Cheddar Bacon Ranch Celery Sticks

© Original Recipe By Serena’s Delights ©

🧀🥓🥒 The Ultimate Cheddar Bacon Ranch Celery Sticks: Easy Stuffed Celery for Healthy Snacking! 🥗

1. Introduction

Looking for a quick, flavorful, and healthy snack? Enter the Cheddar Bacon Ranch Celery Sticks, an irresistible easy stuffed celery recipe that combines crunchy celery with creamy cheddar, smoky bacon pieces, and zesty ranch dressing. Perfect for parties, game day, or a nutritious anytime treat, this cheddar bacon ranch appetizer offers a satisfying crunch while packing bold flavors. If you’ve been craving a simple yet crowd-pleasing snack, you’ll love how effortlessly this recipe comes together.

2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in 15 minutes: Minimal prep, maximum flavor.
• Healthy snack: Low-calorie with fresh vegetables.
• Versatile: Perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or side dishes.
• Customizable: Add extra ingredients like chopped spinach or hot sauce.

3. Ingredient Notes

This recipe thrives on high-quality, flavorful ingredients. Choose a sharp, aged cheddar cheese that melts well but also provides a rich, tangy bite. Using crispy bacon pieces adds smoky, savory notes—opt for thick-cut bacon for more texture. The ranch dressing acts as the creamy bind, so select a good-quality, full-flavored ranch or make your own from scratch for a fresher taste. Fresh, crunchy celery is essential; look for firm stalks with vibrant color. For the best flavor, organic celery can elevate the overall snappiness and taste.

4. Kitchen Tools You Need

To craft these stuffed celery sticks perfectly, you’ll find these kitchen tools indispensable:

• T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set: Ensures even cooking of bacon and cheese melting.
• Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer: For crisping bacon quickly and healthily, and reheating leftovers to keep them crispy.
• Breville Nespresso Vertuo Creatista Espresso & Coffee Maker: Though not essential here, perfect for coffee lovers who want a snack and coffee combo!

Tip: A sturdy vegetable scoop or melon baller (not listed) helps hollow out celery easily and evenly, but a sharp paring knife works well too.

5. How to Make Cheddar Bacon Ranch Celery Sticks

Prepare the ingredients

Start by cooking your bacon until crispy—about 8-10 minutes in a [preheated oven](https://amzn.to/4nzaJiK) or on the stovetop. Once cooled, crumble or chop into small pieces. Meanwhile, shred the cheddar cheese using a box grater until you have about 1/2 cup of finely grated cheese. Rinse and pat dry the celery stalks, selecting ones that are thick and sturdy for stuffing.

Hollow out the celery

Trim the base of each celery stalk so it stands upright. Using a sharp paring knife or melon baller, carefully carve out a long, narrow channel along the inside of each stalk. The goal is to create enough space for the cheesy filling without breaking the stalks. The hollowed-out cavity should be about the size of a tablespoon of filling. Look for vibrant, crisp celery that makes a satisfying crunch.

Mix the filling

In a small bowl, combine the shredded cheddar, crispy bacon bits, and enough ranch dressing to create a creamy, cohesive filling—about 3-4 tablespoons. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed, and taste for seasonings. Feel free to add a pinch of black pepper or chopped chives for extra flavor.

Stuff the celery

Using a small spoon or piping bag, carefully spoon or pipe the cheesy mixture into each hollowed celery stalk. The filling should mound slightly at the top, but avoid overstuffing to prevent spillage. Once filled, arrange the celery sticks on a serving platter.

Optional – Crisp the bacon-topped sticks

If you want an extra crispy finish, place the assembled sticks in a preheated [air fryer](https://amzn.to/4jTwRSW) at 375°F for 2-3 minutes. This step enhances texture and adds an appealing crispiness to the bacon bits and cheddar topping.

6. Expert Tips for Success

• Choose firm celery: Softer celery can become soggy quickly, so pick stalks that are crisp and fresh.
• Drain excess ranch dressing: Too much dressing can make the filling runny; add gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
• Pre-cook bacon: For even crisper bacon, cook ahead and store in paper towels to absorb excess grease.
• Use grated cheese: Finely grated cheese melts more evenly and sticks better to the bacon and dressing mixture.
• Chill before serving: Let the stuffed celery sit in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

7. Variations & Substitutions

Want to customize your healthy snack celery sticks? Consider these substitutions:

• Spinach or kale: Mix in chopped fresh greens for added nutrients.
• Hot sauce: Add a dash of hot sauce to the ranch for a spicy kick.
• Vegan options: Use plant-based cheese and bacon alternatives with vegan ranch dressing.
• Dairy-free: Swap out cheese for nutritional yeast or cashew cheese for a dairy-free version.

8. Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. If you want to enjoy them warm again, briefly reheat in an [air fryer](https://amzn.to/4jTwRSW) at 350°F for 2 minutes or until hot and crispy. For best texture, consume quickly and avoid sogginess.

9. FAQ

Can I prepare these celery sticks ahead of time?

Yes, prepare and fill the celery stalks up to 4 hours in advance. Keep them refrigerated, but add the bacon toppings just before serving to maintain crispiness.

What makes this an easy stuffed celery recipe?

It combines simple ingredients, minimal prep, and quick assembly—making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use vegan bacon, plant-based cheese, and vegan ranch dressing to enjoy a cruelty-free, healthy snack celery sticks that everyone can enjoy.

10. Conclusion

With its irresistible combination of crispy bacon, stretchy cheddar, and zesty ranch, these Cheddar Bacon Ranch Celery Sticks make a perfect easy stuffed celery snack. They’re as fun to make as they are to eat! Whether for a quick snack or entertaining guests, this recipe delivers flavor, crunch, and satisfaction in every bite. Give it a try today and enjoy a homemade, healthy treat that everyone will love.

Print