If you’re looking for a ridiculously easy yet crowd-pleasing snack, you’ve got to try this Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Bites Recipe. I absolutely love how these bites turn out—creamy, flavorful, and delightfully crisp all at once! Whether you’re prepping for a casual get-together or just a quick snack, this recipe is a total winner that’s super fast to whip up.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Easy Prep: You can make the creamy filling ahead and assemble just before serving—minimal effort for a tasty result.
Fresh & Flavorful: The herbs and spices blend perfectly with cream cheese for a bright, savory flavor profile.
Perfect Snack Size: Bite-sized celery pieces make them easy to pop and keep the crunch intact.
Healthy Option: Low in calories but high in taste and texture contrast—your guests won’t guess how simple these are!

The image shows seven light green celery sticks, each filled with a thick layer of creamy white cheese mixed with small green and black herbs, creating a speckled texture. The celery sticks are neatly arranged on a white rectangular plate with a subtle grid pattern. Small pieces of chopped green chives are sprinkled on top of the cheese filling and scattered around the plate. In the background, a small white bowl with more of the same creamy mixture and a piece of whole celery stalk can be partially seen. The whole setting is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for this Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Bites Recipe keeps things straightforward but delicious. Each element complements the others, creating a creamy, herbal filling that pairs beautifully with crisp celery stalks. I recommend choosing fresh chives for that real pop of green and zing.

Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
Heavy Cream: Adds a silky smoothness to the filling without thinning it out too much.
Lemon Juice: A tiny splash brightens up the cream cheese and balances the creaminess.
Fresh Chives: Fresh herbs really make a difference here—reserve some for garnish.
Garlic Powder: For subtle savory depth without overpowering the filling.
Onion Powder: Works with garlic powder to enhance the umami flavor layer.
Dried Dill: Adds a lovely herbaceous note that pairs wonderfully with cream cheese.
Dried Basil: Just a touch for an earthy, fragrant lift.
Salt: Don’t skip this; it pulls all the flavors together.
Celery Stalks: Choose fresh, crisp stalks, then wash and cut into roughly 3-inch pieces for easy handling.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the best things about this Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Bites Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I love playing around with different herbs and add-ins depending on what’s in my fridge or pantry. Feel free to get creative—it always leads to a tasty surprise!

Add Crunch: I sometimes sprinkle toasted pine nuts or finely chopped walnuts on top for a nutty texture—my family absolutely loves the extra bite.
Spice it Up: Throw in a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika into the cream cheese mix to add a little kick.
Cheese Swap: Try swapping some cream cheese for goat cheese or feta to get a tangy twist that’s equally delightful.
Herbs and Zests: Fresh dill or parsley also work wonders, and a bit of lemon zest can really elevate the brightness.

How to Make Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Bites Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling

Start by combining cream cheese, heavy cream, lemon juice, fresh chives (hold some back for garnish), garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, dried basil, and salt in a medium bowl. I use my handheld mixer here—just about a minute until everything’s silky smooth. You’ll know you’ve got it right when the filling looks creamy and whip-light, with no lumps left. This smoothness makes stuffing so much easier, so don’t rush this step.

Step 2: Prep Your Celery

While the filling chills for a moment in the fridge, wash and cut your celery stalks into 3-inch pieces. I like to cut the larger stalks in half lengthwise to make smaller, more manageable celery cups—trust me, your guests will appreciate the easy-to-handle sizes.

Step 3: Fill and Garnish

Use a teaspoon to scoop the creamy filling into each celery piece, gently pressing it in so it stays put. Arrange them on a serving platter, then sprinkle the chopped fresh chives on top for that final pop of color and fresh flavor. They’re ready to serve immediately, but if you want to keep them for a short time, cover and chill until party time!

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Pro Tips for Making Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Bites Recipe

Keep Celery Extra Crisp: I like to soak chopped celery in ice water for 10 minutes before stuffing to keep it refreshingly crunchy.
Room Temp Cream Cheese: Softening cream cheese before mixing makes filling smoother and easier to blend with heavy cream and herbs.
Herbs Freshness: Using fresh chives for garnish really freshens up the flavor—never underestimate the power of fresh herbs.
Filling Consistency: If your filling feels too thick, add a splash more heavy cream, but go slow—it should hold its shape rather than run.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Bites Recipe

The image shows five green celery sticks laid out on a white rectangular plate, each filled with a smooth, creamy white cheese mixture that has small green herb pieces mixed in. The cheese filling is spread evenly inside each celery stick, and some finely chopped fresh green chives are sprinkled on top and around the sticks on the plate. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with more of the creamy cheese mixture with visible herbs, and fresh celery stalks with leaves are placed nearby. The setting includes a soft white marbled surface as the base. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I stick to freshly chopped chives as my go-to garnish—they add a bright, oniony note and a lovely green pop that makes the presentation shine. Occasionally, I sprinkle a bit of smoked paprika for a subtle color contrast and extra warmth on the palate.

Side Dishes

These celery bites are perfect alongside a charcuterie board or fresh veggie platter. I personally love pairing them with some crunchy crackers, olives, or a bowl of mixed nuts for a satisfying mix of textures and flavors at any party.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange the celery bites on a large platter lined with fresh lettuce leaves, then intersperse edible flowers or sprigs of dill around them for extra elegance. Using a decorative toothpick to hold double-stuffed celery quarters together also adds a fun and fancy touch your guests will notice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I recommend storing the filling and celery separately if you want to prep ahead. Keep the cream cheese mixture in an airtight container in the fridge, and celery pieces wrapped in a damp paper towel inside a sealed bag to retain crispness. Assemble just before serving to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

Freezing stuffed celery bites isn’t ideal since celery loses its crispness and cream cheese texture can change. Instead, freeze the filling alone, then thaw it in the fridge and fill fresh celery when ready to serve.

Reheating

This recipe is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Since the filling is dairy-based and celery is crisp, reheating isn’t recommended — it changes texture and flavor. Just prep fresh each time for the best bite!

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?

Absolutely, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but keep in mind the texture will be less creamy and might be denser. If you go low-fat, consider adding a little extra heavy cream to help keep the filling smooth and spreadable.
How far in advance can I prepare the filling?

Great question! You can make the cream cheese filling up to 24 hours ahead. Just store it covered in the fridge. Mix it again gently before stuffing the celery, as the cream might separate slightly.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Yes! Kids usually love the creamy texture and the crunch of celery. You might want to omit or reduce the dried herbs if you’re worried about strong flavors, making it more appealing to picky eaters.
What can I substitute for celery if I don’t have any?

Sliced cucumber or bell pepper strips make nice alternatives if you want that fresh crunch with cream cheese. Just keep in mind the shape will differ from traditional celery bites.

Final Thoughts

This Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Bites Recipe has become one of my go-to easy appetizers for everything from casual snacking to holiday parties. I love how the flavors come together with practically zero fuss and how everyone reaches for seconds. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making and sharing these as much as I do—give it a try and watch those celery stalks disappear!