Description
Creamy italian cream cheese stuffed celery brings classic party appetizer magic to your table. Crisp celery stalks filled with rich herbed cheese create elegant bites perfect for entertaining guests who crave simple yet sophisticated flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 stalks celery
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 oz parmesan cheese, grated
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
Garnish and Optional Toppings:
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp pine nuts, toasted (optional)
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash celery stalks and pat dry with paper towels, ensuring complete moisture removal.
- Trim the ends of celery and slice each stalk into 3-inch segments, creating uniform appetizer-sized pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese with grated parmesan, blending until smooth and fully integrated.
- Incorporate dried basil, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt into the cheese mixture, stirring until seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the seasoned cheese blend into a piping bag or use a small spoon to carefully fill each celery segment.
- Arrange stuffed celery pieces on a serving platter, ensuring they are positioned neatly and securely.
- Drizzle olive oil lightly over the stuffed celery to enhance flavor and add a subtle sheen.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley across the top for a vibrant garnish and additional herbal note.
- Optional: Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes until golden, then scatter over the stuffed celery for added crunch.
- Chill for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and cheese to set slightly.
Notes
- Prep Ahead: Wash and trim celery in advance, storing in airtight container with slightly damp paper towel to maintain crispness for up to 3 days before stuffing.
- Texture Tricks: Ensure cream cheese is room temperature for smoother, easier blending and more even filling distribution into celery segments.
- Dietary Adaptations: Swap regular cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like cashew or almond-based cream cheese for vegan or lactose-intolerant guests.
- Flavor Boosters: Experiment with additional herbs like dill, chives, or za’atar to customize the cheese mixture and create unique taste profiles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes (optional for toasting pine nuts)
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: None
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg