Celery And Cream Cheese Sticks
Ingredients
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- 6 celery stalks – washed and cut in half crosswise
- 8 ounces cream cheese – softened at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice – freshly squeezed
- 1/4 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoons onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoons fine salt – or to taste
- 1/8 teaspoons black pepper – freshly ground, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives – finely chopped, plus more finely chopped (for serving)
- 1/4 teaspoons paprika – plus a small pinch (for serving)
Instructions
1. Place the cream cheese in a medium bowl and let it sit at room temperature until softened if needed, about 10–15 minutes.
2. While the cream cheese softens, wash the celery stalks, trim the ends, and cut each stalk in half crosswise to make shorter sticks.
3. Pat the celery sticks dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels so the filling adheres well.
4. Add the sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, chopped chives, and paprika to the cream cheese.
5. Beat the mixture with a spoon or small rubber spatula until smooth, creamy, and evenly combined.
6. Taste the cream cheese mixture and adjust the seasoning with a little more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
7. Using a small spoon or butter knife, spread the cream cheese mixture into the hollow side of each celery stick, pressing it in and smoothing the top.
8. Arrange the filled celery sticks on a serving plate in a single layer.
9. Sprinkle the tops lightly with a small pinch of additional chopped chives and paprika for serving.
10. Serve the celery and cream cheese sticks immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before serving, allowing them to sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes to soften slightly.
Celery and Cream Cheese Sticks are a crisp, cool snack that pairs the refreshing crunch of celery with the rich, tangy smoothness of a seasoned cream cheese filling. The contrast in textures—juicy, fibrous celery against a velvety spread—makes each bite satisfying and light at the same time. Simple seasoning and fresh herbs add gentle savory notes without overpowering the clean flavors of the vegetables and dairy. They work equally well as an after-school snack, cocktail-party finger food, or part of a retro appetizer spread.
Historically, this style of stuffed celery emerged in North American home cooking and party food culture in the mid-20th century, when cream cheese spreads and canapés became popular. Variants have been filled with everything from pimento cheese to blue cheese or cottage cheese, but cream cheese became the most common base thanks to its mild flavor and easy spreadability. Over time, celery and cream cheese sticks have remained a nostalgic staple of potlucks and holiday relish trays, often customized with different herbs and spices while keeping the basic formula unchanged.