If you’re looking for a bright, festive appetizer that will turn heads at your next gathering, the Cranberry Pecan Holiday Celery Boats Recipe is a true gem to have up your sleeve. This colorful dish combines the crisp brightness of fresh celery with a luscious cream cheese filling, balanced perfectly by the tart sweetness of dried cranberries and the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans. It’s a refreshing, no-cook treat that comes together quickly but feels luxurious enough to impress holiday guests or family members alike. Trust me, once you try these little boats, they’ll become a staple snack and a conversation starter every festive season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is what makes the Cranberry Pecan Holiday Celery Boats Recipe both simple and incredibly delightful. Each element plays a critical role — from creamy richness to a subtle tang, with fresh herbal notes and that chewy-crunchy pop.
- Celery stalks: Fresh and firm, they provide the perfect crunchy “boats” to hold all the goodies.
- Cream cheese: Softened for smoothness and rich flavor, it’s the base that makes each bite creamy and dreamy.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds a little tang and extra creaminess, lightening the cream cheese.
- Garlic powder: Sprinkles in mild savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Fresh herbs (parsley or dill): Liven the filling with bright aromatic notes that make every bite feel fresh.
- Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
- Dried cranberries: Give a delightful burst of fruity sweetness and a holiday-appropriate red color.
- Toasted pecans: Add a toasty crunch and nutty richness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
- Extra fresh herbs for garnish: A touch of green makes these boats look as good as they taste.
How to Make Cranberry Pecan Holiday Celery Boats Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Celery
Start by washing the celery stalks thoroughly to remove any dirt, then dry them well. Cut into 3 to 4 inch pieces for perfect bite-sized boats that fit nicely on a platter.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sour cream or Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy. This step ensures the filling spreads easily inside the celery grooves.
Step 3: Season the Filling
Stir in the garlic powder, chopped fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. This combination builds a savory, aromatic base that complements the fresh celery and sweet cranberries.
Step 4: Fill the Celery Boats
Using a spoon or piping bag, generously fill each celery hollow with the cream cheese mixture. Aim for a neat, full look that invites eager fingers to grab one!
Step 5: Add Cranberries
Gently press a few dried cranberries into the cheese filling inside each celery stalk. Their tartness adds vibrant color and a delightful contrast.
Step 6: Top with Pecans
Sprinkle toasted pecan halves or pieces on top to lend unforgettable crunch and nuttiness that elevate every bite.
Step 7: Garnish and Finish
For a final flourish, scatter extra fresh herbs over the boats. This adds a celebratory green touch and intensifies the fresh aroma.
Step 8: Chill or Serve
Pop your finished celery boats into the fridge for about 10 minutes to let the filling firm up a bit, or serve immediately for a softer texture and quicker snack.
How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Holiday Celery Boats Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely chopped parsley or dill transforms these celery boats from simple snacks to stunning party bites. For holiday sparkle, a few edible flower petals or pomegranate seeds can also make a dazzling presentation.
Side Dishes
These flavorful bites pair wonderfully with a winter cheese board, crusty artisan breads, or alongside a rich bowl of butternut squash soup. They’re also a smart counterbalance on your holiday table to heavier mains like roast turkey or ham.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the celery boats on a rustic wooden tray lined with fresh pine sprigs for that festive vibe. Alternatively, serve them in a decorative boat-shaped dish or tiered serving stand to catch guests’ eyes instantly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with extra Cranberry Pecan Holiday Celery Boats Recipe bits, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and crisp for up to 2 days, perfect for snacking later.
Freezing
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh as freezing alters the texture of celery and cream cheese. It’s not recommended to freeze the assembled boats as celery tends to get watery and limp.
Reheating
Since this is a no-cook, chilled appetizer, reheating isn’t necessary. Serve straight from the fridge for the best combination of crunchy celery and creamy filling.
FAQs
Can I substitute the pecans for another nut?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios can be toasted and used instead to add crunch and a different nutty flavor according to your preference or dietary needs.
Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
You can easily make a vegan Cranberry Pecan Holiday Celery Boats Recipe by swapping cream cheese and sour cream for plant-based alternatives like cashew cream and coconut yogurt.
How far ahead can I prepare these?
The filling can be mixed a day in advance, but it’s best to fill the celery and add toppings just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.
What if I don’t have sour cream or Greek yogurt?
Plain yogurt or a small splash of milk can work to loosen the cream cheese if needed, though sour cream and Greek yogurt add the best tang and creaminess balance.
Can dried cranberries be replaced with fresh ones?
Fresh cranberries tend to be quite tart and hard, so dried cranberries are preferred for sweetness and ease of eating. If using fresh, consider lightly chopping and sweetening them first.
Final Thoughts
The Cranberry Pecan Holiday Celery Boats Recipe is a delightful holiday treat that combines simplicity with a burst of festive flavors and textures. It’s a perfect addition to any celebration or whenever you want a vibrant, refreshing snack that feels special yet easy to prepare. Give it a try, and watch how quickly these colorful little boats disappear at your next gathering!
Print
Cranberry Pecan Holiday Celery Boats Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cranberry Pecan Holiday Celery Boats are a festive and fresh appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Crisp celery stalks are filled with a creamy, herbed cream cheese mixture, then topped with sweet dried cranberries and crunchy toasted pecans, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures that are easy to prepare and serve.
Ingredients
Celery Boats
- 5 large celery stalks, trimmed and cut into 3–4 inch pieces
Filling
- 1 (8 oz / 225g) block cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup toasted pecan halves or pieces
- Extra fresh herbs, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Celery: Wash and dry the celery stalks thoroughly, then cut each stalk into 3 to 4-inch evenly sized pieces to create the “boats” for stuffing.
- Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with the sour cream or Greek yogurt until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Season Filling: Stir in the garlic powder, chopped fresh herbs (parsley or dill), and salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the flavors are evenly distributed in the cream cheese mixture.
- Stuff Celery: Spoon or pipe the creamy cheese mixture into the hollowed part of each celery piece, filling them generously for the perfect bite.
- Add Cranberries: Gently press a few dried cranberries onto each stuffed celery boat to add a sweet, tangy contrast to the savory filling.
- Top with Pecans: Sprinkle or place toasted pecan halves or pieces on top of each filled celery piece to provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Garnish: Finish by garnishing with extra fresh herbs if desired to enhance freshness and presentation.
- Chill or Serve: Chill the assembled celery boats in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to firm up the filling or serve immediately if preferred.
Notes
- Use Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative to sour cream.
- Try different herbs like chives or tarragon for varied flavors.
- Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- These appetizers are best served fresh but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened for easier mixing and smoother filling.
