Name: Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery: The Ultimate Healthy Snack Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 24 pieces
Ingredients: 8 stalks celery, washed and cut into 3-inch pieces; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions; 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper; 2 tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Optional: Everything bagel seasoning, for topping; Optional: Hot sauce, for a spicy kick

Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery: a simple yet surprisingly elegant appetizer that's always a crowd-pleaser! Have you ever found yourself needing a quick and easy snack for a party, or perhaps a healthy and satisfying bite to curb those afternoon cravings? Look no further! This classic treat is the answer.

While the exact origins of cream cheese stuffed celery are a bit hazy, its popularity soared in the mid-20th century alongside the rise of convenience foods. Cream cheese, readily available and versatile, found its way into countless recipes, and pairing it with the crisp, refreshing crunch of celery was a stroke of genius. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special.

What makes this dish so beloved? It's the delightful contrast of textures – the smooth, creamy filling against the crisp, watery celery. The mild flavor of the celery allows the tangy cream cheese to shine, and you can easily customize it with your favorite herbs, spices, or even a touch of sweetness. Plus, it's incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. Whether you're looking for a healthy snack or a sophisticated appetizer, cream cheese stuffed celery is a guaranteed hit!

Ingredients:

8 stalks celery, washed and cut into 3-inch pieces
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: Everything bagel seasoning, for topping
Optional: Hot sauce, for a spicy kick

Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling

Okay, let's get started with the heart of this recipe – the creamy, dreamy filling! This is where the magic happens, and it's super easy, I promise.

Soften the Cream Cheese: This is crucial! You don't want any lumps in your filling. Take your 8 ounces of cream cheese and let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or even better, an hour. If you're in a hurry, you can microwave it in 15-second intervals, checking and stirring each time, until it's nice and soft. Just be careful not to melt it completely!
Combine Cream Cheese and Mayonnaise: In a medium-sized bowl, add the softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup of mayonnaise. The mayonnaise adds a little tang and creaminess that complements the cream cheese perfectly.
Mix in the Milk: Add 2 tablespoons of milk. This will help to thin out the mixture and make it easier to pipe or spread into the celery stalks. Start with 2 tablespoons and add a little more if needed to reach your desired consistency. You want it to be smooth and easily spreadable.
Add the Flavor Boosters: Now for the good stuff! Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions and 1/4 cup of finely chopped red bell pepper. The green onions add a mild oniony flavor, and the red bell pepper adds a touch of sweetness and a pop of color. Make sure they're finely chopped so they distribute evenly throughout the filling.
Spice it Up: Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. These spices add a savory depth to the filling. Feel free to adjust the amounts to your liking. If you're a garlic lover, go ahead and add a little extra garlic powder!
Optional: Hot Sauce: If you like a little kick, add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can't take it away!
Mix Everything Together: Using a spoon or a rubber spatula, mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined and the filling is smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps of cream cheese remaining.
Taste and Adjust: This is the most important step! Taste the filling and adjust the seasonings as needed. Does it need more garlic powder? A little more pepper? Now is the time to make it perfect.
Chill the Filling (Optional): While not absolutely necessary, chilling the filling for about 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator can help it firm up slightly, making it easier to work with when you're filling the celery stalks.

Preparing the Celery

Next up, let's get those celery stalks ready to be filled with our delicious cream cheese mixture. This part is pretty straightforward, but there are a few tips to ensure your celery is crisp and clean.

Wash the Celery: Thoroughly wash the 8 celery stalks under cold running water. Pay attention to the base of the stalks, where dirt can sometimes accumulate.
Cut into Pieces: Using a sharp knife, cut the celery stalks into 3-inch pieces. This is a good size for a bite-sized snack.
Remove Strings (Optional): Some people find the strings on the outside of celery stalks to be a bit tough. If you prefer, you can remove them by using a vegetable peeler or a paring knife. Just run the peeler or knife along the outside of the stalk to remove the strings. This is totally optional, so if you don't mind the strings, you can skip this step.
Dry the Celery: Pat the celery pieces dry with paper towels. This is important because you don't want the filling to be watery. The drier the celery, the better the filling will adhere.

Filling the Celery

Now for the fun part – putting it all together! This is where you get to transform those plain celery stalks into a delicious and satisfying snack.

Choose Your Method: You have a couple of options for filling the celery. You can use a piping bag or simply spread the filling with a knife or spoon. A piping bag will give you a neater and more professional look, but a knife or spoon works just as well.
Using a Piping Bag (Optional): If you're using a piping bag, fit it with a large round tip or simply cut off the end of the bag. Fill the bag with the cream cheese mixture.
Filling with a Knife or Spoon: If you're using a knife or spoon, simply scoop up a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture.
Fill the Celery Stalks: Carefully fill each celery stalk with the cream cheese mixture. If you're using a piping bag, pipe the filling into the celery. If you're using a knife or spoon, spread the filling evenly into the celery. Make sure to fill the entire cavity of the celery stalk.
Smooth the Filling: Use a knife or spoon to smooth the filling on top of the celery. You want it to look neat and appealing.

Adding the Finishing Touches

Almost there! Now it's time to add those final touches that will take your cream cheese stuffed celery to the next level.

Optional: Everything Bagel Seasoning: Sprinkle the filled celery stalks with everything bagel seasoning. This adds a delicious savory flavor and a nice textural contrast.
Arrange on a Platter: Arrange the filled celery stalks on a platter or serving dish.
Serve Immediately or Chill: You can serve the cream cheese stuffed celery immediately, or you can chill it in the refrigerator for later. Chilling it for about 30 minutes will allow the filling to firm up even more.

Tips and Variations

Want to customize your cream cheese stuffed celery? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Add Bacon: Cooked and crumbled bacon is a delicious addition to the filling.
Use Different Cheeses: Try using a combination of cream cheese and cheddar cheese or goat cheese.
Add Herbs: Fresh herbs like dill, chives, or parsley can add a fresh and vibrant flavor.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch.
Use Different Vegetables: Try using different vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers instead of celery.
Make it Vegan: Use vegan cream cheese and mayonnaise to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

Serving Suggestions

Cream cheese stuffed celery is a versatile snack that can be served in a variety of ways:

As an Appetizer: Serve it as an appetizer at your next party or gathering.
As a Snack: Enjoy it as a healthy and satisfying snack any time of day.
As a Side Dish: Serve it as a side dish with lunch or dinner.
In a Lunchbox: Pack it in your lunchbox for a quick and easy snack.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover cream cheese stuffed celery in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The celery may become slightly less crisp over time, but it will still be delicious.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery, a recipe so simple, so satisfying, and so incredibly versatile, it's practically begging to become a staple in your snack rotation. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious bite. It’s the perfect answer to those mid-afternoon cravings or a fantastic addition to any party platter. But why is it a must-try? Beyond the sheer ease of preparation, it's the delightful combination of textures and flavors that really seals the deal. The crisp, refreshing celery provides the perfect counterpoint to the creamy, tangy filling. It’s a symphony of simple pleasures that will leave you wanting more. Plus, it's a naturally gluten-free and low-carb option, making it a guilt-free indulgence. Now, let's talk about serving suggestions and variations, because the possibilities are truly endless! For a spicier kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to your cream cheese mixture. If you're a fan of herbs, finely chopped chives, dill, or parsley will add a fresh, vibrant flavor. For a sweeter twist, consider adding a few raisins or dried cranberries to the filling. Want to elevate your cream cheese stuffed celery even further? Try using flavored cream cheese! Garlic and herb cream cheese, vegetable cream cheese, or even a smoked salmon cream cheese would all be fantastic choices. You could also sprinkle the finished celery sticks with everything bagel seasoning, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal. For a more substantial snack, consider adding some protein. Crumbled bacon, chopped ham, or even shredded chicken would be delicious additions to the cream cheese filling. You could also wrap the stuffed celery sticks in prosciutto or salami for a savory and satisfying treat. These are just a few ideas to get you started, but the beauty of this recipe is that you can easily customize it to your own taste preferences. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations until you find your perfect version. I'm so excited for you to try this recipe and discover just how delicious and versatile it is. I know you'll love it as much as I do! So, go ahead, grab some celery, cream cheese, and your favorite toppings, and get stuffing! I promise you won't be disappointed. And most importantly, I'd love to hear about your experience! Did you try any of the variations I suggested? Did you come up with your own unique twist? Share your photos and comments in the comments section below. Let me know what you think of this cream cheese stuffed celery and what creative combinations you came up with. I can't wait to see what you create! Happy snacking!