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.
Whether it’s on a holiday veggie tray, at a summer cookout, or piled on a charcuterie board for game day, these crunchy, creamy bites are always the first 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.
Substitutions For Stuffed Celery
Looking for more ideas on what to stuff celery with? The options are just about endless! From healthy celery snacks, keto celery snacks, and kid-friendly celery sticks, here are some of my favorite toppings:
- Classic Southern Twist: Swap in homemade pimento cheese.
- Kid-Friendly: Fill celery with peanut butter and dot with raisins.
- Holiday Version: Add cranberry sauce and Southern candied pecans.
- Mediterranean Style: Mix cream cheese with feta, olives, and a sprinkle of Italian herbs.
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.
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
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 made this just as a dip for celery and carrots, so good!
Hey there Jackie!
I like the way you think! While this recipe is terrific for stuffing celery, it would definitely make a delicious dip! Thank you so much for your support, if you ever have any questions about a recipe please don’t hesitate to reach out!
~Donya
Good gosh………people ask if the bacon should be cooked?????
isn’t that incredible that people are asking that????
Makes you wonder if they should be in the kitchen.
No, let’s all eat raw bacon !!!!!!!!!!!
As a matter of fact I happen to love raw bacon .
I added 1 large chopped Jalapeno. I cleaned and soaked the pepper in 7-Up ( not diet) for 15 min to take a little heat out. If you want to remove all the heat soak for about 40 min. Please don’t drink the 7-Up afterwards. haha
Hey there!
Wow! That sounds like such a fun twist to put on this recipe, I bet the jalapeños added a nice spicy kick. I’ve never heard of that trick with jalapeños, soaking them in soda to remove the heat, but I need to try it that sounds like a great idea! Thank you so much for your phenomenal rating and your support, I hope you have a great day!
~Donya
the reicpe sounds great i haven’t made it yet.
Look and sound delicious, but it doesn’t say to cook the bacon.
Hey Cindy.
Yep, cook the bacon. You should be good to go!
~Donya
I have finally found a website that I can relate to! You make recipes that remind me of Mom………DELICIOUS !! Can’t wait for the next one. Thank you so very much for these.
Thank you Susan! I’m honored.
Thank you too, for the great rating.
Have a wonderful day,
~Donya
Do you fry the chopped bacon before adding it to the mix?
Yes, fry the bacon.
Enjoy,
~Donya
This sounds great! I always loved the pineapple cheese stuff my grandparents got in a jar and they put in celery. Can’t find that anymore.
I remember that “stuff” too! You are going to love this recipe. Enjoy, Catherine!
Have a great day,
~Donya
Celery stuffed with pimiento cheese always graced my mother’s relish tray on special occasions. We enjoyed its crisp, refreshing crunch. Thanks for bringing that memory into focus, Donya!
I love that too, Karen! Look for that recipe on A Southern Soul this summer.
Have a great day!
Donya, Thanks so much for your recipes. I lived in Tennessee for years and miss the Southern Soul-love. Living a low-carb life, this cream cheese concoction is perfect for filling celery, peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumber boats and even lettuce or sliced ham roll-ups! Mexican spices like cumin could add
another dimension. Also, for baked potato, steamed / boiled cauliflower or broccoli toppings!
Ruthie, you have made my day.
Thank you for your sweet words. I’m so glad you found A Southern Soul.
Have a great day,
~Donya
Can these be stored in a containtin the fridge for the next day as some may not be eaten?
Hey Wendy! Yes, you can store them in the fridge. I’d only let 24 hours go by though. I hope you enjoy the recipe.
Happy Easter!