Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe
If you’re looking for a fresh, flavorful, and utterly irresistible appetizer, Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery is about to become your new go-to. This bright and savory snack is a joyful marriage of crisp celery and a creamy, herb-flecked filling that packs in tangy sun-dried tomatoes, nutty Parmesan, and fresh basil. Perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or a guilt-free snack, it’s a dish that always disappears fast. Get ready to fall in love with bold Italian flavors in every crunchy, creamy bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of simple, vibrant ingredients to make Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery, but each one plays a vital role in delivering big flavor and eye-catching appeal. Here’s how every component brings something special to the party:
- Celery: Crisp, fresh celery acts as the perfect vessel for the creamy filling, adding crunch and a refreshing bite.
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): The star of the filling—rich, smooth, and tangy, it binds everything together beautifully.
- Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup, grated): Adds salty, nutty notes and a touch of savory depth to the mix.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes (1/4 cup, finely chopped): These bring a tangy, slightly sweet punch of concentrated tomato flavor.
- Fresh Basil (2 tablespoons, chopped): Brightens everything up with a pop of herbal freshness and a classic Italian aroma.
- Italian Seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): A blend of dried herbs that ties all the flavors together in true Italian style.
- Garlic Powder (1/4 teaspoon): Provides a subtle background warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing and enhancing all the other ingredients.
How to Make Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery
Step 1: Prep the Celery
Start by giving your celery a good wash and trim. Cut each stalk into 3 to 4-inch pieces, which is just the right size for snacking or serving at parties. Pat them dry so the filling sticks perfectly and the celery stays crunchy.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and just a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is creamy and well blended, with all the colorful bits evenly distributed.
Step 3: Stuff the Celery
Take each celery piece and spoon (or pipe, if you’re feeling fancy) the cream cheese mixture into the hollow center. Don’t be shy—generous filling is part of the charm! Smooth the tops with a knife or the back of your spoon for a neat finish.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Arrange the stuffed celery pieces on a platter, then pop them in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes. This brief chill helps the flavors meld and gives the filling a firmer, more satisfying texture. Serve cold for the ultimate crisp-and-creamy experience!
How to Serve Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped basil or a few shavings of Parmesan right before serving not only looks gorgeous, but it also adds an extra burst of flavor. For a little more color, try a dusting of smoked paprika or some cracked black pepper on top.
Side Dishes
Pair Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery with a platter of marinated olives, roasted red peppers, or a simple antipasto salad. These light bites complement the creamy filling and keep the spread vibrant and balanced—plus, they make any gathering feel like an Italian celebration!
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try arranging the celery sticks in a starburst pattern on a round platter or stand them upright in a clear glass for a modern twist. You can even cut them into bite-sized “boats” and skewer with a toothpick for a pass-around snack that’s perfect for mingling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (though that’s rare!), store Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and crisp for up to 2 days, making them a great make-ahead snack.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this recipe, as the creamy filling can separate and the celery loses its delightful crunch when thawed. For best results, enjoy your stuffed celery freshly made or within a couple of days of assembly.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery—it’s designed to be served cold for maximum crunch and flavor. Just bring them out of the fridge a few minutes before serving for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap in light cream cheese or even a blend of cream cheese and Greek yogurt for a lighter version that’s still creamy and delicious.
What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
Finely chopped roasted red peppers make a fantastic substitute, adding a slightly sweeter flavor and a lovely pop of color to the filling.
How far in advance can I make Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery?
You can prep them up to a day ahead! Just keep them tightly covered in the fridge, and add any garnishes right before serving to keep everything looking and tasting fresh.
Is Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and tasty choice for anyone following a gluten-free diet.
Can I add other herbs or seasonings?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with chopped chives, parsley, or even a little lemon zest to give the filling your own personal touch.
Final Thoughts
There’s something special about sharing a plate of Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery—whether it’s at a lively party or just a quiet afternoon snack. With its bold flavors and effortless prep, this is one appetizer that’s sure to win hearts every time. Give it a try, and watch how quickly it becomes a staple in your kitchen!
Print
Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 20 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery combines crunchy celery with a creamy, flavorful filling made from cream cheese, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs. This no-bake appetizer is perfect for parties, snacks, or a light, gluten-free treat.
Ingredients
Celery
- 1 bunch celery (about 8–10 stalks)
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Celery: Wash and trim the celery stalks, then cut them into 3–4 inch pieces to create bite-sized portions perfect for stuffing.
- Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chopped fresh basil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Stuff the Celery: Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully fill the hollow part of each celery piece with the prepared cream cheese mixture, ensuring each piece is generously filled for maximum flavor.
- Chill and Serve: Arrange the stuffed celery pieces on a platter and chill in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes. This step helps the flavors meld and the filling firm up, providing the best texture and taste when served.
Notes
- Substitute sun-dried tomatoes with finely chopped roasted red peppers for a slightly sweeter flavor variation.
- For a lighter fat content, use light cream cheese or mix cream cheese with Greek yogurt to maintain creaminess while reducing calories.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
