Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery

Looking for a snack that’s light, refreshing, and oh-so-flavorful? Let me introduce you to Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery! This is one of those appetizers that you can throw together in a snap, yet it always impresses with its delightful combination of creaminess, savory herbs, and just the right amount of zing. Every bite of this crunchy celery, filled with rich cream cheese, is like a little bite of Italian goodness. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a fun snack, or just want something easy to whip up for a mid-afternoon treat, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

The best part? It’s fresh, light, and doesn’t take much time to prepare. The cream cheese gives it that luxurious richness, while the Italian seasoning and fresh herbs add so much depth of flavor. Trust me, you’ll love the balance of flavors, and the crunch of the celery makes every bite a bit of a joy.

Why You’ll Love Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery

This appetizer is simple to make, yet totally satisfying.

Quick and Easy

It’s so simple to make—perfect for when you need a last-minute snack or appetizer. Just a few ingredients and you’re good to go!

Fresh and Light

The crunch of the celery paired with the smooth cream cheese filling is a winning combination. It’s fresh, light, and full of flavor.

Flavorful

With the perfect mix of Italian herbs, garlic, and cream cheese, every bite is packed with delicious flavor that’s anything but bland.

Crowd-Pleasing

Whether you’re serving it at a party or making it for your family, this stuffed celery is always a hit! It’s an easy crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients in Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful stuffed celery bites:

For the Stuffing:

• Cream Cheese: The creamy base that holds everything together and gives this appetizer its rich texture.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds the perfect blend of herbs for that unmistakable Italian flavor.
• Garlic Powder: A little garlic goes a long way in enhancing the flavor of the cream cheese filling.
• Parmesan Cheese: For an extra cheesy, savory punch.
• Chopped Fresh Herbs (Basil or Parsley): These fresh herbs elevate the flavor with their vibrant, aromatic qualities.
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning, just a pinch to balance all the flavors.

For the Celery:

• Celery Stalks: The crunch factor! These act as the vessel to hold all of the creamy goodness.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get these delicious bites ready!

Step 1: Prepare the Celery

Start by washing the celery stalks thoroughly. Cut the celery into bite-sized pieces—about 3-inch sections work best. Trim off the ends and remove any tough strings if needed.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a medium-sized bowl, blend the cream cheese with the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Once everything is well combined, stir in the fresh chopped herbs (basil or parsley, depending on your preference).

Step 3: Stuff the Celery

Using a spoon or a small spatula, generously fill each celery stalk with the cream cheese mixture. You can pack it in or leave it slightly mounded on top—it’s up to you!

Step 4: Chill and Serve

For the best flavor, chill the stuffed celery in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This step allows the cream cheese mixture to set and gives the flavors a little more time to meld together.

Once chilled, plate up your Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery and get ready to impress your guests (or enjoy it all to yourself!).

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 120
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 220mg
Total Carbohydrate: 4g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 5g
Vitamin A: 8%
Vitamin C: 4%
Calcium: 70mg
Iron: 0.5mg
Potassium: 150mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery

As an Appetizer

Serve these stuffed celery sticks as an appetizer at your next dinner party, potluck, or BBQ. They’re perfect for nibbling on before the main course, and they pair well with almost any meal.

With Drinks

These little bites also make a great snack to serve with cocktails or a glass of wine. The freshness of the celery and the richness of the cream cheese filling make them the ideal pairing with a chilled drink.

As a Snack

Feeling hungry between meals? Grab a few stuffed celery sticks for a quick and satisfying snack. They’re light yet filling, and they hit the spot every time.

As a Side Dish

Serve these as a fun and healthy side dish alongside any main course. They’re a perfect addition to any salad, pasta, or grilled dish.

Additional Tips

Customize the Herbs

While basil and parsley are great choices, feel free to experiment with other herbs like thyme or oregano. Fresh rosemary also pairs well with the Italian flavors in the stuffing.

Make It Spicy

If you love a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture for a spicy twist. It’ll give the stuffing a little kick!

Add Extra Cheese

For an even cheesier filling, you can stir in some shredded mozzarella or cheddar into the cream cheese mixture for added flavor and creaminess.

Storage Tips

Store leftover stuffed celery in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. If you’re planning on making this in advance, it’s best to stuff the celery a day ahead and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?

A1: Yes, these can be made ahead of time! Stuff the celery the day before and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Q2: Can I use a different cheese instead of Parmesan?

A2: Absolutely! You can swap the parmesan for Romano, Pecorino, or even mozzarella for a different flavor profile.

Q3: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

A3: Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese if you prefer a lighter version of this appetizer.

Q4: Can I use store-bought Italian seasoning?

A4: Yes, store-bought Italian seasoning works perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure to check the seasoning blend for any added salt or other spices, so you can adjust accordingly.

Q5: Can I freeze this stuffed celery?

A5: Freezing stuffed celery isn’t ideal, as the cream cheese filling may become watery when thawed. It’s best served fresh!

Q6: What other vegetables can I stuff with the cream cheese mixture?

A6: If you’re looking to mix things up, try stuffing mini bell peppers, cucumber slices, or even cherry tomatoes with the cream cheese filling for a different twist.

Q7: Can I make this recipe vegan?

A7: Yes, you can make it vegan by using dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based parmesan alternative.

Q8: Can I add bacon to the filling?

A8: Definitely! Crumbled bacon would make an excellent addition to the filling for a smoky, savory flavor.

Q9: Can I make this a little sweeter?

A9: If you like a touch of sweetness, add a drizzle of honey or some chopped dried fruit like raisins or cranberries to the filling.

Q10: What can I serve these with?

A10: These stuffed celery sticks are great on their own or paired with any kind of dip, such as ranch, hummus, or a tangy vinaigrette.

Conclusion

Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery is the perfect bite-sized snack or appetizer for any occasion. It’s easy to make, refreshing, and bursting with flavor from the creamy cheese and aromatic herbs. Whether you’re serving it at a party, as a fun snack for the family, or as a side to a meal, this dish is sure to impress. So grab your celery stalks, and get ready to enjoy one of the simplest, yet most delicious treats you can whip up!

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