Stuffed celery might not sound like the most thrilling snack in the world, but trust me—once you start making it the right way, it becomes a go-to. It’s crunchy, creamy, endlessly customizable, and honestly kind of addicting. Whether I’m putting together a quick afternoon snack, prepping a low-carb party platter, or trying to sneak more veggies into my day, this is one of those recipes I never get tired of.
I grew up seeing stuffed celery on every holiday table—usually with some variation of cream cheese and paprika—but these days, I’ve found ways to make it more exciting, more flavorful, and definitely more craveable.
Why I Keep Coming Back to Stuffed Celery
It’s such a simple concept, but it delivers. I love this snack because:
- It’s low-carb, high-crunch, and endlessly versatile
- Takes less than 10 minutes to prep—no stove, no oven, no stress
- You can make it savory or sweet depending on your mood
- Perfect for meal prep or party trays—holds up well in the fridge
This is one of those old-school ideas that’s totally worth reviving, especially once you get creative with the fillings.
What You’ll Need
(Serves 4–6 | Prep Time: 10 minutes)
Base:
- 1 bunch of celery, trimmed and cut into 3–4 inch sticks
Classic Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or green onion (optional)
Pimento Cheese Variation:
- 1/2 cup pimento cheese spread
- Pinch of paprika for garnish
Ranch Chicken Filling:
- 1/2 cup shredded rotisserie chicken
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese
Sweet Peanut Butter Snack:
- Peanut butter (or almond butter)
- Raisins or dried cranberries
- Dash of cinnamon (optional)
These are just a few of my go-to fillings, but honestly, anything that pairs well with a little crunch will work here.
How I Make Stuffed Celery (Step-by-Step)
1. Prep the Celery
First things first—I wash and dry the celery, then trim the ends and cut the stalks into 3 or 4-inch pieces. If I’m serving for a party, I’ll try to make them uniform for a cleaner look.
2. Mix the Filling
Depending on the variation I’m going for, I stir together the filling ingredients in a small bowl. For the cream cheese base, I make sure the cheese is soft so it spreads easily. I like to add a little garlic powder and black pepper to boost the flavor without overwhelming it.
3. Stuff the Celery
Using a small spoon or butter knife, I fill each celery stick with the mixture. You can also pipe it in if you want to be fancy (especially for parties). I don’t overfill—just enough to get a good layer of flavor with every bite.
4. Garnish and Serve
This part’s optional, but I like to sprinkle on a few finishing touches: a little smoked paprika over the pimento cheese, some chopped parsley over the cream cheese, or a few raisins on the peanut butter version.
My Tips for Snack-Perfect Stuffed Celery
- Dry the celery well: Wet celery can make the filling slide off—pat it with a paper towel after washing.
- Chop the ends for a clean look: Especially if serving at a gathering.
- Use a piping bag for neat presentation or entertaining guests.
- Prep ahead: Stuffed celery keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days. I store it in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb moisture.
My Favorite Combinations
Here’s a quick list of some combos I keep in rotation depending on the vibe:
Savory Favorites:
- Cream Cheese + Everything Bagel Seasoning
- Goat Cheese + Chopped Sun-Dried Tomatoes + Basil
- Buffalo Chicken Dip + Celery = a match made in heaven
- Hummus + Za’atar Spice + Toasted Pine Nuts
Sweet Snackers:
- Peanut Butter + Banana Slices
- Almond Butter + Mini Chocolate Chips
- Cream Cheese + Honey + Crushed Walnuts
- SunButter + Dried Cherries + Coconut Flakes
You really can take stuffed celery in any direction—healthy, indulgent, savory, sweet, low-carb, high-protein—it all works.
When I Serve Stuffed Celery
It’s one of those snacks that works for any moment of the day. Here’s how I usually fit it in:
- Afternoon pick-me-up that doesn’t leave me crashing
- Game day trays where I need something fresh among all the heavy apps
- Lunchbox filler that stays crisp
- Holiday appetizers when I want something easy but retro-cool
- Meal prep snack boxes paired with cheese cubes, almonds, and fruit
And yes, it’s still the first thing to disappear off a party tray—especially the pimento cheese version.
FAQs People Ask Me
Q: Can I use celery hearts or regular stalks?
A: Either works! Hearts tend to be sweeter and more tender, but regular stalks give you that extra crunch.
Q: What if I don’t like celery?
A: Try the same fillings in mini bell peppers or cucumber boats. Still crunchy, still delicious.
Q: Are these keto-friendly?
A: Yep! Most of the savory variations are low in carbs and great for keto or low-carb meal plans.
Q: Can I make these dairy-free?
A: Absolutely—use a dairy-free cream cheese or try hummus or nut butters depending on your filling.
Final Thoughts
Stuffed celery might not win awards for being trendy, but it’s one of those timeless snacks that just works. It’s crunchy, fresh, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. Whether I’m throwing together a quick bite or building a spread for guests, this is the kind of snack that gets repeat requests.
Give it a try with your favorite flavors, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself reaching for celery more often than chips. It’s a simple pleasure—and sometimes, that’s exactly what we need.
How I Turn Boring Celery Into a Snack People Actually Want to Eat
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or green onion (optional)
- 2 cups pimento cheese spread
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, and chopped parsley or green onion if using. Mix until smooth.
- Fold in the pimento cheese spread and shredded rotisserie chicken until well combined.
- Wash the celery stalks and cut them into 3-4 inch pieces.
- Stuff each celery piece with the chicken and cheese mixture generously.
- Arrange the stuffed celery on a platter and serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
