Different Ways to Cook and Use Celery
Celery is an often overlooked vegetable. It’s kind of boring right? Well, did you know that celery typically goes on sale from Thanksgiving to Super Bowl every year? This is the perfect time to start cooking more celery and figuring out fun ways to use it!
Why Use Celery?
Not only is celery a cheap vegetable option, but it’s actually a great addition to a healthy meal plan. So many health benefits that can help people of all ages!
How to Cook with Celery?
Celery has some many options in cooking. Let’s look at the different ways we can use celery in our meal planning.
1. Sautéing
Sautéing celery in a bit of oil or butter over medium heat softens it while keeping a slight crunch. This method enhances its natural sweetness and reduces bitterness. It’s perfect for creating a flavor base in soups, stews, or sauces like a classic mirepoix. Add sautéed celery to stir-fries or pasta dishes for extra texture and depth. For an herby twist, season with thyme or parsley.
2. Roasting
Roasting celery in the oven caramelizes its natural sugars, creating a sweet, nutty flavor with a hint of smokiness. The texture becomes tender with slightly crisp edges. Use roasted celery in a vegetable medley, as a topping for grain bowls, or in casseroles. Drizzle with balsamic glaze or sprinkle with Parmesan to elevate the flavor.
3. Boiling
Boiling celery softens it and mellows its flavor, reducing bitterness while enhancing its earthiness. It works well in soups, stocks, or creamy casseroles like chicken and rice. Boiled celery can also be blended into smooth purees or creamy soups. To retain some firmness, avoid over-boiling.
4. Added to Baked Dishes
Baking celery in casseroles, gratins, or stuffing allows it to absorb the flavors of surrounding ingredients. It adds a subtle crunch and depth to dishes like chicken pot pie, holiday stuffing, or a cheesy celery gratin. Use celery leaves as a garnish to bring a fresh, herbal note to baked recipes.
5. Juicing
Juicing celery keeps its raw, grassy flavor intact, with a hint of bitterness. It pairs beautifully with fruits like apple or citrus for a balanced green smoothie or refreshing mocktail. Celery juice can also be used as a base for chilled soups like gazpacho. Always choose fresh, crisp celery for the best results.
6. Stuffing
Stuffing celery transforms it into a versatile snack. The raw, crisp stalks are perfect vessels for fillings like cream cheese and herbs, hummus, or pimento cheese for savory options. Sweet fillings like almond butter or Nutella work well for a treat. Sprinkle with toppings like nuts or dried fruit for added flavor and crunch.
How to use up a bunch of Celery!
Make Your Own Cream of Celery Soup
Homemade cream of celery soup is a comforting way to showcase celery’s flavor. By sautéing celery with onions, garlic, and butter, then blending it with broth and cream, you create a smooth and velvety soup. The flavor becomes rich and slightly sweet, perfect as a standalone dish or as a base for casseroles and sauces.
Add to Stir-Fry
Celery’s natural crunch and mild flavor make it a fantastic addition to stir-fries. Slice it thin and cook it quickly over high heat with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce for a vibrant and crisp texture. The heat mellows the celery’s bitterness while keeping its refreshing bite. Pair with proteins like chicken or tofu for a balanced meal.
Pickled Celery
Pickling transforms celery into a tangy, crunchy treat. Marinate celery sticks or slices in a brine of vinegar, sugar, and spices like mustard seed or dill. The process enhances its tartness while maintaining its crunch, making it a perfect topping for sandwiches, burgers, or salads. Quick-pickled celery is also a fun snack on its own.
Different Ways to Stuff & Dip Celery!
One of my favorite things about celery is it is the perfect edible boat to stuff and to use as a dipper.
Peanut Butter
A classic filling for celery, peanut butter offers a creamy, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with celery’s crunch. Top with raisins, chocolate chips, or granola for a fun twist.
Cream Cheese Blends
Cream cheese mixed with herbs, garlic, or shredded cheese creates a smooth, flavorful filling. It’s versatile, easy to customize, and perfect for savory snacks or appetizers.
Hummus
This protein-packed dip adds a hearty, earthy flavor to celery. Use plain, roasted red pepper, or garlic hummus, and sprinkle with paprika or parsley for added flair.
Pimento Cheese
A rich, tangy Southern favorite made with shredded cheese, mayo, and pimentos. It’s creamy and flavorful, making celery a great vessel for this bold spread.
Prepared Salads (Tuna, Chicken, Ham, etc.)
Prepared salads offer a protein-rich, hearty filling for celery. These creamy and savory mixes turn celery sticks into a satisfying snack or light lunch.
Guacamole
Fresh guacamole provides a creamy, zesty contrast to celery’s crunch. Add a sprinkle of chili flakes or lime juice to enhance the flavor for a healthy and flavorful bite.
Salsa
Fresh salsa adds a zesty, tangy kick to celery. Use classic tomato-based salsa or try mango or pineapple salsa for a sweet and savory twist.
Salad Dressings
Thicker dressings like ranch or blue cheese pair well with celery’s crisp texture, making it a flavorful and easy snack or appetizer.
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese provides a creamy, protein-packed filling. Sprinkle with black pepper, paprika, or chopped green onions for added flavor.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
A spicy, cheesy filling that turns celery into a bold snack. It’s perfect for game days or parties when you want a little heat.
Greek Yogurt
Plain or flavored Greek yogurt creates a creamy and tangy filling. Sweeten with honey or mix with herbs for either a sweet or savory option.
Nutella
This chocolate-hazelnut spread is a decadent choice for celery. Top with chopped nuts or dried fruit for a sweet treat.
Adding more Celery to your Life
Hopefully this list of different ideas to cook with celery, how to use up a lot of it, and ways to stuff it has inspired you to go get some celery! One of the great things about celery is that it lasts a good long time in your fridge, and you can even freeze it for later.
Simply chop your celery into a small chop and you can easily add a handful to any dish you like while cooking. No need to defrost it first, just add it in like you would frozen bell peppers or onions!
