Enjoy the health benefits of celery with this elegant side-dish. Easy, and so delicious!
Preheat oven to 375 F.
Rinse celery stalks and cut into 1-inch slices. Cook celery in a pot of boiling water for 5 minutes. Drain celery and slightly cool.
Meanwhile, make the Béchamel sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour, stirring to combine and until flour begins to slightly darken. Slowly stir in the milk and continue stirring until the sauce begins to thicken and starts to boil. Lower the heat and continue stirring and cooking for another 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Butter a 2-quart casserole dish. Layer in half the celery, nuts, cheese, and béchamel sauce. Repeat with the second/final layer and top with breadcrumbs. Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle on paprika. Bake for approximately 40-45 minutes until breadcrumbs are browned.