Ingredients
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine the 1/4 cup (approx. 2 oz / 57g) of shredded Italian cheese blend with the entire 8 oz (approx. 225g) package of fat-free cream cheese.
- Mix the cheeses until they are well combined and smooth. Evenly spread this cream cheese filling into the hollow cavity of each prepared celery stalk.
- Sprinkle half of the filled celery stalks (4 stalks) with the 2 tbsp. (approx. 0.5 oz / 15g) of dry-roasted sunflower seeds.
- Sprinkle the remaining half of the filled celery stalks (4 stalks) with the cooled mixture of toasted pine nuts and minced garlic. Press the toppings gently into the cream cheese to help them stick.
- Cut each topped celery stalk into four 2-inch pieces, resulting in 32 individual Stuffed Celery Bites.
- Arrange the bites on a platter, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with fresh celery leaves just before serving, if desired.
- Dry Your Celery Completely: Cream cheese won't stick to wet vegetables.
- After washing your celery stalks, use a paper towel to dry the inside cavity thoroughly before adding the cheese mixture.
Soften the Cream Cheese: To ensure a perfectly smooth and pipeable filling, let your fat-free cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before mixing it with the Italian cheese blend.
Prevent Wobbly Appetizers: Don't skip shaving the bottom of the celery stalks! Taking a vegetable peeler to the rounded back of the stalk gives your Stuffed Celery Bites a flat base, keeping them upright and professional-looking on your serving platter.
Preserve the Crunch: If you are meal-prepping these for a party, fill the celery and store them in the fridge, but wait to add the toasted pine nuts and sunflower seeds until just before serving. This keeps the nuts perfectly crunchy.
