Are you seeking a healthy snack that is easy to prepare and tastes great? Look no further than fresh celery! This versatile vegetable is perfect for snacking and can be paired with a variety of delicious toppings to create a satisfying and nutritious snack.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy celery is with crispy bacon and creamy cheese filling. For my celery recipe, simply mix cream cheese, sour cream, crispy salty bacon, black pepper, red onion, cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese, lemon zest, and a splash of lemon juice. Then I spread the mixture onto celery sticks for a tasty and filling snack. This simple recipe is a great appetizer I serve at parties or family gatherings.
If you’re looking for more creative ways to enjoy celery, I have plenty of great ideas you can try that incorporate this crunchy vegetable into a variety of dishes. From soups and salads to stir-fries and smoothies, celery is a versatile ingredient that can add flavor and nutrition to any meal. So why not give it a try and see how delicious and satisfying celery can be as a snack or ingredient in your favorite recipes?
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Celery Snack Basics
Choosing the Right Celery
When you choose the right celery for your snack, you want to look for celery stalks that are firm and crisp. Avoid celery that is wilted or has brown spots. If you want to go the extra mile, consider buying organic celery to avoid any pesticides or chemicals.
Prepping and Storing Celery Sticks
Once I have my celery, it’s important to prep and store it properly to keep it fresh and crunchy. I start by washing the celery stalks and cutting off the ends. You can then cut the celery into sticks or leave them whole. To store the celery, place it in an airtight container in the fridge. This will keep it fresh for up to two weeks.
Health Benefits of Celery Snacks
Celery is a great snack choice because it’s low in calories, has a ton of flavor, is high in fiber, and is packed with vitamins such as vitamin C and potassium. It’s also a crunchy snack, which can help satisfy your cravings for something crispy. At my house, celery is a healthy school snack or game-day appetizer. To take it to another level, try stuffing your tasty and nutritious treat, celery, with the cream cheese mixture provided in the recipe card below. Be creative and add flavors you and your family enjoy.
Whether you’re on the keto diet or just looking for a delicious snack, celery is an excellent choice. It’s a great source of fiber and has only a few grams of protein per serving, making it a perfect low-carb snack. You can also use celery pieces in a variety of recipes, such as celery smoothies or vegetable bug snacks.
Celery is a great snack that’s easy to prepare and packed with tons of vitamins and nutrients. So next time you’re looking for a good snack, consider reaching for some crunchy celery sticks.
Other Keto Recipes: Is Beef Jerky Low-Carb? A Good Keto-Friendly Snack
Creative Celery Snack Ideas or Recipes
When it comes to celery snacks, there are so many creative ways to enjoy this versatile vegetable. Here are some of my favorite recipes that are perfect for any occasion.
Classic Party Appetizer: Ants on a Log
This is a classic celery snack that’s perfect for any party or game-day gathering. Simply fill celery sticks with peanut butter and top with raisins. You can also switch it up and use cream cheese, feta cheese, or almond butter instead of peanut butter, and add some chopped nuts or dried cranberries for extra crunch and flavor.
Stuffed Celery Variations
Stuffed celery is another great way to enjoy this vegetable. You can stuff celery sticks with a variety of fillings, such as Italian cream cheese and green olives, bacon and scallion cream cheese, or crab meat, espelette pepper, and Mediterranean seasoning. For a vegan option, try stuffing celery with vegan cream cheese and topping with sesame seeds or poppy seeds.
Celery Dips and Spreads
Celery also makes a great vehicle for dips and spreads. Try making a simple hummus or guacamole and using celery sticks as dippers. You can also make a creamy celery dip by blending celery hearts, Greek yogurt, and fresh herbs like dill and parsley in a food processor.
Seasonal Celery Delights
For seasonal celery snacks, try making Rudolph celery snacks for Halloween by stuffing celery with cream cheese and adding pretzel antlers and a cherry tomato nose. For Thanksgiving and Christmas, try making bacon, cranberry, and walnut-stuffed celery with a sweet and salty flavor combination. And for the summer months, try making buffalo sauce chicken stuffed with celery with blue cheese dressing for a crowd-pleaser. In addition, you can make a healthy celery smoothie with basic ingredients sourced from your local grocery stores.
No matter what type of celery snack you’re in the mood for, there’s a recipe out there that’s sure to satisfy. Get creative and try making your own version using simple ingredients like cream cheese, peanut butter, and celery sticks.
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Spicy Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese - softened
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 6 slices crispy salty bacon - crumbled
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup red onion - finely diced
- ½ cup cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese - shredded
- Zest of one lemon
- Splash of lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons spicy sriracha mayo
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes - adjust to taste
- Fresh celery stalks - cleaned and trimmed
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy and Spicy Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and sour cream. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend until smooth.
- Fold in crumbled bacon, black pepper, finely diced red onion, shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese, lemon zest, and a splash of lemon juice.
- Add spicy sriracha mayo and chili flakes. Adjust the quantity of chili flakes based on your desired level of spiciness.
- Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 2: Fill the Celery
- Carefully fill each celery stalk with the creamy and spicy mixture, ensuring an even distribution.
Step 3: Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate stuffed celery for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled and experience the explosive combination of creamy, savory, and fiery flavors.
Notes
Making Ahead:
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Preparation in Advance:
- Prepare the creamy and spicy filling up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
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Assembly Tips:
- Clean and trim the celery stalks a few hours before serving, keeping them refrigerated until ready to stuff.
- Wait to fill the celery with the spicy mixture until a few hours before serving to maintain optimal freshness and crunch.
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Chilling Time:
- For the best flavor, allow the stuffed celery to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. However, if you’ve prepared the filling in advance, consider letting it come to room temperature for a few minutes before stuffing.
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Spiciness Level:
- Adjust the quantity of chili flakes according to personal preferences. If preparing ahead, consider tasting and adjusting the spiciness before serving.
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Serve Fresh:
- While the filling can be made ahead, assembling the stuffed celery is recommended closer to serving time to ensure a crisp texture.
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Storage:
- If you’ve assembled the stuffed celery but have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, keep in mind that the celery’s crispness may slightly diminish over time.
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Presentation:
- Before serving, garnish with additional chili flakes or fresh herbs for a visually appealing presentation.
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed and personalised calculations.