wants blogs to be 🙁
But thank you for being a story lover Cx
Mary says
Really good and you're awesome with ideas!!!!! tyvm!!!