5-Star Reader Comment
Outrageously good, all right!! Thought that even before I got it on the celery!! Thank you for another keeper, Donya. Blessings!
Jackie B,
A Simple Snack with a Lot of Memories
Some recipes never go out of style, and my Mom’s stuffed celery is one of them. Growing up, she always made it for holidays, and I’ve carried that tradition right into my own kitchen. With crisp celery sticks filled with creamy cheese, bacon, and herbs, this little appetizer proves that sometimes the simplest recipes really are the best.
Stuffed celery has a place at the table all year long. I make them for Thanksgiving and Christmas appetizer trays, game day spreads, summer cookouts, and anytime I need a no-fuss bite that looks like I spent more time than I did. They fit right in with a holiday cheese board, a potluck snack table, or a simple back-porch gathering. Simple, make-ahead, and always the first thing to disappear.
Enjoy, y’all!
Donya’s #1 Tip: Make Them Ahead!
Yes, it sure can! You can make the cream cheese stuffing mixture, prep the celery, and store them separately. Store in individual containers, when you are ready to serve, fill the celery with the mixture.
Want to make and serve in just a few hours? No problem. Since celery is such a sturdy vegetable, you can completely make the celery with cream cheese a couple of hours prior to serving and store it in the refrigerator.
Ingredients Needed For This Recipe
- Celery – Crisp, sturdy, and perfect for holding the creamy filling.
- Cream Cheese – Softened for easy mixing; it’s the base of the filling.
- Cheddar Cheese – Shredded sharp cheddar adds flavor and a little tang.
- Bacon – Cooked and crumbled for smoky, salty crunch.
- Fresh Herbs – Chives and parsley bring color and brightness.
- Seasoning – A touch of salt, black pepper, and a few dashes of hot sauce for just the right kick.
5 Ways to Fill Your Stuffed Celery
Pimento Cheese: The Southern classic. Creamy, tangy, and a little sharp — this filling turns stuffed celery into something truly special on any appetizer tray.
Ranch Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese mixed with a packet of dry ranch seasoning. Crowd-pleasing, simple, and perfect for game day.
Bacon Cheddar: Cream cheese base with sharp cheddar and crispy crumbled bacon pressed in. Savory, smoky, and impossible to stop eating.
Olive Pecan: Cream cheese softened with a splash of olive brine, stuffed with chopped green olives and toasted pecans. This one always surprises people.
Spicy Jalapeño: Classic cream cheese filling with finely diced pickled jalapeños and a pinch of smoked paprika. For the table that likes a little heat.
How To Make Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery
- Wash and dry your celery, then cut it into sticks.
- In a bowl or food processor, whip the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add in bacon, cheddar, parsley, chives, salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Blend until everything’s well combined.
- Spoon the mixture into celery sticks, sprinkle with a little extra bacon or herbs, and serve.
How Many Stuffed Celery Sticks Per Person?
Planning your appetizer tray is easier than you think. Here is my simple rule:
- For a light appetizer before dinner: plan on 2 to 3 sticks per person.
- For a party snack table where guests are grazing: plan on 4 to 6 sticks per person.
- For a larger spread with other appetizers: 2 sticks per person is plenty.
- A standard bunch of celery typically gives you 8 to 10 usable stalks. For a party of 10, start with 2 bunches. You can always make more — they go fast.
Craving More? Try These Appetizer Recipes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 – 5 stalks celery – washed and dried
- 1 8 oz cream cheese – softened
- ¼ cup bacon – cooked and chopped
- ½ cup cheddar cheese – grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley – chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives – chopped
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
- 3 dashes hot sauce
Instructions
- Cut celery stalks in half and set aside. Using a food processor or hand held mixer, whip the cream cheese until smooth. Add in bacon, cheese, parsley, chives, salt, pepper and hot sauce. Pulse or blend until all ingredients are combined.
- Using a small spoon, fill the celery “boat” with cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle with addition chives and bacon if desired. Serve immediately!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Stuffed Celery Questions, Answered
You sure can — and this is one of my favorite things about this recipe. Make the cream cheese filling and prep the celery, then store them separately in the refrigerator. Fill them a couple of hours before you’re ready to serve. Since celery is so sturdy, they hold up beautifully without getting soggy. It’s a great make-ahead appetizer for the holidays.
Stuffed celery keeps well for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Cover the tray tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. After that, the celery can start to lose its crunch, so I recommend making them close to when you plan to serve them for the best texture.
The options are just about endless! My classic filling is cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and bacon, but pimento cheese is a wonderful Southern twist. For something kid-friendly, peanut butter with raisins is always a hit. You can also try hummus, ranch cream cheese, or even chicken salad for a heartier bite.
These are a natural fit on a holiday veggie tray alongside deviled eggs and pickles. I also love putting them on a charcuterie board — the crispy, creamy bites disappear fast no matter where you put them. They’re a great addition to any party spread because they’re light, easy to eat, and completely made ahead.
What To Serve With The Best Stuffed Celery
This simple, flavor-loaded appetizer is a staple any time I entertain. I love serving it with Strawberry Margaritas and Sweet Heat Pickles during the warm spring and summer months. For game day and tailgating, these cool celery sticks are a must with Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip.
Outrageously Good Stuffed Celery is a pretty addition to any holiday appetizer tray. When you serve these yummy cool sticks alongside Creamy Crab Dip and Bourbon Meatballs, you’ve got the beginnings of a fabulous party.
If you tried this Stuffed Celery Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!
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I’ve been craving crunchy snacks but wanting healthier options to chips and pretzels and celery is my latest obsession. TY so much for creating and sharing this recipe. I’m loving it daily.
That makes me so happy to hear! I love that it’s hitting that crunchy snack craving in a healthier way — and daily favorites are the best kind. Thanks so much for sharing!
~Donya
Super tasty! Celery is just about the most boring veggie in town, so I’m happy to find a way to use it! This dip is delicious for all veggies, very creamy and full of flavor. We didn’t have any bacon but followed the rest of recipe and added chives. You know its good when you make a few, eat one, make some more, eat another. Excellent!
That sounds like a perfect veggie dip win! Celery might not always be the star of the show, but you’re right — with a dip like this, it becomes the crunch we all reach for. Love that you added chives — great call for freshness and flavor. And you’re spot on… when you find yourself going back for “just one more,” you know it’s a keeper. So glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for taking the time to share —
~Donya