Save Crisp celery sticks tossed with butter, garlic, and a generous heap of Parmesan have become my go to when I crave something savory but want to keep it light and satisfying. These garlic Parmesan celery sticks bake up golden and become utterly irresistible—perfect for a speedy snack or a simple party platter.
I first whipped up these celery sticks when my family wanted something crunchy and cheesy during movie night. Now they ask for them on repeat especially when I want to sneak in an extra serving of vegetables.
Ingredients
- Celery stalks: Fresh and crisp celery holds its texture best Choose firm stalks with bright green color and no browning
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings nutty saltiness and turns golden as it bakes Opt for Parmigiano Reggiano for fullest flavor
- Unsalted butter: Helps the seasoning adhere and adds richness Use high quality butter for the best taste
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses every bite with bold aroma Choose cloves that are firm and without sprouting
- Dried Italian herbs: Optional but brings gentle herbal notes Pick a blend without fillers for clean flavor
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat Choose freshly ground for best results
- Sea salt: Balances out the flavors Use flaky or coarse salt for a bit of crunch
- Fresh parsley: Optional but offers a pop of freshness and color Select leaves that are vibrant and unwilted
Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet:
- Preheat your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit or two hundred degrees Celsius Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the celery will not stick and cleanup is easy
- Mix the Seasoning:
- In a large mixing bowl combine the melted butter with minced garlic dried Italian herbs if you are using black pepper and sea salt Stir together until fully blended and fragrant
- Coat the Celery:
- Add the prepared celery sticks into the butter garlic mixture Toss thoroughly with your hands or a spatula so each stick is evenly coated with flavor
- Add the Parmesan:
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the buttery celery sticks Continue tossing gently until the cheese clings to every piece
- Arrange and Bake:
- Lay out the coated celery sticks in one layer on your parchment lined baking sheet Make sure they are not overlapping This allows the cheese to crisp and each piece to bake evenly Bake in the preheated oven for twelve to fifteen minutes until the cheese is golden and the celery is still slightly crunchy
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the baking sheet and move the celery sticks to a serving platter Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like Serve them warm so you catch all the melty cheesy goodness
Save I absolutely love how the Parmesan turns perfectly golden and crispy every time I make these My kids are convinced that parmesan cheese has magical powers and I will never disagree especially when it gets them to eat more greens
Storage Tips
Store leftover celery sticks in an airtight container in the fridge They will keep well for up to two days To reheat toss them on a baking sheet and warm in a hot oven for five minutes to bring back the crispiness If you want to keep them from getting soggy avoid microwaving
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap Parmesan cheese with Pecorino Romano for a sharper bite Use ghee or plant based butter to make it dairy free just know the flavor will vary Stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper if you enjoy a little heat with your cheesy snacks
Serving Suggestions
Pile these celery sticks onto a platter alongside ranch or marinara sauce for dipping They also make a stellar crunchy addition to picnic spreads or game day snacks One friend swears by pairing them with creamy hummus for an extra veggie boost
Seasonal Adaptations
You can add a sprinkle of lemon zest in the spring to lighten things up Rosemary or thyme work beautifully if you run out of Italian herbs In winter add extra garlic for warming comfort
Save With a handful of ingredients and virtually no prep these garlic Parmesan celery sticks will be your new quick fix for party trays or everyday snacking. Try them warm and see for yourself just how irresistible they are.