Stuffed Celery Bacon Herb has always been my go-to for parties, and this recipe is hands-down the best I’ve ever made. I remember a family reunion years ago where these little bites were the first to disappear; the combination of creamy filling, smoky bacon, and fresh herbs was pure magic. They’re such an easy bacon celery appetizer that always impresses. The secret, I’ve found, is in getting the texture just right for that perfect cream cheese stuffed celery with bacon experience. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Celery Bacon Herb
You’ll adore this recipe for so many reasons:
- The taste is incredible – a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and smoky.
- It’s a super-fast appetizer, ready in about 15 minutes total.
- Enjoy a refreshing crunch from the celery with the rich filling.
- It’s a budget-friendly dish that feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.
- Kids and adults alike adore these celery with bacon and herbs bites.
- It’s a fantastic option for those looking for an easy appetizer.
- The combination of celery with bacon and herbs offers a delightful flavor profile.
- It’s a simple yet elegant addition to any party spread.
Ingredients for Stuffed Celery Bacon Herb
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to creating a crowd-pleasing appetizer. For this delightful cream cheese bacon celery recipe, you’ll need:
- 4–5 stalks celery – choose crisp, fresh stalks and wash them well before cutting into 3-inch pieces.
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened – this is the creamy base of our filling, so make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon, chopped – use your favorite crispy bacon for that essential smoky flavor.
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded – sharp cheddar adds a wonderful tang that complements the bacon and cream cheese.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped – fresh herbs brighten up the whole dish.
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped – chives add a mild oniony flavor that pairs perfectly.
- 1/4 tsp salt – to enhance all the flavors.
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper – for a little spice.
- 3 dashes hot sauce – optional, but it adds a subtle kick to the creamy filling.
How to Make Stuffed Celery Bacon Herb
Creating these delightful stuffed celery bites is a breeze! This recipe for bacon stuffed celery is so straightforward, you’ll be whipping them up for every gathering.
- Step 1: Prepare your celery by washing the stalks thoroughly and then cutting them into manageable 3-inch pieces. This is your first step in creating perfect bacon herb stuffed celery sticks.
- Step 2: In a food processor or using a handheld mixer, whip the softened cream cheese until it’s wonderfully smooth and creamy. This creates the luscious base for our filling.
- Step 3: Add the chopped cooked bacon, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, fresh chopped parsley, fresh chopped chives, salt, pepper, and hot sauce to the cream cheese.
- Step 4: Pulse the mixture in the food processor or mix with your handheld mixer until all the ingredients are beautifully combined. You want a thick, consistent filling, making these herb and bacon celery bites irresistible.
- Step 5: Carefully spoon or pipe the creamy filling into each prepared celery stalk. Don’t be shy – fill them generously! The aroma of the herbs and bacon starting to meld is fantastic.
- Step 6: For an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, sprinkle with additional chives and crumbled bacon if you like. This makes your stuffed celery sticks with bacon look extra special.
- Step 7: Serve your amazing stuffed celery bacon herb appetizers immediately for the best texture and flavor. If you need to make them a bit ahead, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 hours.
Pro Tips for the Best Stuffed Celery Bacon Herb
Want to elevate your appetizer game? Here are my top tips for making the most delicious stuffed celery sticks with bacon:
- Choose crisp, fresh celery stalks and trim them evenly for a professional look.
- Ensure your cream cheese is truly softened; it makes mixing the filling so much easier and smoother.
- Don’t over-process the filling. You want a creamy texture, not a liquid one, for these herb and bacon celery bites.
- For a stunning presentation, consider using a piping bag with a star tip to fill the celery.
- Taste the filling before stuffing and adjust seasonings – a little more salt or pepper can make a big difference in this creamy bacon celery recipe.
What’s the secret to perfect Stuffed Celery Bacon Herb?
The real secret to the best stuffed celery recipe is the balance of textures and flavors. Using softened cream cheese and adding both crispy bacon and sharp cheddar creates that irresistible creamy-yet-savory bite. It’s a simple technique that yields amazing results. For more tips on achieving the perfect creamy texture, you can explore food preparation techniques.
Can I make Stuffed Celery Bacon Herb ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling up to two days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also stuff the celery a few hours before serving and keep them covered in the fridge. Just let them sit out for a few minutes before guests arrive. This makes them a great option for party planning.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Stuffed Celery Bacon Herb?
A couple of common pitfalls include using cold cream cheese, which leads to a lumpy filling, and over-mixing the filling, which can make it too soft. Also, make sure your celery is dry before stuffing so the filling adheres well. Proper ingredient temperature is crucial for many recipes, as discussed in culinary basics.
Best Ways to Serve Stuffed Celery Bacon Herb
These delightful stuffed celery bacon herb bites are incredibly versatile. For a classic party spread, arrange them on a platter alongside other finger foods like mini quiches or cheese balls. They also make a fantastic addition to a charcuterie board, offering a refreshing contrast to richer items. As a savory stuffed celery appetizer, they pair wonderfully with crisp white wines or a light lager. Consider serving them with a side of ranch dip or a spicy aioli for an extra flavor kick.
Nutrition Facts for Stuffed Celery Bacon Herb
When enjoying these delightful stuffed celery bites, it’s helpful to know what you’re consuming. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving, which typically includes two celery halves:
- Calories: 98 kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially the type of bacon and cream cheese. For more information on understanding nutrition labels, you can refer to resources like the FDA’s guide.
How to Store and Reheat Stuffed Celery Bacon Herb
Properly storing your delicious stuffed celery bacon herb appetizers ensures they stay fresh and tasty. Once they’ve cooled slightly after preparation, place them in an airtight container. You can refrigerate these delightful bites for up to 3-4 days. They make for fantastic quick bacon stuffed celery snacks to grab throughout the week. If you need longer storage, freezing is an option; wrap individual stuffed celery stalks tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, it’s best to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. For a slightly softer filling, let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving. Avoid reheating in a microwave, as it can make the celery mushy and the filling oily.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stuffed Celery Bacon Herb
What’s the best way to make bacon celery appetizers?
The key to making the best bacon celery appetizers is using fresh, crisp celery and a well-seasoned, creamy filling. My favorite method involves a food processor for a perfectly smooth celery bacon cream cheese filling. Just ensure your cream cheese is softened for the easiest mixing!
Can I add other ingredients to the stuffing?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your stuffed celery bacon herb. Some popular additions include finely chopped onion or chives for an extra layer of flavor, a pinch of garlic powder, or even a touch of Dijon mustard for a little tang. The possibilities are endless for making these herb and bacon celery bites your own. You can find inspiration for flavor combinations.
How do I make sure the filling stays in the celery?
To ensure your filling stays put when you’re making how to make bacon celery, make sure the cream cheese mixture is thick and not too runny. If it seems a bit soft, you can chill it for about 15-20 minutes before stuffing. Also, don’t overfill the celery stalks; a generous but not overflowing amount works best.
What are some good variations for stuffed celery?
For a different twist on your stuffed celery bacon herb, try swapping the cheddar for Gruyere or adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the filling for a deeper smoky flavor. You could also try a spicy version by adding jalapeños or a dash more hot sauce. These variations make for a delightful savory stuffed celery appetizer. Explore more appetizer ideas.
Variations of Stuffed Celery Bacon Herb You Can Try
While this recipe for stuffed celery bacon herb is fantastic as is, don’t be afraid to get creative! Tailoring these bites can make them perfect for any occasion or dietary need. These variations ensure your party stuffed celery bacon platters are always exciting.
- Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, finely dice a small jalapeño and add it to the cream cheese mixture along with the bacon and herbs. A dash more hot sauce can also amp up the spice for a truly zesty appetizer.
- Smoky Paprika Twist: Introduce a deeper, smoky flavor by adding 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the filling. This complements the bacon beautifully and adds a lovely color, making them a standout herb and bacon celery bites.
- Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but if you want to ensure no cross-contamination or are serving guests with strict dietary needs, be sure to use certified gluten-free bacon and check your cream cheese and spices.
- Veggie Lover’s Delight: For a vegetarian option, simply omit the bacon. You can replace it with finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a burst of flavor and color.
Stuffed Celery Bacon Herb: Easy 15-Min Appetizer
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these easy Stuffed Celery Boats, a flavorful appetizer featuring a creamy, herb-infused cream cheese filling topped with smoky bacon and sharp cheddar. They offer a refreshing crunch and rich, cheesy taste perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4–5 stalks celery
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 3 dashes hot sauce
Instructions
- Cut celery stalks in half.
- In a food processor or with a handheld mixer, whip the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add bacon, cheddar cheese, parsley, chives, salt, pepper, and hot sauce.
- Blend or pulse until all ingredients are well combined.
- Fill each celery stalk with the cream cheese mixture.
- Sprinkle with additional chives and bacon if desired.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- For best results, wash and dry celery thoroughly before cutting.
- The filling can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Celery sticks can be filled a few hours before serving and stored covered in the fridge.
- Allow stuffed celery to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for a slightly softer filling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (2 halves)
- Calories: 98 kcal
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Cholesterol: N/A
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