The holiday season is a time for gathering, celebrating, and delicious food. One delightful addition to your festive spread is the mouthwatering Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery. These delightful morsels combine the crisp freshness of celery with a sumptuous filling of sweetened cream cheese, tangy cranberries, and crunchy toasted pecans. The result is a light yet indulgent appetizer that is sure to leave your guests asking for more.
What makes these stuffed celery “snow logs” particularly appealing is their versatility. They are not only perfect for holiday parties but also make for a refreshing snack anytime you crave something sweet and crunchy. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe highlights the beauty of seasonal flavors in a deliciously simple format. And who doesn’t love a dish that’s quick to prepare, yet impressive enough to wow your guests?
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, these treats are ideal for last-minute gatherings.
- Light and Refreshing: The crisp celery offsets the creamy, sweet filling beautifully, making them a light yet satisfying option.
- Versatile: Perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or as a wholesome snack.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun way to introduce children to healthy snacks that taste great.
- Make Ahead: These can be prepared in advance and chilled until serving, saving you time on the big day!
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into preparing the Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery, it’s helpful to set up your kitchen for efficiency. Start by gathering all your ingredients, including celery stalks, cream cheese, chopped cranberries, pecans, honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. A good quality mixing bowl will be essential for combining the filling, while a butter knife or small spatula will come in handy for spreading the mixture into the celery.
Ensure your workspace is clean—wash the celery stalks thoroughly under running water before Begin cutting. A sturdy cutting board will help you manage the celery with ease. If you plan to chill the stuffed celery, you may also want to gather an airtight container for storage. All set? Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 8 celery stalks
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Celery
Start by thoroughly washing the celery stalks under cool running water to remove any dirt or impurities. Pat them dry with a towel. Once clean, cut each stalk into 3 to 4-inch pieces. This size is perfect for stuffing while making them easy to handle during serving.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, take the softened cream cheese for easy blending. Add in the chopped dried cranberries, toasted and chopped pecans, honey, vanilla extract, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. With a fork or mixer, blend the ingredients together until you achieve a smooth, velvety consistency. This delightful mixture should be sweet with a hint of nuttiness, perfectly complementing the crisp celery.
Step 3: Stuff the Celery
Now comes the fun part! Using a butter knife or small spatula, generously fill each piece of celery with the creamy mixture. Make sure to pack it in well so each bite offers a delightful burst of flavor. Don’t be shy—let the mixture spill over a little; it adds to the aesthetic and indulgent feel.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once all the celery stalks are filled, arrange them artfully on a serving platter. For an added touch of color, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top. You can serve these right away, or cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate until everyone is ready to enjoy. This dish is best served chilled!
Variations
- Protein: For added protein, consider mixing in some finely chopped cooked chicken or turkey into the cream cheese filling.
- Vegetables: Replace celery with hollowed cucumber or bell pepper strips for a twist!
- Spices: Experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger for different flavor profiles in your filling.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature to make blending easier.
- You can toast the pecans yourself in a dry pan over medium heat for added flavor, taking care not to burn them.
- If you prepare this dish ahead of time, consider adding the garnish just before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.
- This recipe can also be adapted for gluten-free diets by ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a glass of sparkling cider or a festive punch for extra holiday cheer.
- These stuffed celery logs are perfect as part of a larger appetizer spread alongside cheese plates and crackers.
Tips
- For a sweeter twist, add a few tablespoons of mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese mixture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just ensure to keep the logs covered to maintain freshness.
- If you want to create a themed presentation, place the stuffed logs on a platter decorated with a layer of snow-like shredded coconut or powdered sugar.
- Encourage kids to help with the stuffing process—this makes for a fun and engaging family activity!
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes (or up to 30 minutes with chilling)
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approx. 150 per serving
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 90mg
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These stuffed celery logs can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to serve them.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries are quite tart and may require additional sweetening to balance the flavors, but they can be used as a fresh alternative.
What type of nuts can I use instead of pecans?
Feel free to use walnuts or almonds if you prefer different flavors or have allergies to pecans.
Conclusion
The Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery is a must-try appetizer that elegantly bridges the gap between health and indulgence. With a balance of flavors and textures, these delightful logs provide a festive pop of color and taste to any gathering. Easy to make and manageable for both snack time and special occasions, they will surely earn a spot on your recipe list! We’d love to hear your feedback—how did your stuffed celery turn out? Any variations you tried? Share your thoughts with us and fellow food lovers!
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Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A light and indulgent appetizer perfect for gatherings!
Ingredients
- 8 celery stalks
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Start by thoroughly washing the celery stalks under cool running water to remove any dirt or impurities. Pat them dry with a towel. Once clean, cut each stalk into 3 to 4-inch pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, take the softened cream cheese for easy blending. Add in the chopped dried cranberries, toasted and chopped pecans, honey, vanilla extract, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. With a fork or mixer, blend the ingredients together until smooth.
- Using a butter knife or small spatula, generously fill each piece of celery with the creamy mixture, packing it well.
- Once all the celery stalks are filled, arrange them artfully on a serving platter. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top if desired, and serve chilled!
Notes
These can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge until serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
Nutrition
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Protein: 2 g