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
Scale
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.
