There’s something magical about bite-sized appetizers that hit all the right notes—crunchy, creamy, sweet, and savory—all in one delightful mouthful. That’s exactly what Cranberry Pecan Herb Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery brings to your party table. Imagine vibrant green celery boats filled with rich, herbed cream cheese, topped with ruby-red dried cranberries and golden roasted pecans. Add a sprinkle of chives and a fresh parsley leaf on top, and suddenly you have an appetizer that not only tastes divine but looks like something straight out of a holiday magazine. 🎄✨
Whether you’re putting together a Thanksgiving spread, building the ultimate snack board for Christmas Eve, or just need a healthier, crowd-pleasing option for game day—this recipe is your best bet. It’s low-carb, gluten-free, ridiculously easy, and frankly, way too pretty to ignore.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 25 minutes flat—seriously.
- Zero cooking involved (unless you decide to toast your pecans, which takes like 2 extra minutes).
- Looks way more fancy than the effort it takes.
- Perfect for holiday snack boards, baby showers, brunches, or even a light lunch bite.
- It’s healthy-ish (hello, veggies!) but still feels indulgent.
- You can make it ahead and chill until guests arrive.
And let’s be honest—who doesn’t love the combo of creamy, herby cheese with sweet cranberries and that nutty crunch?
Ingredients Overview
Here’s everything you need to pull off this delicious, festive snack:
Main Ingredients
- 8–10 celery stalks (washed, trimmed, and cut into 3–4 inch pieces)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2–3 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped pecans
- 1–2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Toppings
- Whole or halved pecans
- Whole dried cranberries
- Extra chopped chives
- Fresh parsley leaves for garnish
You can adjust the herbs and toppings to suit your vibe, but trust us—this combo works.
Let’s Talk Celery: The Crunch Factor
Choosing the right celery is more important than you think. Look for:
- Firm stalks that snap when bent.
- Bright green color with no wilting or browning.
- Wide “boat-like” shape for easy stuffing.
Pro tip: Once you trim and cut the stalks, soak them in ice water for about 10 minutes. This keeps them ultra-crisp and refreshing, which contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
The Creamy Filling: Smooth, Tangy, and Loaded with Herbs
The heart of this appetizer lies in that creamy, dreamy filling. The base is cream cheese—because you really can’t go wrong there—but we lighten and fluff it up a bit with sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Why use sour cream or yogurt? It helps make the texture more spreadable and adds a slight tang that cuts through the richness. Plus, it helps all those herbs and mix-ins blend evenly.
Texture tip: Use a hand mixer if you want it ultra-smooth. If you’re going for a more rustic, chunky look (which also looks great), mixing by hand works just fine.
Adding Flavor with Fresh Herbs
This is where the magic happens. Herbs add freshness and color that take this from “meh” to mouthwatering.
- Chives give that gentle oniony zing without overpowering.
- Parsley adds brightness and balances the creaminess.
- Want more flavor? Add a touch of dill or basil if you’re feeling fancy.
Dry herbs don’t really do the trick here—you want those vibrant green flecks that pop both in taste and appearance.
Crunch Meets Sweet: Pecans and Cranberries
The pecans add that buttery crunch we all crave, while the cranberries offer a burst of sweetness that balances everything out.
You can use chopped pecans inside the filling, and reserve the whole or halved ones for the top. For extra flavor, lightly toast the pecans in a skillet for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
As for the dried cranberries, go for ones that are plump, chewy, and sweet, not overly dried or hard.
Optional upgrade: Try orange zest in the filling to complement the cranberry sweetness with a citrusy punch!
How to Assemble Like a Pro
Once your celery is cut and your filling is blended, here’s how to make them look flawless:
- Use a spoon or piping bag to add the filling into the celery “boats.” Piping creates a clean, professional look, while spooning keeps it rustic and homey.
- Smooth the tops with the back of a small spoon or butter knife.
- Add toppings—arrange dried cranberries and pecans strategically for that color contrast.
Trust us, it’s oddly satisfying watching them come together row by row on your serving platter.
Garnishing Tips for That ‘Wow’ Effect
Presentation matters. Once stuffed, garnish each piece with:
- 1–2 dried cranberries
- Half a pecan (or whole, depending on size)
- Sprinkle of fresh chopped chives
- Tiny parsley leaf
Lay them out on a white platter with a few sprigs of parsley or rosemary for a festive touch.
Make-Ahead Tips & Storage
One of the best things about this Cranberry Pecan Herb Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery recipe is how wonderfully it fits into a make-ahead game plan. If you’re preparing for a big party or holiday dinner, you don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen last-minute, right?
Here’s how to prep smart:
Making in Advance
- You can make the filling up to 2 days ahead. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen and blend even more!
- Assemble the celery boats up to 6–8 hours ahead of time and keep them covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. That way, they’ll stay crisp and fresh without drying out.
- Add the garnishes right before serving if you want everything to look perfect. Parsley leaves and cranberries tend to dry up or discolor if left too long.
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow do end up with leftovers (rare!), they’ll keep in the fridge for 1–2 days, but the celery might start to lose its crunch. Lay them in a single layer in a container with a tight lid to avoid them getting soggy.
Creative Variations to Try
Feeling adventurous or want to tailor the flavors to your crowd? You’ve got options! Here are a few creative spins on this already fabulous recipe:
1. Goat Cheese Twist
Swap half (or all) of the cream cheese with goat cheese for a tangier, earthier flavor. It pairs beautifully with the cranberries and adds a bit of sophistication.
2. Vegan Version
- Use dairy-free cream cheese (like almond or cashew-based versions).
- Swap Greek yogurt with unsweetened dairy-free yogurt or a touch of lemon juice.
- Skip the honey-roasted nuts and go with plain roasted pecans for a clean plant-based snack.
3. Add a Spicy Kick
Mix in a dash of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or even a teaspoon of horseradish to the filling for a zippy surprise.
4. Bacon Makes It Better
Crumble some crispy bacon bits into the filling or sprinkle on top. This transforms it into a salty, savory bite that disappears in minutes.
5. Fruit Fusion
Add diced apples or pears into the filling for a refreshing crunch and more sweetness. It adds a fall-inspired flavor that’s perfect for Thanksgiving platters.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Ideas
These little beauties play nice with just about anything on your table, but here are a few pairing ideas to elevate the experience:
Serve with:
- A glass of sparkling wine or prosecco – the bubbles cut through the creaminess perfectly.
- Add to your charcuterie board – they balance out the meats and cheeses with freshness and color.
- Pair with spiced nuts, dried fruits, and crackers for an elegant appetizer spread.
Make it a meal?
Toss a couple of stuffed celery sticks on a bed of mixed greens with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Boom—lunch!
Print
Cranberry Pecan Herb Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Holiday Appetizer / Party Finger Food
Description
🥬✨ A crisp, creamy, festive bite that brings together herbs, sweetness, crunch, and freshness. Perfect for holiday tables, snack boards, and easy appetizers! 😍🌿
Ingredients
8–10 celery stalks, trimmed and cut into 3–4 inch pieces
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2–3 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt
2 tbsp finely chopped pecans
1–2 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives
1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
Pinch of salt
Pinch of black pepper
Toppings:
Whole or halved pecans
Whole dried cranberries
Extra chopped chives
Fresh parsley leaves
Instructions
In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, sour cream, pecans, chives, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth, creamy, and flecked with herbs. 😋 (⏱️ Duration: 5 minutes)
Spoon or pipe the creamy mixture neatly into each celery piece, filling them generously. 🥬💚 (⏱️ Duration: 7 minutes)
Decorate with toppings: add dried cranberries, pecans, extra chives, and tiny parsley leaves for a festive finish. 🍒🌿 (⏱️ Duration: 5 minutes)
Chill the stuffed celery for 10–15 minutes to help the filling firm slightly before serving. ❄️✨ (⏱️ Duration: 15 minutes)
Notes
Light, refreshing, and perfect for balancing heavier holiday dishes.
The mix of herbs, pecans, and cranberries gives both festive flavor and beautiful color contrast.
Easy to prep ahead — just keep chilled until serving.
Works great for charcuterie boards, potlucks, or healthy holiday snacks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10–12 pieces
- Calories: ~85 kcal per piece
Great for Kids Too!
Don’t be surprised if your kids swipe these before your guests do. The combo of sweet cranberries and creamy filling is totally kid-approved—and celery makes a fun, crunchy base they actually want to eat.
Make it more fun for little hands:
- Let kids pipe the filling with a Ziploc bag.
- Use cute toothpicks or mini skewers to turn them into “celery pops.”
- Offer a DIY topping bar—let them pick their own mix of cranberries, raisins, chopped nuts, or even mini chocolate chips (yes, really—it works!).
Bonus: You’re sneaking veggies into their snack without any whining. That’s a win.
You may also like :
Pineapple Cranberry Coconut Pecan Cheese Balls: The ULTIMATE Holiday Treat!
Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Holiday Skewer Bites: A Festive Favorite
Troubleshooting Common Mistakes
Like any recipe, a few things can go off-track. Here’s how to fix them before they become issues:
Watery Filling?
- This can happen if your celery wasn’t dried well after washing or if you used low-fat cream cheese that’s too runny.
- Fix it by adding a little more cream cheese or chilling the filling for 10 minutes before piping.
Bitter Celery?
- Some celery can have that sharp, bitter bite. To avoid it, trim off the bottoms and use the middle stalks, which are usually sweeter.
- A sprinkle of sea salt or a touch of honey in the filling can balance it out.
Filling won’t stick?
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing. If it’s too cold, it won’t blend well and may separate from the celery.
Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Party Appetizer
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to something light, crunchy, and totally satisfying, this Cranberry Pecan Herb Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery is about to be your new best friend. It’s stunning to look at, a joy to eat, and crazy easy to make.
From the creamy herb filling to the sweet cranberry bursts and that nutty crunch, it checks every box. And hey—who says vegetables have to be boring?
Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it’s the first thing to disappear from the table.
Similar recipes :
Creamy Cranberry Pecan Christmas Tree Appetizers
Apple Pecan Cranberry Holiday Cheese Ball Recipe: A Festive, Flavor-Packed Crowd-Pleaser!
Cranberry Pecan Herb Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery — Full Printable Recipe Card
🥬 Ingredients:
- 8–10 celery stalks, trimmed and cut into 3–4 inch pieces
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2–3 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp finely chopped pecans
- 1–2 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
🌟 Toppings:
- Whole or halved pecans
- Whole dried cranberries
- Extra chopped chives
- Fresh parsley leaves
📝 Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), chopped pecans, chives, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and evenly blended.
- Fill each celery piece with the mixture using a spoon or piping bag. Smooth the tops for a neat finish.
- Garnish each stuffed celery piece with whole dried cranberries, pecans, a sprinkle of chives, and a parsley leaf.
- Chill for 10–15 minutes before serving to firm up the filling.
- Serve cold on a platter or snack board. Enjoy!
⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes
❄️ Chill Time: 15 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 25 minutes
🥗 Yields: 10–12 pieces
🔥 Calories: ~85 per piece
FAQs
1. Can I make this the night before?
Absolutely! Prep the filling and celery boats the night before, but hold off on the toppings until serving time to keep them looking fresh.
2. What can I use instead of pecans?
You can use walnuts, almonds, pistachios, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Just swap in dairy-free cream cheese and yogurt alternatives. Many taste surprisingly close to the real deal.
4. Is this keto or low-carb?
Yes, it fits well into a low-carb lifestyle. Just go easy on the dried cranberries, as they can add a bit of sugar.
5. Can I use store-bought flavored cream cheese?
You can, but homemade is fresher and more customizable. Store-bought herb cream cheese can be a quick shortcut in a pinch.
