Stuffed celery sticks are a timeless appetizer that combines crisp, refreshing celery with a rich, creamy filling. They are incredibly easy to assemble, require no cooking, and offer a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with the smooth, savory filling. This recipe creates a classic cream cheese and blue cheese filling that is balanced, flavorful, and sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 8 large celery stalks (about 1 bunch), ends trimmed
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (60 g) crumbled blue cheese (about 4 oz)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) sour cream
- 1/4 cup (25 g) finely chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh chives, finely chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Wash the celery stalks thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel. Trim the very ends if needed, but keep the stalks whole.
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crumbled blue cheese, sour cream, chopped walnuts, chives, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix with a spoon or hand mixer until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Using a small spatula or a piping bag fitted with a large tip, fill each celery stalk with the cheese mixture. Spread it evenly along the length of the stalk, leaving a little space at the ends.
- Garnish the filled celery sticks with additional chopped chives or a few extra walnut pieces if desired.
- For best results, refrigerate the stuffed celery for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the filling to firm up. Slice into 2-3 inch pieces just before serving, or serve whole.
Tips
- Soften the cream cheese: Take the cream cheese out of the fridge 30 minutes before you start. Softened cream cheese blends more smoothly and prevents lumps.
- Pipe the filling: For a neater, more professional look, transfer the filling to a piping bag with a star tip. If you don’t have one, a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off works just as well.
- Make ahead: You can stuff the celery sticks a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay crisp for up to 24 hours.
- Adjust the blue cheese: If you are not a fan of strong blue cheese, use a milder variety or reduce the amount to 1/4 cup (30 g). You can also substitute with feta or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve stuffed celery sticks as part of a party platter alongside other finger foods like deviled eggs, cocktail meatballs, or a vegetable tray with dip. They also make a great addition to a game-day spread or a light lunch. For a pretty presentation, arrange them on a platter with fresh herbs and cherry tomatoes.
Variations
- Bacon Ranch: Replace the blue cheese with 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded cheddar cheese, add 1/4 cup (25 g) cooked crumbled bacon, and 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning mix. Omit the walnuts.
- Herb and Garlic: Omit the blue cheese and walnuts. Add 1 clove minced garlic, 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley, and 1 teaspoon dried dill to the cream cheese mixture.
- Spicy Southwest: Mix in 1/4 cup (40 g) corn kernels, 1/4 cup (40 g) black beans, 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, and 1/2 teaspoon chili powder. Use pepper jack cheese instead of blue cheese.
- Sweet and Nutty: Replace the blue cheese with 1/4 cup (60 g) creamy peanut butter and add 1 tablespoon honey and 1/4 cup (25 g) chopped dried cranberries. Omit the walnuts, sour cream, and Worcestershire sauce.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover stuffed celery sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The celery may lose some of its crunch over time, but the filling will remain fresh. This dish is served cold and should not be reheated. If you are preparing them for a party, you can stuff them up to 24 hours in advance, but wait to slice them until just before serving to keep the celery as crisp as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe without blue cheese? Yes, absolutely. You can substitute the blue cheese with an equal amount of shredded cheddar, crumbled feta, or even a few tablespoons of grated Parmesan for a different flavor. The filling will still be creamy and delicious.
How do I keep the celery from getting soggy? The key is to dry the celery thoroughly after washing and to not overmix the filling. Adding sour cream helps stabilize the cream cheese, and chilling the filled sticks before serving helps maintain their crunch. Also, avoid filling them too far in advance—24 hours is the maximum.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream? Yes, you can substitute plain Greek yogurt for the sour cream in equal amounts. It will add a slight tang and a bit more protein, but the texture will be similar. Just make sure it is thick, not watery.
What is the best way to pipe the filling into the celery? A piping bag with a large star tip gives the most attractive result. If you don’t have one, you can use a sturdy zip-top bag with a corner cut off. Alternatively, you can simply spread the filling with a butter knife for a more rustic look.
Can I freeze stuffed celery sticks? Freezing is not recommended. The celery will become limp and watery when thawed, and the creamy filling may separate. These are best made fresh and stored in the refrigerator.
How far ahead can I stuff the celery? You can stuff the celery up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best texture, wait to slice them into pieces until just before serving.
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