Zesty Pecan-Filled Celery Sticks Recipe: Simple & Fresh

Crisp, refreshing celery meets its match in a decadent pecan filling that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

These stuffed celery sticks burst with rich, creamy textures that elevate a simple snack into a gourmet experience.

The delicate crunch of celery provides the perfect vessel for a luxurious blend of pecans and smooth cream cheese.

Each bite delivers a harmonious balance of nutty warmth and fresh vegetable brightness.

Packed with protein and flavor, these elegant appetizers work wonderfully for casual gatherings or sophisticated parties.

The recipe comes together quickly, requiring minimal effort for maximum culinary impact.

Dive into this delightful treat and watch your guests marvel at your culinary creativity.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 126 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients for Stuffed Celery Sticks with Creamy Pecan Filling

• Celery: Crisp, refreshing carrier for creamy filling, choose bright green stalks with firm texture and no wilting or brown spots for maximum crunch and flavor.

• Cream Cheese, Pecorino Cheese Powder: Provides rich, tangy base that binds and elevates the filling's taste, select full-fat cream cheese for smooth consistency.
• Red Onion: Adds sharp, zesty punch and aromatic depth to the filling, opt for fresh, firm onions with vibrant color.
• Pecans: Delivers nutty, buttery crunch and earthy undertones, look for plump, intact nuts without any rancid smell.

• Paprika: Offers warm, slightly sweet color and mild pepper essence, choose fresh ground for most vibrant flavor.
• Black Pepper: Introduces subtle heat and aromatic complexity, freshly ground provides most intense taste profile.

Tools to Make Stuffed Celery Sticks

• Food Processor: Essential for blending cream cheese, red onion, pecans, and pecorino cheese into a smooth mixture.
• Spoon: Perfect for filling celery sticks with the creamy pecan mixture.
• Cutting Board: Needed for prepping celery and chopping ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Required for trimming and cutting celery sticks.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Helpful for preparing ingredients before blending.
• Serving Plate: Used for presenting and serving the stuffed celery sticks.

Stuffed Celery Sticks Assembly Instructions

• Flavor Foundation

Grab your food processor and toss in cream cheese, red onion, pecans, and pecorino cheese powder. Blend everything until the mixture becomes silky smooth with tiny pecan bits scattered throughout.

• Celery Canvas

Take your crisp celery stalks and carefully fill each groove with the luxurious cream cheese mixture. Use a spoon to nestle the filling into every crevice.

• Finishing Flourish

Dust the stuffed celery with a light sprinkle of warming paprika and sharp black pepper. This final touch adds a pop of color and an extra layer of zesty flavor.

• Serving Moment

Present these elegant appetizers immediately while the celery remains wonderfully crunchy and the filling is cool and creamy. Perfect for unexpected guests or a quick snack that feels surprisingly fancy.

Tips for Creamy Pecan Filling in Celery

• Chop pecans finely to ensure a smooth, creamy filling that complements the crisp celery crunch without overwhelming the delicate texture.
• Swap pecorino cheese powder with goat cheese or blue cheese for a tangy twist, or add minced fresh herbs like chives or dill to elevate the filling's complexity.
• Prepare the cream cheese mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store in an airtight container, filling the celery sticks just before serving to maintain optimal freshness and crispness.
• Experiment with adding finely chopped protein like cooked bacon bits, smoked salmon, or sunflower seeds for extra nutritional value and a delightful crunch.
• Adjust the paprika and black pepper ratio to suit personal heat preferences, or introduce cayenne pepper for those who enjoy a more intense kick.

Serve Stuffed Celery Sticks with a Twist

• Elegant Party Appetizer: Transform these stuffed celery sticks into a sophisticated finger food for cocktail parties, arranging them beautifully on a sleek platter with fresh herbs as a garnish.
• Healthy Lunch Companion: Pack these protein-rich celery sticks in lunchboxes as a crunchy, nutritious side dish that provides a delightful midday energy boost.
• Keto-Friendly Snack Option: Perfect for low-carb diets, these celery sticks offer a creamy, satisfying bite without compromising nutritional goals, making them an ideal quick snack between meals.
• Wine and Cheese Night Delight: Pair these stuffed celery sticks with a crisp white wine or light red, creating a gourmet experience that highlights the rich pecan and pecorino flavors.

How to Store Stuffed Celery Sticks

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store stuffed celery sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for maximum freshness, keeping them crisp and delicious for up to 2 days.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cream cheese filling up to 3 days in advance and store in a sealed container, allowing you to quickly assemble the snacks when guests arrive or hunger strikes.
• Crunch Conservation Tip: Keep celery sticks separate from the filling until just before serving to maintain their satisfying crunch and prevent soggy texture.
• Smart Serving Suggestion: Arrange the stuffed celery on a chilled platter to extend their appetizing presentation and keep the filling cool during gatherings or parties.

Crispy Celery Sticks with Nutty Pecan Filling

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Zesty celery sticks with creamy pecan filling bring Southern charm to party appetizers. Crunchy celery boats cradle rich, nutty spread that delights guests with classic flavor combinations.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 stalks celery (large)
• 4 oz (120 g) cream cheese
• ¼ cup (25 g) pecans
• ⅓ cup (35 g) pecorino cheese powder
• ½ red onion (small)
• paprika (for sprinkling)
• black pepper (for sprinkling)

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Instructions

1. Filling Preparation: Blend cream cheese, red onion, toasted pecans, and pecorino cheese powder in a food processor until achieving a smooth, cohesive mixture with rich, nutty undertones.
2. Celery Preparation: Thoroughly cleanse celery stalks, meticulously drying them to preserve their natural crunch and ensure pristine presentation.
3. Filling and Garnishing: Generously pipe the pecan-infused cream cheese mixture into each celery channel, carefully distributing the filling to create a visually appealing and balanced appetizer. Delicately dust the stuffed sticks with smoky paprika and freshly ground black pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
4. Serving: Artfully arrange the completed stuffed celery sticks on an elegant serving platter, positioning them to showcase their vibrant textures and enticing appearance. Present immediately to maintain optimal crispness and maximize the sensory experience of the rich, creamy filling.

Notes

• Prep Precision: Thoroughly dry celery stalks to prevent watery filling and ensure crisp, clean texture.
• Blending Brilliance: Process ingredients until ultra-smooth for a luxurious, silky filling consistency that coats the celery perfectly.
• Flavor Boost: Toasting pecans beforehand intensifies their nutty profile and adds depth to the overall appetizer.
• Serving Strategy: Assemble just before serving to preserve the celery’s crunch and prevent soggy appetizers.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 126
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 208 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 22 mg