Name: Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 6 or 7 stalks of celery, rinsed and dried; 1 (8-oz) block cream cheese, softened; 1 (0.7-oz) package Italian dressing mix; ½ cup mayonnaise; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Dried parsley, for garnish; Paprika, for garnish

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Introduction

This Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery is a simple and flavorful appetizer perfect for gatherings or a quick snack. Crisp celery stalks are filled with a creamy, tangy Italian-spiced cheese mixture that’s sure to please any crowd.

The image shows many green celery sticks cut in half lengthwise, each filled tightly with a thick, creamy white mixture that has a slightly grainy texture. The creamy filling is sprinkled with small bits of red spice and green herbs, adding specks of color on the white filling. The celery sticks are laid side by side on a white marbled surface, with one stick held vertically by a woman's hand in the center, showing the filling clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 or 7 stalks of celery, rinsed and dried
1 (8-oz) block cream cheese, softened

1 (0.7-oz) package Italian dressing mix
½ cup mayonnaise

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Cut each celery stalk into three pieces and set aside.

Step 2: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Italian dressing mix, mayonnaise, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix well until fully blended.
Step 3: Stuff each celery piece with the cream cheese mixture, filling the groove thoroughly.
Step 4: Optionally, garnish the stuffed celery with dried parsley and paprika for extra color and flavor. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tips & Variations

For a sharper flavor, add a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of garlic powder to the cheese mixture.
Use low-fat cream cheese and mayonnaise for a lighter version without sacrificing taste.
Try substituting mozzarella with shredded Parmesan or cheddar for a different twist.

Chill the stuffed celery for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and enhance the texture.

Storage

Store the stuffed celery in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture, fill the celery just before serving or keep the filling separate until ready to serve. If refrigerated longer, celery may become less crisp. No reheating is necessary—serve chilled.

How to Serve

The image shows many celery sticks filled with a creamy white mixture, topped with small green herb flecks and sprinkled with red seasoning, arranged closely together. The celery sticks are a fresh light green color and cut evenly lengthwise. The creamy filling looks smooth with some texture from the herbs and seasoning, slightly raised above the edges of the celery. The background is a white marbled surface with a small bunch of green celery leaves in the upper corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the stuffing mixture in advance?

Yes, the cream cheese mixture can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just stir well before stuffing the celery.

What can I use if I don’t have Italian dressing mix?

You can replace the Italian dressing mix with a blend of dried herbs such as oregano, basil, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder with a pinch of salt and pepper for a similar flavor.