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
Scale
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.
