This Cheddar Bacon Celery Sticks combination has been a favorite in my kitchen for years. I first made it one busy afternoon when I needed a quick, crowd-pleasing nibble for visiting neighbors: crunchy celery, tangy cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and smoky bacon came together in moments and disappeared even faster. The texture contrast — crisp celery against the velvety filling studded with salty bacon — is what keeps people reaching for another piece. It’s simple, nostalgic, and reliably delicious.

I learned a few tricks refining this over multiple gatherings: cook the bacon until it's really crisp so it adds crunch instead of chew, soften the cream cheese to make spreading effortless, and shred the cheddar freshly for a brighter flavor. Whether you’re prepping a platter for kids, looking for a low-effort appetizer for last-minute guests, or assembling easy lunchbox bites, these sticks are unfussy and universally liked. Brandie Skibinski’s version from Velvetyum.com is the blueprint I follow, and every time someone asks for the recipe, I smile — it’s that good.

Ingredients

• Celery (8 large stalks): Choose firm, bright-green stalks with crisp leaves. The crunch is essential — look for thick ribs rather than floppy ones. Organic or conventional both work; wash and dry thoroughly to prevent the filling from sliding off.
• Bacon (1/2 pound, small diced): Use smoky, thick-cut bacon for the best texture; cook until deeply crisp. You can substitute turkey bacon for a leaner version but reduce salt elsewhere.
• Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Full-fat brick-style gives the richest mouthfeel and holds shape best. Let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes for easy mixing.
• Sharp cheddar (1 cup freshly shredded): Shred from a block for superior flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents and sometimes tastes drier.
• Dried ranch seasoning (1 tablespoon): A single tablespoon adds tang and herb notes; use a quality blend or make your own with dried dill, onion powder, garlic powder, and buttermilk powder if preferred.
• Green onions (2, thinly sliced): White and green parts both add a fresh oniony lift and a bright color contrast; slice thin so they distribute evenly in the filling.

Instructions

Prepare the celery: Wash and dry 8 large celery stalks thoroughly. Trim the ends and cut each stalk into fourths so you have 32 pieces. Drying is essential — any surface moisture will make the filling slide off. Chill in the refrigerator while you cook the bacon to keep them crisp. Cook the bacon: Dice 1/2 pound of bacon into small pieces and cook over medium heat in a large skillet, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is deeply browned and crisp, about 12–15 minutes. For even crisper results, cook a bit longer but watch carefully to avoid burning. Drain on paper towels and cool; any excess grease will make the filling runny. Combine the filling: In a medium bowl, add 8 ounces softened cream cheese, the cooled cooked bacon (reserve a bit for garnish if you like), 1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar, 1 tablespoon dried ranch seasoning, and 2 thinly sliced green onions. Stir with a spatula or beat with an electric hand mixer on low until smooth and evenly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning — a pinch of black pepper or a dash of hot sauce can add complexity. Assemble the sticks: Using a butter knife or small offset spatula, spread a generous dollop of filling into the hollow side of each celery piece, pressing gently to fill any gaps. Arrange on a serving platter and optionally sprinkle the reserved bacon or a little extra shredded cheddar on top. Serve immediately or cover and chill for up to 24 hours.

Storage Tips

Store the filling and celery separately for best results. Place the cream cheese mixture in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep unfilled celery in a plastic bag with a paper towel to absorb moisture in the crisper drawer for 2–3 days; assembled sticks are best eaten within 12–24 hours to preserve crunch. For reheating bacon used as garnish, warm in a 350°F oven for 3–4 minutes to re-crisp before sprinkling.

Ingredient Substitutions

To make a lighter version, swap full-fat cream cheese for neufchâtel or a ⅔ cup Greek yogurt whisked with 2 ounces cream cheese to maintain spreadability. For a vegetarian alternative, replace bacon with smoked tempeh crumbles or crispy, seasoned mushrooms. Use dairy-free cream cheese and dairy-free cheddar to make it lactose-free. If you prefer more tang, substitute ranch seasoning with 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard and 1 teaspoon dried dill.

Serving Suggestions

Arrange on a platter with colorful garnishes: sliced cherry tomatoes, cucumber rounds, or a sprinkle of chopped chives. Pair with crudité, crackers, or small sandwiches for a party table. These are perfect for brunch spreads, game-day nibblers, or as a light appetizer before a larger meal. For a picnic, keep filling chilled in a cooler and assemble on site to maintain crunch.

Cultural Background

The idea of stuffing celery dates back decades as a classic American party bite, often featuring cheese, pimento, or peanut butter. The crisp vegetable offered a refreshing contrast to richer hors d'oeuvres at mid-century gatherings. This version blends Southern comfort (bacon) with Midwestern cheese traditions, producing a modern take on a beloved retro snack that still delights contemporary palates.

Seasonal Adaptations

In summer, boost freshness with minced fresh herbs — basil or parsley — and add diced sun-dried tomatoes for brightness. In autumn and winter, swap green onions for finely chopped roasted shallots and add a pinch of smoked paprika for warmth. Holiday platters benefit from a festive garnish like pomegranate seeds for color contrast.

Meal Prep Tips

For make-ahead convenience, prepare the bacon and filling the night before and refrigerate. Wash, dry, and slice celery the next morning to maintain snap. Pack filling in a resealable container; when ready to serve, use a small offset spatula to fill each piece quickly. Use disposable pastry bags or zip-top bags with the corner snipped for faster assembly at scale.

These Cheddar Bacon Celery Sticks are a tiny celebration of texture and flavor — quick to make, beloved by guests, and endlessly adaptable. Try them once and you’ll find excuses to bring them to every gathering.