These are a fantastic, fun, and flavorful low-carb snack or appetizer. Crisp celery boats are filled with a rich and creamy bacon cheddar mixture that is absolutely irresistible. They’re perfect for game day, a party platter, or a healthy afternoon snack.
Here is the recipe for Low Carb Creamy Bacon Cheddar Celery Boats.
Low Carb Creamy Bacon Cheddar Celery Boats
This recipe is incredibly easy to make and packed with protein and healthy fats to keep you satisfied. The combination of cool, crunchy celery and the savory, smoky, cheesy filling is a match made in heaven.
Yields: About 12-16 boats (depending on celery size)
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 5-10 minutes (for bacon)
Chill time: 15-30 minutes (optional, but recommended)
Ingredients
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1 large bunch of celery (about 8-10 stalks), washed and trimmed
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8 slices of bacon
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4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
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½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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¼ cup mayonnaise
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¼ teaspoon garlic powder
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¼ teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons fresh chives or green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Cook the Bacon: Cook the bacon until crispy. You can do this in a skillet over medium heat, in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or in an air fryer. Once cooked, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool. Once cool, crumble or chop the bacon into small pieces.
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Prepare the Celery: Wash the celery stalks and trim the ends. Cut each stalk into 2-3 inch long “boat” pieces. If the stalks are very wide, you can also cut them in half lengthwise for smaller portions.
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Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until smooth and well combined.
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Add Bacon: Reserve about 1 tablespoon of the crumbled bacon for garnish. Fold the remaining bacon into the cream cheese mixture until evenly distributed. Taste the filling and add salt and pepper as needed. (Keep in mind that bacon and cheddar are already salty).
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Fill the Boats: Spoon the creamy bacon cheddar mixture into the celery boats. You can use a small spoon or, for a cleaner look, pipe the filling using a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off.
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Garnish and Chill: Sprinkle the reserved bacon bits and the fresh chopped chives or green onions over the filled boats. For the best flavor and to allow the filling to firm up slightly, place the celery boats on a plate or tray and refrigerate for at least 15-30 minutes before serving.
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Serve: Arrange the chilled celery boats on a platter and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
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Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a few dashes of hot sauce, or some diced pickled jalapeños to the filling for a spicy kick.
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Different Cheese: Try using smoked cheddar, pepper jack, or even crumbled blue cheese instead of sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
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Add Herbs: Fresh dill or parsley would also be delicious additions to the filling.
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Dairy-Free/Whole30: For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free cream cheese and mayonnaise, and omit the cheddar cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
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Meal Prep: You can prepare the filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the celery boats just before serving to keep the celery extra crunchy.