Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe
If you’re searching for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing appetizer with a touch of Italian flair, look no further than this Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery. These savory bites are cool, crunchy, and loaded with a whipped cream cheese filling packed with sun-dried tomatoes, aromatic basil, sharp Parmesan, and just a hint of garlic. It’s a no-cook, no-fuss recipe that turns everyday celery sticks into irresistible starters perfect for parties, lunch boxes, or anytime snacking. Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery is the kind of dish you’ll find yourself craving – and making – again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need are a handful of vibrant, fresh ingredients to create this dish’s bright flavors and satisfying texture. Each component is simple, yet all are essential to the magic that makes Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery so memorable.
- Celery: Crisp and hydrating, celery offers the perfect canoe for that deliciously creamy filling – cut into about 3-inch sticks for easy snacking.
- Cream Cheese (8 ounces, softened): The silky, tangy base that binds all the flavors; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing and spreading.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup): Brings a salty, savory punch and a bit of Italian authenticity to every bite.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes (2 tablespoons, finely chopped): Intensely savory and ever-so-slightly sweet, they add wonderful depth and a gorgeous pop of red.
- Fresh Basil (2 tablespoons, chopped): Fragrant, peppery, and unmistakably Italian – if you can’t find fresh, dried Italian seasoning is a worthy backup.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the filling with gentle warmth without overpowering the delicate creaminess.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A subtle hit of heat to round out the creamy richness.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Just a splash brings silkiness, flavor, and helps everything combine beautifully.
- Optional Red Pepper Flakes: For those who love a little extra kick, sprinkle in to taste.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley or Additional Parmesan (for garnish): A shower on top adds color, freshness, and visual appeal right before serving.
How to Make Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery
Step 1: Make the Creamy Italian Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, scallion, basil, garlic powder, black pepper, and olive oil. Using a sturdy spatula or spoon, blend everything together until you have a smooth, streak-free, and thoroughly combined mixture. Take a moment to give it a taste – adjust the salt, pepper, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re after some heat.
Step 2: Prep and Fill the Celery Sticks
Wash and pat dry your celery, then slice off the ends and cut each stalk into roughly 3-inch pieces. Using a spoon (or a piping bag for a fancy touch), fill each celery stick generously with the creamy stuffing, smoothing or swirling the top as you go. Don’t worry about perfection – every bite will be delicious!
Step 3: Chill and Garnish
Arrange your stuffed celery on a platter or plate and pop it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors meld and gives the filling just the right, spreadable texture. Right before serving, sprinkle with chopped parsley, another dusting of Parmesan, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for that irresistible finishing touch.
How to Serve Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery
Garnishes
When it comes to Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery, a handful of fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, or even some thinly sliced green onions make the dish look every bit as appetizing as it tastes. For a dash of color, add a few sun-dried tomato slivers on top or sprinkle with ruby-red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. The goal is freshness and a pop of vibrancy right before they hit the table.
Side Dishes
This easy recipe is a fantastic party starter, so pair with other Mediterranean-inspired small bites: think marinated olives, roasted red peppers, sliced prosciutto, or a simple antipasto platter. For a lunchbox or light meal, serve alongside a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of minestrone soup. Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery is also perfect on a brunch spread with egg dishes and crusty bread.
Creative Ways to Present
For maximum “wow” factor, arrange the filled celery sticks upright in a glass or basket, bouquet-style, or lay them out in concentric circles on a pretty plate. If you’re feeling extra festive, pipe the cream cheese mixture into mini bell pepper halves or hollowed cucumber boats as a colorful twist on the Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery idea. Tiny appetizer plates with a drizzle of pesto or balsamic glaze also dress things up in seconds!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers can be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. The celery will remain crisp if you lay the sticks flat and keep them covered, ensuring that the filling doesn’t dry out or absorb fridge odors. These make a great snack for the next day!
Freezing
While creamy fillings like this don’t usually enjoy the freezer, you can freeze just the cheese mixture (without the celery) for up to a month. Spoon the mixture into a resealable bag, press out excess air, and freeze flat. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator then spoon or pipe into celery just before serving for best texture.
Reheating
Since Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery is meant to be served cold, there’s no need for traditional reheating. However, if the filling feels too chilled and firm straight from the fridge, let the sticks sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes so the texture softens and the flavors bloom before serving.
FAQs
Can I make Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery ahead of time?
Absolutely! The filling can be prepped up to two days ahead and kept in the refrigerator. For freshest crunch, wait to fill the celery until the day you want to serve, but you can assemble a few hours in advance and chill until ready.
What other herbs can I use if I don’t have basil?
If basil is out of reach, use chopped fresh parsley, chives, or even a big pinch of dried Italian seasoning as a delicious stand-in. The result will still give you lovely Mediterranean vibes, and it keeps the dish true to the Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery spirit!
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use your favorite plant-based cream cheese and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The flavors blend beautifully, resulting in a vegan Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery that everyone can enjoy.
What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
Chopped roasted red peppers, finely chopped olives, or even a few capers are great alternatives if you’re out of sun-dried tomatoes. Each brings its own unique spin, but the celery and creamy cheese base work beautifully with any of these additions.
How do I prevent the celery from getting soggy?
The trick is making sure your celery is dry after washing, stuffing right before serving whenever possible, and storing leftovers in a tight container. Celery that’s too wet can water down the filling, so give it a good towel pat before use for optimal crunch!
Final Thoughts
This Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery is the perfect blend of fresh, creamy, and zesty – the sort of snack that brightens up any table and disappears in a flash. Give it a try for your next gathering or afternoon treat, and you just might find yourself making double batches every time. Happy snacking!
Print
Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery sticks are a flavorful and elegant appetizer perfect for any gathering. Creamy and tangy filling stuffed into crisp celery sticks make for a delightful snack or party dish.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 1 bunch celery (cut into 3-inch sticks)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- optional red pepper flakes (to taste)
- chopped fresh parsley or additional Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, prepare the filling: Combine softened cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, garlic powder, black pepper, and olive oil. Mix until smooth.
- Stuff the celery: Spoon or pipe the cream cheese mixture into each celery stick.
- Garnish and chill: Top with parsley, Parmesan, or red pepper flakes. Chill for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can make the filling up to 2 days ahead and store in the refrigerator.
- Substitute basil with Italian seasoning if fresh herbs are unavailable.
- For a tangier version, add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2–3 stuffed celery sticks
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
