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Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Bites

Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Bites

Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Bites are a quick, creamy, and crunchy snack perfect for parties, afternoon treats, or light appetizers. Crisp celery stalks are filled with a smooth, tangy cream cheese mixture enhanced with fresh herbs and seasonings, offering a healthy and customizable bite-sized snack that is kid-friendly and easy to prepare in under 10 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 46 fresh celery stalks, washed and cut into 34 inch pieces
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened (full-fat or reduced-fat)
  • 2 tbsp fresh herbs (chives, dill, or parsley), finely chopped
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder

Optional Toppings

  • 2 tbsp crumbled cooked bacon
  • 2 tbsp chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or your choice)
  • 1/2 tsp paprika

Optional Variations

  • Pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes for a spicy kick
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped bell peppers or green onions
  • Additional fresh herbs like basil or tarragon
  • Dairy-free cream cheese or Greek yogurt as dairy alternatives

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Celery: Start by washing the celery stalks thoroughly, then cut them into approximately 3-4 inch pieces. Make sure to remove any strings to ensure a smoother bite.
  2. Mix the Cream Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese with fresh herbs, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir well until the mixture is uniform and fluffy, which makes it easier to spread. Add any optional ingredients like spices or chopped veggies if desired.
  3. Stuff the Celery: Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill the hollow of each celery stick generously with the cream cheese mixture, filling up to the edges.
  4. Add Optional Toppings: Sprinkle your choice of crumbled bacon, nuts, or paprika on top for a special touch that adds crunch or color.
  5. Chill and Serve: Place the stuffed bites on a plate and let them chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to firm up before serving. This helps the flavors meld beautifully.

Notes

  • Always use cream cheese at room temperature to ensure smooth, easy filling without lumps.
  • Choose celery that feels heavy for its size and snaps cleanly when bent for the best crisp texture.
  • Use a piping bag for a cleaner and faster filling method.
  • Refrigerate after stuffing to let flavors develop and prevent messiness while eating.
  • The filling mixture can be made a day in advance to save time.
  • Leftover bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Freezing celery is not recommended; you can freeze the cream cheese mixture separately.
  • This snack is best served cold; reheating is unnecessary.

Nutrition

Keywords: cream cheese stuffed celery bites, celery appetizer, easy snack, party appetizer, kid-friendly snack, healthy snack, no-cook appetizer