If you’ve been searching for a snack that’s quick, flavorful, and just a little bit fancy, this Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together crisp, refreshing celery with a creamy, savory filling loaded with Italian-inspired cheeses and seasonings. Each bite delivers that perfect balance of crunch and rich, cheesy goodness, making it a fabulous addition to any appetizer spread or an easy, satisfying snack that feels special without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but carefully chosen to create the perfect harmony of flavors and textures in your Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe. Each one plays a vital role, from the crispness of the celery to the creamy, herby filling that brings everything together beautifully.
- Celery stalks: Fresh and crisp, they provide the perfect crunchy base for the creamy filling.
- Cream cheese, softened: The luxurious, smooth foundation of the stuffing that carries all the flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty depth to the mixture.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Offers a mild, melty texture that complements the Parmesan.
- Mayonnaise: Enhances creaminess and helps keep the filling perfectly moist.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that injects vibrant, classic Italian flavor.
- Garlic powder: Brings a subtle but essential warmth and aroma.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds an exciting hint of spice for those who love a little kick.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the whole mixture with a touch of acidity to balance richness.
- Fresh parsley: For garnish, adding a lovely pop of green color and fresh herbal notes.
How to Make Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Celery
Start by washing and drying your celery stalks thoroughly. Cut them into manageable 3 to 4-inch pieces—this size makes them perfect to pick up and fill. Make sure you remove any tough ends or leaves; you want the celery crisp and clean to hold the filling well.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, the optional red pepper flakes, and lemon juice. Blend these ingredients until smooth and creamy—using either a hand mixer or a spatula—so that every bite is packed with balanced, irresistible flavor.
Step 3: Stuff the Celery
Using a spoon or piping bag, generously fill each celery groove with the cream cheese mixture. Be sure to press the filling gently into the celery so it stays secure and each piece is fully loaded with creamy goodness. This step is where your Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe truly comes to life.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley over your stuffed celery. Not only does this add a vibrant splash of color, but it also introduces a crisp freshness that perfectly complements the rich filling. Serve immediately for the best texture or chill for about 30 minutes if you prefer a cooler, firmer bite.
Step 5: Enjoy
Now comes the fun part—dig in! These Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery pieces are fantastic as finger foods at a party, a light appetizer, or a simple yet delightful snack anytime you want something tasty and effortless.
How to Serve Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is a classic finish that enhances both look and flavor. For an extra special touch, consider a dusting of smoked paprika or a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil. These little garnishes can elevate your presentation and highlight the bold flavors inside each celery stick.
Side Dishes
This Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve alongside a charcuterie board featuring olives and cured meats, or offer it as a fresh contrast to hearty soups and pastas. Its lightness makes it a wonderful sidekick that balances richer, heavier foods effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative and add some color contrast by arranging your stuffed celery on a platter with cherry tomatoes, colorful bell pepper strips, or radish slices. You can also thread celery pieces onto skewers alternating with chunks of salami or cheese cubes for a fun handheld appetizer that’s as charming as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days, retaining most of their crunch and creamy flavor. Keep in mind the celery might soften slightly over time but will still be delightfully tasty.
Freezing
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. The celery’s crisp texture will not survive well in the freezer, and the cream cheese filling may separate upon thawing. Instead, try to plan for fresh consumption within a couple of days.
Reheating
Since this snack is designed to be served cool or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. If you like your filling a bit softer, just let the pieces sit out for a few minutes before serving. Otherwise, enjoy them chilled for that refreshing crunch and creamy combo.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese, but keep in mind that it may affect the richness and creaminess of the filling slightly. The flavor will still be delicious, just a little lighter.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Absolutely! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe a safe and tasty choice for anyone avoiding gluten.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Definitely! The filling can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the fridge. This can save you time when hosting. Just stuff the celery right before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
If you prefer to avoid mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or sour cream can be a great substitute. They add creaminess and a slight tang, which complements the Italian seasoning nicely.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce into the cream cheese mixture. Just mix carefully to maintain the creamy texture while bringing in the desired level of spice.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe is a simple yet impressive way to transform everyday celery into a flavorful, crowd-pleasing snack. Whether you’re throwing a casual get-together or just craving something fresh and tasty, these stuffed celery bites will quickly become a favorite. Give it a try—you’ll love how easy and delicious this little dish can be.
Print
Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery sticks are a quick and easy appetizer featuring crunchy celery filled with a creamy, cheesy mixture seasoned with Italian herbs and a hint of garlic. Perfect as a light snack or party finger food, they combine fresh, crisp celery with a savory, flavorful cheese filling for a refreshing and satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Celery
- 12 celery stalks, washed and cut into 3–4 inch pieces
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Celery: Wash and dry the celery stalks thoroughly. Cut them into 3-4 inch pieces, removing any leaves or tough ends. Set the prepared celery aside.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), and lemon juice. Blend all ingredients thoroughly using a hand mixer or spatula until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Stuff the Celery: Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully fill the grooves of each celery piece with the cream cheese mixture, ensuring they are well filled for maximum flavor and creaminess.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the stuffed celery for a fresh, vibrant garnish. Serve immediately for a soft texture or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow the filling to firm up and provide a cooler bite.
- Enjoy: Serve these Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery sticks as a light snack, an appetizer at parties, or a refreshing finger food that is quick to prepare and sure to please guests.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to ensure easy mixing and a smooth filling.
- You can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to stuff the celery.
- This recipe is best served fresh but can be stored covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Feel free to substitute the mozzarella with other mild cheeses like Monterey Jack or cheddar for variation.
