The holidays are a special time filled with vibrant colors, delightful aromas, and scrumptious flavors that evoke cherished memories. Picture a warm kitchen, the sweet scent of baking, and the clinking of glasses as family and friends gather around the table. Among the array of festive treats, Cranberry Pecan Holiday Celery Boats stand out with their bright, appetizing visuals, inviting you to take a bite. Picture crunchy celery filled with a creamy cheese spread, sprinkled with sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans. It’s a festive scene that promises joy with every bite.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Cranberry Pecan Holiday Celery Boats
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Cranberry Pecan Holiday Celery Boats

Growing up, my family always included colorful appetizers during our holiday gatherings. I remember the laughter, chatter, and the excited faces as everyone reached for their favorites. These Cranberry Pecan Holiday Celery Boats not only capture that spirit but also add a touch of elegance to any festive gathering. So, whether you’re hosting a soiree or simply want a delicious snack to enjoy, these delightful little bites are the perfect addition to your holiday spread. Let’s dive in and create this festive treat together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: You can whip these up in just about 15 minutes, making them an ideal last-minute party dish.
Irresistible Flavor: The creamy cheese, savory nuts, and tart cranberries create a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Their vibrant colors and fun presentation make them a showstopper at any gathering.
Flexible Serving: Perfect as a snack, appetizer for parties, or even a light bite during brunch.
Diet-Friendly Options: With easy swaps, these can cater to gluten-free or low-carb diets too.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Celery Stalks (5 large): Choose crisp, fresh celery. This adds a satisfying crunch to the bites. Look for stalks with vibrant green leaves and a firm texture, as they will hold up better during prep.
Cream Cheese (1 block, 8 oz/225g): This softened cheese serves as the creamy base for your filling, offering smoothness. For a lighter option, try Neufchâtel cheese.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt (2 tbsp): This adds tanginess and helps achieve a smooth filling. Greek yogurt is a great choice for added protein.
Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Enhances the flavor of the filling with a subtle garlicky taste. Fresh minced garlic works too, just use less.
Fresh Herbs (2 tbsp, chopped parsley or dill): Choose herbs based on your preference. They brighten the flavors significantly!
Salt & Pepper: Always use fresh ground pepper and kosher salt for the best taste.
Dried Cranberries (1/3 cup): They add sweetness and color. Consider using golden raisins for a different twist.
Toasted Pecan Halves or Pieces (1/4 cup): These provide crunch and rich flavor. If you don’t have pecans, walnuts are an excellent substitute.
Extra Fresh Herbs for Garnish: A little sprig of herbs on top will make your celery boats pop!

How to Make Cranberry Pecan Holiday Celery Boats

Wash and Cut: Start by washing the celery stalks under cool water to remove any dirt or grit. Pat them dry and proceed to trim them into 3–4 inch pieces. This size is just right for stuffing and snacking!

Mix the Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sour cream or Greek yogurt until it’s smooth and creamy. Using an electric mixer can save time! Add garlic powder, chopped herbs, and season with salt and pepper to taste; mix until combined. This mixture should be rich and aromatic.

Stuff the Celery: Take a spoon or piping bag and fill each celery piece generously with your creamy cheese mixture. The filling should mound slightly over the edge of the celery for an inviting look. Don’t skimp on this part—more is definitely better here!

Add Cranberries: Gently press several dried cranberries into each stuffed celery stick. This adds a beautiful pop of color and a sweet bite that perfectly complements the savory filling.

Top with Pecans: Next, sprinkle or press toasted pecan halves or pieces onto the filled celery sticks. The nuts not only enhance flavor but also give a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.

Garnish and Chill: If you like, add extra fresh herbs on top for a touch of elegance. Chill your beautiful celery boats in the fridge for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld and to firm them up. You can also serve them immediately if you’re in a hurry!

Storing & Reheating

To enjoy your Cranberry Pecan Holiday Celery Boats later, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to save them long-term, you can also freeze the filling (without the celery) for up to 3 months; just allow it to thaw in the fridge before using. Because celery doesn’t freeze well, it’s best to prepare it fresh. If they lose some crunch, a brief chill will help refresh their texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature; this way, it will blend easily, creating a smooth mix.
If using a piping bag, it may be helpful to cut a small hole to avoid making too big of a mess while filling.
Consider adding other mix-ins like crumbled bacon or a hint of lemon zest for a flavor twist!
If you’re preparing for guests, these can be made a couple of hours in advance; just keep them chilled until ready to serve.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with different nuts or dried fruits based on what you have on hand!

As the holidays approach, making Cranberry Pecan Holiday Celery Boats means creating not just food but joyful moments to share. Each vibrant bite brings together friends and families, wrapping them in warmth and flavor. Embrace the opportunity to try this recipe, and don’t hesitate to shake things up with different ingredients or personal touches!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these celery boats ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling earlier in the day and store it in the fridge. Just fill the celery sticks and garnish closer to your serving time to keep the texture fresh and crunchy.

Can I use other nuts besides pecans?

Yes, feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or even almonds for a bit of variety. Each nut has a unique flavor, adding a delightful twist to your Cranberry Pecan Holiday Celery Boats.

How can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?

To create a vegan version, switch out the cream cheese for a plant-based alternative and use coconut yogurt instead of sour cream for a creamy texture. You can also enrich the flavor with nutritional yeast!

What other herbs can I use in the filling?

While parsley and dill are great choices, you might also consider using chives for a mild onion flavor, basil for a refreshing twist, or even thyme for a savory touch. Your creativity can truly shine here!

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Cranberry Pecan Holiday Celery Boats

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Author: Dorothy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: Serves 10 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

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Description

This recipe features crispy celery filled with creamy cheese, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans, making it a delightful snack or appetizer for your holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

5 large celery stalks
1 block (8 oz/225g) cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp fresh herbs (chopped parsley or dill)
Salt & pepper to taste
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup toasted pecan halves or pieces
Extra fresh herbs for garnish

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Instructions

Wash and cut celery stalks into 3–4 inch pieces.
Mix cream cheese, sour cream or yogurt, garlic powder, and herbs until smooth.
Stuff each celery piece generously with creamy filling.
Press dried cranberries into each stuffed celery stick.
Sprinkle toasted pecans on top of the filled celery sticks.
Garnish with fresh herbs and chill for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Filling can be made ahead and stored in the fridge; fill and garnish just before serving.
Experiment with different nuts or dried fruits based on availability.