If you’re searching for a delightful snack that hits all the right notes of creamy, crunchy, and savory, this Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe will become your new go-to. It’s a simple yet stunning appetizer that transforms humble celery stalks into a party-worthy treat bursting with Italian flavors. Perfectly creamy with a zesty Italian dressing twist and gooey mozzarella cheese, every bite offers a fresh and satisfying crunch that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Putting together this Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe is a breeze because it uses just a handful of straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that combine to create big flavor. Each ingredient plays an important role in adding creaminess, zest, texture, or that irresistible cheesy finish.
- Celery stalks: Fresh and crisp celery gives a refreshing crunch and sturdy base for the stuffing.
- Cream cheese: Softened to perfect smoothness, it forms the creamy backbone of the filling.
- Italian dressing mix: Provides that signature zesty and herbaceous Italian punch without extra effort.
- Mayonnaise: Adds richness and helps bind the filling for easy stuffing.
- Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts slightly with the cream cheese, contributing milky goodness and a delightful texture.
How to Make Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Celery
Start by rinsing the celery stalks thoroughly and drying them well. Cut each stalk into three equal pieces to create perfect bite-sized sections. Setting these aside allows you to focus on crafting the flavorful filling.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Italian dressing mix, mayonnaise, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything until it becomes an even, creamy blend. The dressing mix infuses the filling with a vibrant Italian flavor, making every bite memorable.
Step 3: Stuff the Celery
Take each celery piece and generously fill the groove with the cream cheese mixture. The combination should be plentiful enough to create a luscious, creamy topping that contrasts beautifully with the celery’s crunch.
Step 4: Garnish and Chill
For an extra touch of color and subtle flavor, sprinkle dried parsley and a dash of paprika on top of the stuffed celery. Then refrigerate the assembled treats until you’re ready to serve — chilling helps the flavors marry and ensures the cream cheese filling is firm and refreshing.
How to Serve Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes elevates both presentation and flavor. Fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives brighten the dish visually, while a sprinkle of paprika contributes a peppery warmth that complements the Italian dressing’s herbs beautifully.
Side Dishes
This stuffed celery is a star on its own but pairs wonderfully with light, fresh accompaniments. Think crisp crackers, cherry tomatoes, or an antipasto platter featuring olives and cured meats to create a balanced, crowd-pleasing spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these vibrant bites on a large platter lined with leafy greens for an inviting display. You can also arrange them in mini cocktail glasses or on skewers for a fun, party-friendly vibe. For an extra splash of color, add sliced red bell peppers or radishes alongside.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, for the freshest crunch, it’s best enjoyed within the same day of preparation.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this recipe because the celery’s crisp texture and the cream cheese mixture will both suffer from thawing, resulting in a watery and less appealing snack.
Reheating
This recipe is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. If the cream cheese filling becomes too firm from refrigeration, simply let the stuffed celery sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use flavored cream cheese instead of plain?
Absolutely! Using a flavored cream cheese like garlic and herb can add an extra punch of taste, but adjust the amount of Italian dressing mix accordingly to avoid overpowering flavors.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the main ingredients in the Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and tasty choice for gluten-sensitive friends when using certified gluten-free mayonnaise and dressing mix.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
For a vegan version, try substituting the cream cheese and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives and use a dairy-free mozzarella-style shred. Keep in mind the flavor profile may differ slightly but will remain delicious.
What’s the best type of celery to use?
Choose crisp, firm celery stalks with minimal stringiness and bright green color for the best texture and flavor in your Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe.
How long does it take to prepare?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes from start to finish, making it a fantastic option for last-minute appetizers or easy snacks that impress instantly.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe is a straightforward yet incredibly satisfying dish that blends creamy, cheesy goodness with fresh crunch and vibrant Italian seasoning. Whether you’re preparing for a party, a casual snack, or a light appetizer, this recipe never fails to bring smiles. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a beloved favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A quick and easy appetizer perfect for parties or snacks, Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery combines crisp celery stalks filled with a creamy, flavorful mixture of cream cheese, Italian dressing mix, mayonnaise, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Garnished optionally with parsley and paprika, this no-cook dish can be prepared in just 10 minutes and serves 8 people.
Ingredients
Celery
- 6 or 7 stalks of celery (rinsed and dried)
Filling
- 1 (8-oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 (0.7-oz) package Italian dressing mix
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Dried parsley and paprika, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Celery: Cut each celery stalk into three equal pieces to create bite-sized sections suitable for stuffing. Set them aside on a plate or tray.
- Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Italian dressing mix, mayonnaise, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated into a creamy, flavorful mixture.
- Stuff Celery: Using a spoon or butter knife, scoop the cream cheese mixture and fill the groove of each celery piece, pressing gently to fill the cavity evenly.
- Garnish and Chill: Optionally sprinkle the stuffed celery with dried parsley and paprika for added color and flavor. Refrigerate the stuffed celery for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and filling to firm up.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, crisp celery stalks and soften the cream cheese ahead of time to make mixing easier.
- You can prepare this appetizer a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated until serving.
- To make it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture.
- Use low-fat mayonnaise to reduce calories if desired.
- Garnishes like chopped green onions or chopped olives can add extra flavor variations.
