Creamy Stuffed Celery Sticks (Ready in 10 Minutes)

These creamy stuffed celery sticks are the retro appetizer you forgot you needed — crisp celery boats filled with a tangy cream cheese mixture and sprinkled with toasted walnuts.

They come together in about 10 minutes with zero cooking, making them the easiest thing on any party table.

What Makes These Celery Sticks So Good

The contrast is what gets people. Cold, juicy celery gives a satisfying snap, while the cream cheese filling is rich and a little tangy from fresh lemon. The walnuts add a toasty crunch that keeps them from feeling one-note.

It’s the kind of recipe that feels fancier than it is. I keep coming back to it because it disappears faster than any hot appetizer, and you can vary the filling a hundred ways without really trying.

Ingredients

• 12 medium celery stalks, trimmed and cut into 3-inch sticks (about 24 sticks) : choose firm, straight stalks with fresh leaves
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened : use full-fat for the creamiest texture
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice : brightens the richness
• 1/4 tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup toasted chopped walnuts, plus a few extra for garnish : toast until fragrant

Variations / Substitutions

• Add bacon : stir in 3 tbsp crumbled cooked bacon for a smoky crunch.
• Go blue cheese : swap half the cream cheese for blue cheese crumbles (about 4 oz).
• Use a different nut : pecans, almonds, or pistachios all work; toast them first.
• Make it herby : mix in 1 tbsp minced chives or dill.
• Dairy-free : use your favorite dairy-free cream cheese alternative.

If you like these, try my Herby Deviled Eggs with Fresh Dill.

How to Make Creamy Stuffed Celery Sticks

Step 1: Prep the Celery

Trim the leafy ends and root base from 12 celery stalks, then slice each stalk crosswise into 2 to 3 sticks, about 3 inches long. You’ll end up with roughly 24 pieces. Spread them on a clean kitchen towel and pat them thoroughly dry; this takes about a minute and helps the filling adhere.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a medium bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 tsp salt, and a few grinds of black pepper using a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula until smooth and fluffy, about 1 minute. Fold in 1/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts by hand so they don’t break down.

Step 3: Stuff and Serve the Sticks

Spoon or pipe the cream cheese mixture into the hollow of each celery stick, mounding it slightly. Sprinkle a few of the reserved walnut pieces on top of each one. Arrange them on a platter and serve right away so the celery stays crisp.

A Few Notes Before You Start

• Choose the right celery.: Look for stalks that feel heavy and crisp, with no brown spots. Thin, overly curved stalks are harder to stuff.
• Soften the cream cheese properly.: Let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or microwave it in 10-second bursts until soft but not melty. Cold cream cheese makes a lumpy filling.
• Keep the celery dry.: After washing, dry the sticks thoroughly; any water will make the filling slide off.
• Make them look pretty.: A piping bag fitted with a star tip gives the filling a ruffled top, but a butter knife works just as well.

Scale it to your crowd:

frequently asked questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

It’s best to prep the celery and the filling separately, then stuff just before serving. Stuffed celery stored in the fridge can weep water and get soft. If you must, assemble them no more than 2 hours ahead and keep them uncovered on a platter so they stay crisp.

My filling is too stiff. How do I fix it?

Add a teaspoon of milk or an extra squeeze of lemon juice and beat again. A softer filling pipes more easily and tastes lighter.

Can I use light cream cheese?

You can, but the filling won’t be as rich or smooth. Full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture and flavor.

What if I don’t have walnuts?

Any toasted nut works. Pecans, almonds, or even sunflower seeds add the same crunchy contrast.

Creamy Stuffed Celery Sticks Recipe

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 120

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 12 medium celery stalks, trimmed and cut into 3-inch sticks (about 24 sticks)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup toasted chopped walnuts, plus a few extra for garnish

Method

 

1. Trim celery stalks and cut into 2 to 3 sticks each, about 3 inches long. Pat dry thoroughly.
2. Beat softened cream cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth, about 1 minute. Fold in the 1/4 cup walnuts.
3. Spoon or pipe the filling into the celery sticks, top with reserved walnuts, and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, assemble these right before your guests arrive. If you need to prep ahead, store the unfilled celery and the filling separately in the fridge; stuff them no more than 2 hours before serving and keep uncovered so the celery stays crunchy.