Cream Cheese Celery Sticks
Crisp, cool celery sticks filled with a creamy, savory mixture of cream cheese, chives, and seasonings. A classic, no-cook appetizer that's perfect for parties, snacks, or a light lunch.
For 4 servings
4 steps.
- 1
Prepare the Celery: Wash the celery ribs thoroughly under cold running water
- a.Trim off the tough ends and the leafy tops. If the outer ribs are particularly fibrous, use a vegetable peeler to remove the strings. Cut each rib into 3-4 inch long pieces, creating about 12-16 sticks. Pat them completely dry with a paper towel.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Create the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, finely chopped fresh chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use a spatula or fork to mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Fill the Celery Sticks: Using a small spoon or a butter knife, generously spread the cream cheese mixture into the groove of each celery stick. Smooth the top for a neat appearance.
- 4
Garnish and Serve: Arrange the filled celery sticks on a serving platter
- a.Lightly sprinkle the tops with paprika for a touch of color. For the best texture, serve immediately or chill for 15-30 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the smoothest filling, ensure your cream cheese is fully at room temperature before mixing.
- 2Dry the celery sticks thoroughly after washing. This helps the cream cheese filling adhere properly.
- 3For a professional look, transfer the filling to a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off) and pipe it into the celery grooves.
- 4Prepare the filling and celery sticks ahead of time, but store them separately in the refrigerator. Fill the sticks just before serving to maintain maximum crispness.
- 5Don't discard the celery leaves! They are flavorful and can be chopped and added to salads, soups, or used as a garnish.
Adapt it for your goals.
Everything Bagel
Omit the paprika and sprinkle the filled sticks with everything bagel seasoning for extra flavor and crunch.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture.
Bacon CheddarBacon Cheddar
Mix in 2 tablespoons of finely crumbled cooked bacon and 2 tablespoons of shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the filling.
Herb GardenHerb Garden
In addition to chives, mix in 1 tablespoon of other finely chopped fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or cilantro.
Greek InspiredGreek-Inspired
Mix in 1 tablespoon of chopped Kalamata olives and 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Hydration
Celery is composed of about 95% water, making it a fantastic, crunchy way to help meet your daily hydration needs.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
The fiber in celery supports digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements and feeding beneficial gut bacteria, contributing to a healthy digestive system.
Low-Calorie Snack
This snack is very low in calories but high in crunch and flavor, making it a satisfying option for weight management and healthy snacking.
Contains Antioxidants
Celery is a good source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which help protect the body against cellular damage from free radicals.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this recipe (approximately 3 filled sticks) contains around 210-220 calories, primarily from the cream cheese. Using low-fat cream cheese can reduce the calorie count.