Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe
Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery is the sort of appetizer that instantly transforms even the humblest gathering into a celebration. Cool, crunchy celery is generously filled with a lusciously creamy, herby cheese mixture studded with sun-dried tomatoes and a confetti of fresh basil—honestly, it’s one of those dishes that’s far more than the sum of its parts. Each bite is a burst of bold yet balanced flavors, and whether you’re setting out a grazing board or simply treating yourself to a snack, this irresistible Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery will be the one everyone comes back for.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It doesn’t take much to make Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery, but each ingredient brings its own delicious twist—think velvety-soft cream cheese, tangy Parmesan, and bursts of Mediterranean flavor from sun-dried tomatoes and basil. Here’s what you’ll need, plus why it matters:
- Celery stalks: Crisp, refreshing, and the ultimate edible scoop for catching every bit of that flavorful filling.
- Cream cheese (softened): The creamy backbone of the dish, giving every bite its rich, smooth texture—let it come to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Parmesan cheese (grated): Adds that iconic salty-nutty punch and a little bit of Italian flair.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (finely chopped): Sweet, intense, and chewy, these little gems deliver a huge boost of flavor and eye-catching color.
- Fresh basil (chopped): Brings freshness, fragrance, and the unmistakable brightness only freshly-chopped basil can deliver.
- Garlic powder: Just a touch gives a whisper of savoriness to tie everything together—don’t skip it!
- Black pepper: A subtle zing that balances the richness of the filling.
- Black olives (optional, chopped): For anyone craving extra briny goodness and a Mediterranean vibe.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish): A must if you love a little heat and color on top!
How to Make Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery
Step 1: Mix the Creamy Filling
Start by adding the softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chopped basil, garlic powder, and black pepper to a medium mixing bowl. Using a spatula or spoon, stir everything together until the mixture is velvety-smooth and beautifully speckled with tomatoes and herbs. If you’re in the mood for a salty punch, fold in some chopped black olives at this step—they’ll add even more depth to our Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery.
Step 2: Prep the Celery
Wash and dry your celery stalks thoroughly, then trim off any ragged edges. Cut each stalk into neat, uniform pieces (about 3 inches long) so they’re easy to pick up and enjoy in one or two bites. Take a moment to admire how bright and crunchy those pieces look—you’re setting the stage for the perfect handheld appetizer!
Step 3: Stuff the Celery
Spoon or pipe the cream cheese mixture into each celery piece, filling them generously and smoothing the tops. If you’re aiming for extra elegance, a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off makes the filling look especially Instagram-worthy. Every piece should have a satisfying amount of filling, peeking just above the celery edge.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Arrange your stuffed celery on a gorgeous serving platter. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes if you want a hint of heat and extra color. Whether you serve them chilled straight from the fridge or at room temperature, Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery is now ready to steal the show!
How to Serve Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery
Garnishes
For that wow factor, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes is classic. If you’re feeling fancy, scatter a few extra ribbons of fresh basil or a little grated Parmesan over the top. A tiny drizzle of good olive oil right before serving adds a glossy sheen and brings out the Mediterranean flavors even more!
Side Dishes
Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery pairs beautifully with a colorful antipasto platter—think marinated artichokes, roasted red peppers, or plump olives. You can also add it to a fresh salad bowl for a textural pop, or let it shine alongside grilled meats and crusty bread for a no-fuss Italian-inspired meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you love a little drama on the table, try stacking the celery pieces in a spiral on a wooden cutting board, nestling them into endive leaves for extra crunch, or arranging them in a circle around a bowl of mixed olives for a gorgeous party centerpiece. For cocktail parties, serving them in individual cups with extra filling for dipping keeps things tidy and interactive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. They’ll stay crisp and fresh for up to two days—just be sure to layer parchment or wax paper between stacked rows to keep the filling tidy.
Freezing
While you technically can freeze the cream cheese filling by itself, celery does not freeze well—it tends to lose its crunch and can become watery upon thawing. For best results, enjoy these fresh and make the stuffed version shortly before serving.
Reheating
This appetizer is best served chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. Simply take the desired amount out of the fridge 10–15 minutes before enjoying—the flavors will be at their best once the chill fades!
FAQs
Can I make Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare both the filling and the celery pieces up to a day in advance. For the freshest results, store the two components separately and fill the celery shortly before serving.
What’s the best way to pipe the filling?
For a bakery-style look, transfer the cream cheese mixture to a piping bag fitted with a wide tip, or simply use a sturdy zip-top bag with one corner snipped off. This method makes stuffing the celery fast, neat, and beautiful.
Are there any meat variations?
Definitely! For a protein boost, finely dice a slice or two of salami or prosciutto and mix it into the cream cheese filling before stuffing. You’ll get a heartier, slightly savory version that’s still light enough for an appetizer.
Can I use other herbs in the filling?
Yes, Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery adapts well to different herbs. Try fresh parsley, chives, or even a pinch of oregano if basil isn’t available—each herb brings its own fresh spin to the party.
Is this appetizer suitable for special diets?
This recipe is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free. For a lighter option, swap in reduced-fat cream cheese, and for dairy-free needs, use your favorite plant-based cream cheese and vegan Parmesan-style cheese.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an appetizer that’s equal parts elegant, easy, and bursting with flavor, you simply have to try Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery. It makes every gathering feel a bit more special, and it’s guaranteed to become a new favorite. Whip up a batch and see just how quickly they disappear!
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Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Delight your taste buds with these flavorful Italian cream cheese stuffed celery bites. A perfect appetizer for any occasion, these creamy and tangy treats are sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 celery stalks, washed and cut into 3-inch pieces
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped black olives (optional)
- Crushed red pepper flakes for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until well combined and creamy. Stir in chopped black olives if using.
- Stuff Celery: Spoon or pipe the mixture into the celery pieces, filling each one generously.
- Serve: Arrange on a serving platter and sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese.
- You can prepare the filling up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
- Add chopped salami or prosciutto for a meatier variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 stuffed celery pieces
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
