Introduction
If you’re looking for a fun, easy, and outrageously good appetizer, Stuffed Celery is the way to go! This crispy, refreshing veggie gets a whole new level of flavor when stuffed with creamy, savory fillings. It’s the perfect bite-sized snack to add to your next party spread, game day, or family gathering. The best part? You can get super creative with what goes inside, and it’s such a simple dish to put together.
I first tried this stuffed celery recipe at a family reunion, and it was an instant hit! It seemed so simple, but the flavors were a knockout. Every bite was a crunchy, creamy burst of flavor that had everyone coming back for more. The beauty of stuffed celery is how customizable it is, so you can switch up the fillings depending on your tastes or what you have on hand. Trust me, once you try this Outrageously Good Stuffed Celery, it’ll become one of your go-to recipes for gatherings!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why this Outrageously Good Stuffed Celery is a winner:
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 15 minutes—perfect for a last-minute appetizer.
- Versatile Fillings: You can make them as creamy or as spicy as you like! There’s so much room for creativity.
- Crunchy and Fresh: The celery provides a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.
- Make-Ahead Option: These stuffed celery sticks can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the fridge.
- Healthy & Flavorful: Packed with fresh veggies and savory fillings, this dish is as healthy as it is delicious.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the combo of creaminess and crunch.
Preparation Time and Assembly Time
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Assembly Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
- Calories per serving: Approximately 150 calories for 3 sticks
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 6g, Fat: 12g, Fiber: 2g
Ingredients
You don’t need a ton of ingredients to make this Outrageously Good Stuffed Celery, but the few you use pack a punch in flavor:
For the Celery Sticks:
- 1 bunch of celery (about 8-10 stalks)
For the Creamy Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard (for a little tang!)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese you prefer)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (like parsley, dill, or chives)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins (For Extra Flavor):
- 1/4 cup crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted red peppers
- 1/4 cup finely chopped pickles or olives
- A dash of hot sauce for some heat
Ingredient Highlights
- Celery: The perfect crunchy base, celery adds a refreshing element and keeps the dish light.
- Cream Cheese: The key to the creamy, spreadable texture.
- Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, rich flavor that contrasts beautifully with the tangy mustard.
- Green Onions & Fresh Herbs: Bring freshness and brightness to balance out the creamy filling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s break it down—stuffing celery is quick, easy, and fun! Here’s how to make Outrageously Good Stuffed Celery:
Prepare the Celery
- Clean the Celery: Start by washing the celery stalks well and patting them dry. Cut off the ends to remove any tough or stringy bits.
- Cut into Sticks: Slice each celery stalk into 3-4 smaller pieces, depending on how long you want each serving to be. These will be your “boats” for the filling.
Make the Filling
- Mix the Creamy Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, green onions, shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and your fresh herbs. Stir well to combine until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Season: Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra mustard if needed.
Assemble the Stuffed Celery
- Stuff the Celery: Using a spoon or piping bag, generously fill each celery stick with the creamy filling. You can make them as heaping as you like—there’s no such thing as too much!
- Add Toppings (Optional): If you’re using any optional add-ins like crumbled bacon, roasted red peppers, or pickles, sprinkle them over the stuffed celery sticks. This adds a little extra flair and flavor.
how to serve
- Chill (Optional): For the best texture, chill the stuffed celery in the fridge for about 15-30 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set and makes it even more refreshing.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the stuffed celery sticks on a serving platter and dig in! They’re great for snacking or serving as a party appetizer.
Additional Tips
- Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the filling.
- Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese to create your perfect flavor combo. Creamy goat cheese or sharp blue cheese would be fantastic options.
- Add Crunch: If you want extra crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds on top of the filling.
- Swap Mayo for Greek Yogurt: For a lighter filling, use Greek yogurt in place of mayo. It still adds creaminess with a tangy twist!
Recipe Variations
Feel free to get creative with your Outrageously Good Stuffed Celery! Here are a few variations you can try:
- Bacon Lovers: Add crispy bacon bits to the filling and top with more bacon for a smoky, salty twist.
- Mediterranean Style: Replace the cheese with crumbled feta, and add chopped Kalamata olives, cucumbers, and roasted red peppers for a Mediterranean flair.
- Vegan Version: Use vegan cream cheese and mayo for a plant-based option. Add some sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and fresh basil for a Mediterranean vegan version.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store the stuffed celery in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best to eat them within 1-2 days.
- Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze stuffed celery because the texture of the celery will change once thawed. Stick to fresh servings for the best crunch.
Special Equipment
For this recipe, you won’t need any special equipment, but having these items will help:
- Piping Bag or Plastic Bag: For neat and easy filling.
- Sharp Knife: To cleanly cut the celery and slice off the ends.
- Mixing Bowl: For making the creamy filling.
- Zester or Grater: If you plan on adding grated cheese or zesting lemon or lime to your filling, a zester or grater will make it easy to get those fine, flavorful additions.
- Pastry Bag (Optional): If you want a more polished presentation, use a pastry bag fitted with a wide tip to pipe the filling into the celery sticks. This can help distribute the filling evenly and beautifully.
- Plastic Wrap or Airtight Container: For storing any leftovers or prepping the stuffed celery ahead of time, use plastic wrap or an airtight container to keep them fresh in the fridge.
Outrageously Good Stuffed Celery
- Total Time: 15 min.
Ingredients
For the Celery Sticks:
- 1 bunch of celery (about 8–10 stalks)
For the Creamy Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard (for a little tang!)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese you prefer)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (like parsley, dill, or chives)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins (For Extra Flavor):
- 1/4 cup crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted red peppers
- 1/4 cup finely chopped pickles or olives
- A dash of hot sauce for some heat
Instructions
Prepare the Celery
- Clean the Celery: Start by washing the celery stalks well and patting them dry. Cut off the ends to remove any tough or stringy bits.
- Cut into Sticks: Slice each celery stalk into 3-4 smaller pieces, depending on how long you want each serving to be. These will be your “boats” for the filling.
Make the Filling
- Mix the Creamy Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, green onions, shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and your fresh herbs. Stir well to combine until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Season: Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra mustard if needed.
Assemble the Stuffed Celery
- Stuff the Celery: Using a spoon or piping bag, generously fill each celery stick with the creamy filling. You can make them as heaping as you like—there’s no such thing as too much!
- Add Toppings (Optional): If you’re using any optional add-ins like crumbled bacon, roasted red peppers, or pickles, sprinkle them over the stuffed celery sticks. This adds a little extra flair and flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 min.
- Cook Time: 10 min.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6-8 servings
- Calories: 150 calories for 3 sticks
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
FAQ Section
Here are some commonly asked questions about Outrageously Good Stuffed Celery, along with helpful tips to make this recipe even easier and more fun to prepare!
- Can I make stuffed celery ahead of time?
- Yes! You can prepare the stuffed celery up to a day in advance. Just cover them and store in the fridge. This will allow the flavors to meld together even more, and the filling will stay nice and fresh!
- Can I use other vegetables besides celery?
- Absolutely! If you want to switch things up, try stuffing other veggies like cucumber, carrot sticks, or even bell pepper strips for a colorful and crunchy twist.
- How do I keep the celery crunchy?
- To keep the celery crisp, make sure to store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Avoid pre-stuffing the celery too far in advance, as the moisture from the filling can cause the celery to lose its crunch.
- Can I freeze stuffed celery for later?
- It’s not recommended to freeze stuffed celery. The texture of the celery can change once frozen and thawed, which can affect the crunchiness. For best results, enjoy them fresh!
- What can I substitute for cream cheese if I’m looking for a lighter version?
- If you’re looking to cut down on calories, you can substitute Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for cream cheese. Both will still give a creamy texture with a lighter feel.
Conclusion
Outrageously Good Stuffed Celery is the perfect bite-sized treat that’s both crunchy and creamy, making it a crowd favorite! Whether you’re prepping for a big gathering or looking for a fun snack, these stuffed celery sticks are sure to impress. The best part? You can mix and match the fillings to create a variety of flavors that suit everyone’s taste. From classic cream cheese and ranch to a zesty combo of flavors, the possibilities are endless!
Not only are they easy to make, but they also add a pop of color to your spread. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak in some veggies without anyone noticing. It’s all about the balance of creamy, crunchy, and delicious!
Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media – I love seeing your delicious creations!