If you are searching for a snack that’s as vibrant in flavor as it is simple to prepare, this Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. Crisp, fresh celery filled with a luscious blend of cream cheese, Parmesan, mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning creates a delightful harmony of textures and tastes. Every bite bursts with that perfect balance of creamy tang and herb-infused zest, making it an irresistible appetizer or light snack ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe comes together effortlessly with just a handful of ingredients, each chosen to bring a bright, savory, and creamy personality to the dish. The combination offers a pleasing texture contrast while packing plenty of flavor.
- Celery stalks: Fresh and crunchy, they provide the perfect vessel for the creamy filling.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The rich, smooth base that ties all the flavors together.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds a sharp, salty bite to enhance the filling.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/4 cup): Offers a mild, melty texture for extra creaminess.
- Mayonnaise (2 tbsp): Keeps the mixture silky and adds a slight tanginess.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): A blend of herbs that lifts the flavor with oregano, basil, and thyme notes.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Provides a subtle savory depth without overpowering.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 tsp, optional): Just a pinch to give it a gentle, warming kick.
- Lemon juice (1/2 tsp): Brightens the filling with a fresh citrus zing.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds color and a hint of herbal freshness when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Celery
Begin by washing and thoroughly drying the celery stalks. Trim them to 3-4 inch pieces, removing any tough ends or leaves. This ensures each piece is easy to handle and perfect for stuffing those natural grooves that will hold the creamy filling beautifully.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Add mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if you want a mild heat. Finish with a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Blend everything together using a hand mixer or spatula until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy—this is the heart of your Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe.
Step 3: Stuff the Celery
Using a spoon or a piping bag for finesse, fill each celery piece generously with the cream cheese mixture. Be sure to press the filling into the grooves, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor and creaminess. This is where the dish really comes to life, transforming simple celery into a savory delight.
Step 4: Garnish and Chill
Once stuffed, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the celery for a burst of color and fresh herbal aroma. You can serve these immediately if you’re craving that room-temperature creaminess or pop them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes for a cooler, firmer bite. Both ways are delicious and perfectly suited to any occasion.
Step 5: Enjoy!
Bring these flavorful bites to any gathering or enjoy them solo as a healthy, satisfying snack. This Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe is incredibly versatile, offering a fresh and fun way to elevate celery beyond basic crudités.
How to Serve Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing finishes off this recipe like a sprinkle of fresh parsley—its bright green color adds visual appeal, and its mild flavor complements the creamy filling perfectly. For a touch of extra flair, a light dusting of paprika or some thinly sliced green onions can also enhance the look and taste.
Side Dishes
Serve these creamy stuffed celery sticks alongside antipasto platters, crunchy roasted nuts, or your favorite olives for a complete Italian-inspired spread. They also pair wonderfully with crisp white wines or sparkling beverages, making them a great snack for entertaining.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the celery pieces standing upright in a stylish cup or bowl to make an eye-catching centerpiece for your appetizer table. For a party, place them on a long platter lined with lettuce leaves or edible flowers for an extra touch of elegance. You can also experiment by adding finely diced sun-dried tomatoes or toasted pine nuts on top for texture variations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The celery will stay crisp for about 2 days, and the filling will maintain its creamy texture, making for a quick snack later on.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe, as the celery will become watery and lose its delightful crunch after thawing. To keep the texture and flavor intact, enjoy this dish fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
Since this appetizer is best served cold or at room temperature, reheating is unnecessary and can compromise the texture of both the celery and cream cheese filling. Simply let chilled leftovers come to room temperature if you prefer a softer bite.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! Using low-fat cream cheese will reduce the richness slightly but still provide a creamy texture. Just make sure it’s softened well for easy mixing and stuffing.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, by substituting the cream cheese and shredded cheeses with plant-based alternatives and mayonnaise with vegan mayo, you can create a vegan-friendly version that’s equally delicious.
How far in advance can I prepare Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery?
You can prepare and stuff the celery up to 6 hours before serving. Keep them refrigerated and add the fresh parsley garnish right before presenting for the best look and taste.
What can I do if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No worries! You can create your own blend using dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. A teaspoon of this mix will give you the classic herbaceous flavor you need.
Can I add other mix-ins to the filling?
Definitely! Chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or even crisp bacon bits can be folded into the cream cheese blend for added flavor and texture variations.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe is a fantastic way to bring fresh, flavorful, and visually appealing snacks to your table in just minutes. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a light bite, this dish’s perfect balance of crunch and creamy goodness will keep you coming back for more. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your trusted favorites too!
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
A simple and delicious Italian-inspired appetizer featuring crisp celery stalks stuffed with a creamy blend of cream cheese, Parmesan, mozzarella, and flavorful seasonings. This no-cook snack is perfect for parties, light snacks, or finger foods.
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, removing any leaves or tough ends. Cut the celery into 3-4 inch pieces and set aside to be stuffed later.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), and lemon juice. Use a hand mixer or spatula to blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Stuff the Celery: Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each celery stalk groove with the prepared cream cheese mixture, making sure each piece is well loaded with filling.
- Garnish and Serve: Once all the celery stalks are stuffed, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes if you prefer a cooler, firmer texture.
- Enjoy: These Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery sticks make a perfect light snack, appetizer, or finger food for gatherings and parties.
Notes
- You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter filling.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference or omit for no heat.
- For added crunch, top with finely chopped nuts or breadcrumbs before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days.
