Are you looking for a delicious and healthy appetizer or snack that's incredibly easy to make? Look no further! Cream cheese stuffed celery is a classic for a reason: it's simple, refreshing, and customizable to your taste. This recipe is perfect for parties, game day, or a quick and satisfying bite anytime. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Get ready to elevate your snack game with this crowd-pleasing recipe!
Ingredients:
- 2 large stalks celery, thoroughly washed and strings removed
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (full-fat or reduced-fat)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: Everything Bagel seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Celery: Carefully wash the celery stalks and remove the strings using a vegetable peeler or knife. Cut off the bottom ends and slice each stalk lengthwise into two or four pieces, depending on the size.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chives, walnuts (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined and creamy.
Step 3: Stuff the Celery: Using a small spoon or knife, carefully fill each celery stick with the cream cheese mixture. Don't overfill; a little mound is perfect.
Step 4: Add Toppings (Optional): Sprinkle your favorite toppings, such as Everything Bagel seasoning, paprika, or red pepper flakes, over the cream cheese filling for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the stuffed celery sticks on a plate or platter and serve immediately. These are best enjoyed fresh!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery:
- Soften the cream cheese properly: Make sure your cream cheese is completely softened for easy mixing. You can soften it at room temperature or microwave it in short bursts, being careful not to overheat it.
- Don't overfill the celery: Overfilling can make the celery difficult to handle and might cause the filling to spill out.
- Get creative with toppings: Experiment with different toppings like chopped fresh herbs (dill, parsley), sun-dried tomatoes, or even a drizzle of honey.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the cream cheese mixture and stuff the celery a few hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Variations:
- Spicy Celery: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture for a spicy kick.
- Savory Celery: Incorporate finely chopped bacon or crumbled feta cheese into the cream cheese filling for a savory twist.
- Herby Celery: Experiment with different herbs like dill, parsley, or oregano.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes, but a typical serving of cream cheese stuffed celery offers a relatively low-calorie snack with a good source of fiber and protein from the celery. Consult a nutrition calculator for a precise calculation based on your specific recipe additions.
This easy recipe for cream cheese stuffed celery is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas, healthy meals, and delicious dishes. Perfect for parties or a simple, satisfying snack, this recipe showcases the magic of simple homemade cooking. Enjoy!