Stuffed Celery Recipe

Celery: Crisp and refreshing, celery provides the perfect vessel for the creamy filling.

Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese adds a rich and smooth texture to the filling.

Chopped walnuts: These add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the mixture.

Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley brings a fresh, herbaceous note to the filling.

Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the filling.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and balances the flavors.

When preparing the cream cheese mixture, ensure that the cream cheese is fully softened to achieve a smooth and creamy texture. This will make it easier to blend with the chopped walnuts, parsley, and spices. If the cream cheese is too cold, it can result in a lumpy mixture that is difficult to spread evenly onto the celery pieces. For best results, let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing.

• celery - Substitute with cucumber: Cucumber provides a similar crunch and can be easily cut into sticks for stuffing.

• cream cheese - Substitute with ricotta cheese: Ricotta cheese has a similar creamy texture and can be seasoned to taste.

• walnuts - Substitute with almonds: Almonds offer a similar nutty flavor and crunch when chopped.

• parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro provides a fresh, herbaceous flavor that can complement the other ingredients.

• garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder offers a similar depth of flavor and can be used in the same quantity.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty flavor along with a bit of umami, enhancing the overall taste.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar spiciness without altering the color of the filling.

• To keep your stuffed celery fresh, store it in an airtight container. This prevents the cream cheese mixture from drying out and keeps the celery crisp.
• Place a layer of parchment paper between layers of stuffed celery to avoid them sticking together.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The stuffed celery will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• If you wish to freeze the stuffed celery, first arrange the pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure they are not touching each other.
• Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the stuffed celery is frozen solid. This prevents them from sticking together when stored.
• Transfer the frozen stuffed celery to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the stuffed celery in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. Note that the texture of the celery may be slightly softer after freezing and thawing.
• For best results, consume the frozen stuffed celery within 1 month to ensure optimal flavor and texture.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed celery on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent the cream cheese filling from drying out. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

• If you prefer a quicker method, use a microwave. Place the stuffed celery on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on medium power for 30-second intervals, checking after each interval until they are heated to your liking.

• For a crispier texture, use an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Arrange the stuffed celery in a single layer in the basket. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are warming evenly.

• If you have a toaster oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed celery on a baking tray and cover with foil. Heat for about 10 minutes or until the cream cheese filling is warm and the celery is slightly crisp.

• For a stovetop method, use a non-stick skillet over low heat. Place the stuffed celery in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even warming without burning the cream cheese filling.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the cream cheese, chopped walnuts, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

• Spoon: This will help you fill each celery piece with the cream cheese mixture.

• Cutting board: Use this as a surface to cut the celery stalks into 3-inch pieces.

• Knife: Essential for chopping the walnuts and parsley, as well as cutting the celery stalks.

• Measuring cups: These will ensure you use the correct amount of cream cheese and walnuts.

• Measuring spoons: These will help you measure out the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper accurately.

• Serving platter: Arrange the stuffed celery on this for a nice presentation.

Prepare the filling ahead: Mix the cream cheese, walnuts, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper the night before and store in the fridge.

Pre-cut celery: Clean and cut the celery in advance, then store in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Use a piping bag: For quicker and neater filling, transfer the cream cheese mixture to a piping bag and pipe it into the celery pieces.

Double the batch: Make a larger batch of the cream cheese mixture and store leftovers for future use.