Are you looking for a quick and easy appetizer that's both delicious and impressive? Look no further! This creamy celery and cream cheese recipe is the perfect solution for your next gathering, or even a simple weeknight snack. It’s a classic combination elevated with a few simple tweaks, making it a crowd-pleaser that's surprisingly healthy and satisfying. This recipe is perfect for those seeking easy recipes, healthy meals, or quick dinner ideas – it truly delivers on all fronts! Homemade cooking doesn't get much simpler than this, and the result is a delicious dish you'll want to make again and again.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups celery stalks, finely chopped (about 2 large stalks)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon celery seed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch
- Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or dill for garnish
Instructions:
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Prep the Celery: Wash and thoroughly dry the celery stalks. Finely chop the celery, ensuring pieces are roughly uniform in size for even cooking and texture.
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Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. Mix until smooth and creamy using a spatula or electric mixer on low speed.
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Season and Combine: Add the lemon juice, onion powder, garlic powder, celery seed, salt, and pepper to the cream cheese mixture. Stir until well combined.
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Add Celery: Gently fold in the chopped celery. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the celery soggy.
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Optional Additions: If using, stir in the chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
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Chill (Optional): For best results, cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is particularly helpful if you are preparing this ahead of time.
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Serve: Spoon the celery and cream cheese mixture into a serving bowl. Garnish with fresh chives or dill, if desired. Serve with crackers, breadsticks, or vegetable sticks for dipping.
Tips for Success:
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smoother, creamier final product. You can soften it quickly by microwaving it for short intervals, or leaving it out at room temperature for a while.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing can make the celery release too much water, resulting in a watery dip. Gently fold in the celery to maintain a desirable texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning to your preference. You might want to add more lemon juice for extra tanginess or more salt and pepper for a bolder flavor.
Variations:
- Spicy Celery Dip: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Herby Celery Dip: Experiment with different herbs like parsley, tarragon, or even a mix of Italian herbs.
- Creamy Celery Salad: Serve this mixture as a salad by adding chopped red onion, grapes, or apples for extra flavor and texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe's nutritional information will vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size. The following is an estimation based on a standard serving of the recipe above:
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: Approximately 12-15g
- Protein: Approximately 3-4g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-12g
This creamy celery and cream cheese recipe is a fantastic example of how simple ingredients can create a truly delicious and satisfying dish. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress. Enjoy!