If you’re craving a crisp, creamy, and utterly irresistible snack or party appetizer, look no further than Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery! Imagine crunchy celery boats overflowing with savory, herby cheese filling—a modern twist on classic stuffed celery that adds Italian flair to every bite. It’s delightfully simple, ready in minutes, and guaranteed to disappear fast, whether you’re hosting or just craving something tasty and fresh.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Loaded with Italian Flavor: Each bite bursts with garden-fresh herbs thanks to the Italian dressing mix blended right into the creamy stuffing.
- Ultra-Easy & Fast: You only need about 10 minutes and a handful of ingredients—no fancy tools or oven required!
- Perfect Make-Ahead Snack: This dish chills beautifully, so you can prep it ahead for parties, potlucks, or quick snacks at home.
- Eye-Catching Presentation: The contrast of bright green celery, creamy white filling, and a sprinkle of herbs looks as good as it tastes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient for Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery is chosen for a reason! You’ll love how each one brings something special—whether it’s creaminess, tang, crunch, or bold Italian flavor. Here’s how the magic happens:
- Celery stalks: Tender, crunchy, and refreshing, celery is the perfect sturdy vessel for that luscious cream cheese filling.
- Cream cheese (softened): This is the heart of the stuffing, giving you amazing smooth texture and a dreamy rich base for the other flavors.
- Italian dressing mix: A packet of this zesty blend brings classic Italian herbs and tang, making the filling taste bright and craveable.
- Mayonnaise: A scoop of mayo adds a little silkiness and just the right balance of tang to keep every bite light and appealing.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Mild, melty, and creamy, mozzarella gives the filling a lovely stretch and subtle cheesy goodness.
Variations
One of the very best things about Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery is just how flexible it is! This recipe is easy to spin your own way—whether you’re working with what you have on hand or making it fit different tastes or diets. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own:
- Swap the cheese: Try shredded parmesan or sharp provolone instead of mozzarella for a bolder flavor profile.
- Go dairy-free: Use plant-based cream cheese and vegan mayo, plus your favorite non-dairy shredded cheese, to make a delicious vegan version.
- Add a kick: Stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or diced pepperoncini for a spicy Italian twist.
- Make it nutty: Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts, chopped walnuts, or crushed pistachios for added crunch and a gourmet feel.
How to Make Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery
Step 1: Prep the Celery
Give your celery a good rinse and dry, then trim the ends and cut each stalk into three even pieces. You want them “finger food” size—perfectly poppable and easy for scooping up all that dreamy filling.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, the Italian dressing mix, mayonnaise, and shredded mozzarella. Use a sturdy spatula or hand mixer to whip it all together until smooth and fluffy—this makes it extra spreadable and luscious.
Step 3: Stuff and Garnish
Scoop or pipe the cream cheese mixture into each celery boat, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle with dried parsley and a dusting of paprika for a pop of color and flavor (totally optional but beautiful!).
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Arrange your Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery on a serving platter and refrigerate until ready to serve. Chilling helps the flavors mingle, making every bite even tastier!
Pro Tips for Making Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery
- Soften the Cream Cheese Fully: Take your cream cheese out of the fridge with plenty of time to spare. At room temperature, it blends easily for the smoothest, most luscious filling.
- Use a Piping Bag for Neat Stuffing: For party-perfect presentation, fill a piping or zip-top bag and snip the corner for clean, pretty stuffed celery every time.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate your Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery for at least 30 minutes if you can—it helps the flavors meld and makes each bite ultra-refreshing.
- Sprinkle Garnishes Last Minute: Add parsley and paprika just before serving so colors stay vivid and inviting—your appetizer platter will really pop!
How to Serve Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery
Garnishes
A sprinkle of dried or fresh parsley and a touch of paprika immediately takes these stuffed celery sticks from “snack” to “showstopper.” You can swap for fresh basil ribbons, chives, or even finely diced tomatoes for a fresh and colorful touch.
Side Dishes
Pair your Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery with antipasto platters, fresh salads, or a tray of savory crackers and cured meats. They’re also fantastic alongside a bowl of tomato soup or as part of a light lunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra-special presentation, arrange your celery “boats” in a spiral on a round platter, or line them up in neat rows alternating with colorful veggies like cherry tomatoes and sliced bell peppers. For gatherings, tuck stuffed celery into mini cups for easy, grab-and-go servings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and crisp for 2-3 days without losing that delicious crunch or creamy texture.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t ideal for this recipe (the celery turns mushy and the cream cheese can crack upon thawing), you can freeze the cheese mixture by itself. Just defrost, stir well, and stuff fresh celery when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
This pick-me-up appetizer is best served chilled, straight from the fridge—no reheating required. If the filling softens or separates slightly, a gentle stir (or quick refresh with a spoon) sets everything right before serving.
FAQs
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Can I make Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can stuff the celery up to a day in advance. Just keep them tightly covered in the fridge until serving time. Waiting also helps the flavors marry together, making them even tastier.
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Is there a substitute for Italian dressing mix?
Yes! If you don’t have a packet on hand, use a DIY mix of dried basil, oregano, parsley, garlic and onion powder, and a tiny pinch of sugar and salt. Adjust to taste until you get that herby Italian flavor.
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Can I stuff the celery with something else?
Definitely. If you want to shake things up, try a ricotta and herb filling, pimento cheese, or creamy hummus—the stuffed celery format works with nearly any creamy, scoopable spread.
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Will the stuffed celery get soggy?
The celery stays fantastically crisp if you chill it properly and enjoy within a day or two. Just be sure to dry the celery well after rinsing to prevent excess moisture in the filling.
Final Thoughts
Give Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery a spot at your table, and you’ll see just how quickly it vanishes! This easy, cheerful, and oh-so-delicious snack is made for sharing. Whether you’re serving for a party or snacking at home, it always brings happy, satisfying crunch and big Italian-inspired flavor. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: No-Cook
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery recipe is a delightful appetizer that combines the crunch of celery with a flavorful and creamy cheese filling. Perfect for parties or gatherings, these stuffed celery sticks are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
Celery:
- 6 or 7 stalks of celery, rinsed and dried
Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 1 (8-oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 (0.7-oz) package Italian dressing mix
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cut the Celery: Cut each celery stalk into three pieces and set aside.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Italian dressing mix, mayonnaise, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Stuff the Celery: Fill each celery piece with the cream cheese mixture.
- Garnish and Refrigerate: Optionally garnish the stuffed celery with dried parsley and paprika. Refrigerate the stuffed celery until ready to serve.
Notes
- Can be made in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
