Stuffed Celery with Herbed Cream Cheese
A refreshing and crunchy appetizer featuring celery sticks filled with a creamy, herbed cheese mixture, perfect for parties or as a healthy snack. This american-inspired vegetarian ready in about 15 minutes pairs softened cream cheese, finely chopped chives, finely chopped dill for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 60 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 6 large, with leaves reserved celery stalks
- 1/2 cup, softened cream cheese
- 1 tbsp, finely chopped chives
- 1 tbsp, finely chopped dill
- 1/4 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut celery stalks into 3-inch lengths, then slice each length in half lengthwise to create open 'boats.' Scrape out the center stringy part with a small knife, rinse, and pat dry.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, chopped chives, dill, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Step 3: Using a small spoon, fill each celery boat with herbed cream cheese mixture, packing it lightly. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika and a small reserved celery leaf.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stuffed Celery with Herbed Cream Cheese take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Stuffed Celery with Herbed Cream Cheese?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep softened cream cheese from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stuffed Celery with Herbed Cream Cheese?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Stuffed Celery with Herbed Cream Cheese for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Stuffed Celery with Herbed Cream Cheese?
American vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
So simple and delicious. The celery held up perfectly.
- ★★★★★
Loved the herbed cream cheese! Perfect for parties, everyone raved about it.
- ★★★★☆
Great recipe, but I found the cream cheese a bit bland without extra herbs.
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