Bacon Scallion Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Sticks
These crispy celery sticks are filled with a rich cream cheese mixture loaded with crispy bacon, fresh scallions, and bright lemon zest. The bacon is oven-baked until perfectly crisp, then chopped and mixed with rendered fat for extra flavor. A sprinkle of Espelette pepper adds a subtle heat that complements the creamy filling. Perfect as an appetizer for parties, holiday gatherings, or casual entertaining when you want something that feels indulgent but still includes fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
- ¼ pound bacon
- 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 4 scallions, white and green parts, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest, finely grated
- 1 celery bunch, cut into 3-inch logs
- ⅓ cup celery leaves, chopped
- 2 teaspoons Espelette pepperpaprika1:1
milder heat
Instructions
- 1
Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 400 degrees
- 2
Arrange bacon slices on foil-lined rimmed baking sheet and bake, turning once, until crisp and browned
- 3
Remove from heat, reserve rendered fat and allow to cool
- 4
Finely chop cooled bacon and set aside
- 5
Combine cream cheese, Dijon mustard, scallions, lemon zest, chopped bacon and rendered bacon fat in stand mixer
- 6
Mix on medium speed until thoroughly combined
- 7
Fill three-quarters of each celery log with cream cheese mixture
- 8
Garnish with celery leaves and pinch of Espelette pepper and serve
Tips
Let bacon cool completely before chopping to prevent melting the cream cheese when mixing
Reserve and use the bacon fat for extra flavor - it adds richness that plain bacon pieces alone cannot provide
Fill celery logs generously but not completely full to prevent spillage when serving
Good to Know
Refrigerate filled celery sticks covered for up to 2 days
Cream cheese mixture can be prepared 1 day ahead and refrigerated
Serve chilled or at room temperature within 2 hours of filling
Common Mistakes
Do not overfill celery logs to avoid messy serving
Let bacon cool completely before mixing to prevent melting cream cheese
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I make these without bacon fat?
Yes, but the bacon fat adds significant flavor. You can omit it for a lighter version, though the filling will be less rich and flavorful.
How long do these keep in the refrigerator?
Filled celery sticks will keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though they're best served within 24 hours for optimal texture.
Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
Fresh-cooked bacon works better as you need the rendered fat for the filling. Pre-cooked bacon lacks the fat and may be too dry for this recipe.