Classic Stuffed Celery with Cream Cheese and Walnuts
Stuffed Celery
Crunchy celery sticks filled with herbed cream cheese and chopped walnuts for a simple chilled appetizer.
Stuffed celery is the kind of old-school appetizer that still earns its place on a party tray. The celery stays cold and crisp, while the cream cheese filling adds enough richness to make each piece feel complete.
This version keeps the filling classic but not plain. Chives, parsley, lemon zest, and a little garlic powder brighten the cream cheese, and chopped walnuts add a gentle crunch that works well with the celery ribs.
For the neatest pieces, use firm celery ribs with shallow curves and dry them well before filling. Softened cream cheese spreads smoothly, but a short chill after filling helps the centers set so the celery can be sliced and served cleanly.
Serve the sticks as a make-ahead appetizer, a lunchbox snack, or part of a holiday relish tray. They are best served chilled, with the walnuts still distinct and the celery crisp.
Nutrition (per serving)
Directions
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1
Trim the celery ribs and cut away any dry ends. Rinse well, then pat the ribs completely dry so the filling will cling.
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2
Cut each celery rib into 3-inch pieces, choosing the straightest pieces for the neatest appetizer tray.
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3
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a spoon until smooth and spreadable.
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4
Stir in the walnuts, chives, parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined.
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5
Taste the filling and adjust with a little more lemon juice, salt, or pepper if needed.
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6
Spoon or pipe the cream cheese mixture into the hollow side of each celery piece, mounding it slightly without overfilling.
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7
Arrange the stuffed celery on a tray and sprinkle lightly with paprika.
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8
Chill for at least 15 minutes if time allows, then serve cold while the celery is crisp.
Ingredients
- Large Celery Ribs:8
- Cream Cheese, softened:8 oz
- Walnuts, finely chopped:1/2 cup
- Fresh Chives, finely chopped:2 tbsp
- Fresh Parsley, finely chopped:1 tbsp
- Lemon Zest:1 tsp
- Lemon Juice:1 tsp
- Garlic Powder:1/4 tsp
- Fine Salt:1/4 tsp
- Black Pepper:1/8 tsp
- Paprika, for garnish:1 pinch
Tips & Notes
- Use a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped for cleaner filling.
- Dry the celery thoroughly after rinsing; excess water can loosen the cream cheese.
- For a stronger walnut flavor, toast the walnuts briefly and cool them before adding.
- Fill the celery up to 6 hours ahead, cover tightly, and keep refrigerated.
