Introduction
This retro holiday appetizer brings back the charm of mid-century entertaining: crisp celery filled with a creamy, flavorful filling. Sweet, savory, or tangy versions can be made, but this recipe focuses on a classic cream cheese-based filling with herbs and a touch of crunch.
⏱️ Prep Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional)
- Total Time: 45 minutes
🧰 Equipment
- Cutting board and knife
- Small mixing bowl
- Spoon or piping bag
- Serving platter
📝 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
- 12 celery stalks, washed and trimmed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives
- Optional toppings: chopped nuts, pimento, bacon bits, or paprika
📌 Ingredient Notes
- Celery: Choose crisp, fresh stalks for the best crunch.
- Cream Cheese: Softened for easy mixing and spreading.
- Add-ins: Nuts or bacon add texture; herbs add freshness.
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prepare Celery
- Trim ends and wash celery stalks. Cut into 3–4 inch pieces if desired.
- Make Filling
- In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and parsley until smooth.
- Stuff Celery
- Spoon or pipe the filling into the celery grooves.
- Sprinkle optional toppings like chopped nuts, pimento, or paprika for extra color and flavor.
- Chill & Serve
- Chill stuffed celery in the refrigerator for 30 minutes for best texture.
- Arrange on a platter and serve as a festive appetizer.
🧾 Nutrition Facts (Approx. per stalk)
- Calories: 70 kcal
- Protein: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
💡 Tips
- Soften cream cheese to room temperature for easier mixing.
- For a retro touch, serve on a holiday-themed platter with toothpicks.
- Fill just before serving to keep celery crisp.
🔄 Variations
- Pimento Cheese Celery: Add ½ cup shredded cheddar and pimentos to the cream cheese filling.
- Bacon Ranch: Mix ranch seasoning and cooked bacon bits into the filling.
- Sweet Retro: Add a teaspoon of honey and chopped nuts for a sweet-savory version.
- Vegetarian Herb: Mix in fresh dill, chives, and parsley for a green, herby option.
