Pour cream of celery soup and these 2 ingredients over egg noodles into a baking dish for a meal that brings everyone back to the table

This oven baked 4-ingredient Amish-style celery noodle casserole is exactly the kind of no-fuss comfort food I lean on after a long workday. It’s inspired by those old church potluck dishes where a can of soup, some noodles, and a couple of pantry staples magically turn into something that brings everyone back to the table. You literally pour cream of celery soup and two simple ingredients over dry egg noodles in a baking dish, slide it into the oven, and let it do its thing. Minimal prep, cozy flavor, and just enough nostalgia to feel like a hug from the Midwest.

Serve this casserole hot, straight from the baking dish, with a simple green salad or steamed green beans to balance the richness. Buttered peas or roasted carrots work really well on the side too. I like to add a basket of warm dinner rolls or buttered toast to soak up the creamy sauce. If you want to stretch the meal a bit more, pair it with rotisserie chicken or sliced smoked sausage on the side, but it’s also comforting and satisfying all on its own for a simple weeknight dinner.

Servings: 6

12 oz wide egg noodles, uncooked

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a thin layer of butter.

Spread the uncooked egg noodles evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Gently shake the pan so they settle into an even layer; this helps them cook more evenly in the oven.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of celery soup and the milk until mostly smooth and well combined. It will still be fairly thick—that’s what you want for a creamy casserole.

Pour the soup-and-milk mixture evenly over the dry egg noodles in the baking dish, making sure to cover as many noodles as possible. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently nudge the liquid into the corners and down between the noodles so everything gets some moisture.

Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the saucy noodles. Reserve the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese for later in the bake.

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, making sure it is well sealed so the steam stays trapped inside and helps cook the noodles through.

Bake the covered casserole on the center rack for 35–40 minutes, or until the noodles are mostly tender when you peek under the foil and test a few with a fork.

Carefully remove the foil (watch out for hot steam), sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and return the casserole to the oven uncovered.

Bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges and the noodles are fully tender.

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This short rest helps the sauce thicken slightly so it’s creamy instead of soupy when you scoop it. Serve warm, straight from the baking dish.

To bulk this up a bit, you can stir in 1–2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken or diced leftover ham to the soup and milk mixture before pouring it over the noodles. For extra veggies, mix in 1–1 1/2 cups of frozen peas and carrots or a frozen mixed vegetable blend—no need to thaw first, just add a few extra minutes of bake time if needed. If you prefer a richer casserole, substitute half-and-half for part of the milk, or swap in evaporated milk for a slightly old-fashioned, creamier texture. You can also change up the cheese: try Colby Jack, mozzarella for extra stretch, or a sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor. For a little crunch, sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs or crushed buttery crackers over the top along with the final layer of cheese. Food safety tips: Always bake until the casserole is piping hot in the center; if you add pre-cooked meats, make sure they were previously handled and stored safely and that the casserole reaches at least 165°F in the middle. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of baking, store tightly covered, and enjoy within 3–4 days, reheating only the portion you plan to eat until steaming hot before serving.