Stuffed Celery Sticks with Creamy Pecan Filling Recipe

The Dreamiest Stuffed Celery Sticks with Creamy Pecan Filling Recipe

Stuffed celery sticks offer a delightful snack that reimagines an ordinary vegetable into a luxurious bite-sized treat.

Crisp green stalks become the perfect vessel for a rich, nutty filling that promises incredible texture and flavor.

pecan-infused cream cheese creates a smooth, indulgent spread that elevates these simple appetizers to gourmet status.

Elegant yet incredibly easy to assemble, these little delicacies work wonderfully for casual gatherings or sophisticated cocktail parties.

The combination of crunchy celery and velvety filling provides a satisfying contrast that will surprise and delight your taste buds.

Nutritious ingredients come together in a way that feels both playful and refined, making this recipe a true crowd-pleaser.

Get ready to impress your guests with a sophisticated snack that looks and tastes phenomenal.

Why Stuffed Celery Sticks with Creamy Pecan Filling Work at Parties

  • Elevate Simple Snacking: These celery sticks transform an ordinary vegetable into a gourmet appetizer with minimal effort, offering a sophisticated twist on classic party fare.
  • Texture Explosion: Crisp celery provides a satisfying crunch that perfectly contrasts the smooth, creamy filling, creating a delightful sensory experience in every bite.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe takes just minutes to prepare, making it ideal for spontaneous gatherings, last-minute entertaining, or when you need a fast, impressive appetizer that looks professionally crafted.
  • Nutrient-Rich Indulgence: Packed with protein from cream cheese and pecans, these stuffed celery sticks deliver a healthier alternative to traditional heavy appetizers while still feeling decadent and delicious.

Everything in Stuffed Celery with Pecan Filling

Base Ingredients:
  • Celery: Crisp, fresh vegetable that serves as the crunchy vessel for the creamy filling.
  • Cream Cheese: Smooth, rich base that provides a creamy texture and tangy flavor.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Pecans: Crunchy nuts that add a nutty depth and rich, buttery texture to the filling.
  • Red Onion: Provides a sharp, zesty bite and aromatic flavor to the cream cheese mixture.
  • Pecorino Cheese Powder: Adds a salty, sharp cheese flavor that enhances the overall taste profile.
Garnish Ingredients:
  • Paprika: Mild, sweet spice that adds a warm color and subtle flavor to the dish.
  • Black Pepper: Provides a slight heat and sharp undertone to complement the creamy filling.

How to Assemble Stuffed Celery Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare Filling Mixture

Use a food processor to blend cream cheese, finely chopped red onion, crushed pecans, and pecorino cheese powder. Pulse until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy with a consistent texture.

Step 2: Wash and Trim Celery

Thoroughly rinse celery stalks under cool water. Pat dry with paper towels. Trim the ends and cut into 3-4 inch segments, creating perfect bite-sized vessels for the creamy filling.

Step 3: Fill Celery Channels

Carefully spoon the prepared cream cheese mixture into each celery cavity. Use a small spoon or piping bag for neat and even distribution.

Step 4: Add Finishing Touches

Sprinkle a light dusting of paprika and freshly ground black pepper over the filled celery sticks. This adds a pop of color and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange the stuffed celery sticks on a serving platter. Serve immediately to maintain the crisp texture of the celery and the creamy consistency of the filling.

Tip: These make a perfect appetizer for parties, gatherings, or a quick and healthy snack.

Tips for Serving Celery with Creamy Pecan Filling

  • Chill the Cream Cheese: Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for easier blending and smoother filling consistency.
  • Choose Fresh Celery: Select crisp, thick-stalked celery with minimal blemishes for the best texture and appearance.
  • Pulse Pecans Carefully: Chop pecans briefly to maintain some crunch and prevent turning into a paste.
  • Prep Ahead: Make the filling up to a day in advance and store in the refrigerator for quick assembly before serving.
  • Garnish with Precision: Sprinkle paprika and black pepper evenly for a professional and appetizing presentation.

Keeping and Reheating Stuffed Celery Bites

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover stuffed celery sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Wrap them gently with plastic wrap to prevent the filling from drying out.
  • Texture Note: Keep in mind that the celery might lose its crisp texture after refrigeration, becoming slightly softer but still delicious.
  • Reheating: Best enjoyed cold directly from the refrigerator. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the cream cheese filling runny and the celery soggy.

Pairing Ideas for Stuffed Celery Sticks

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio complement the creamy, nutty filling perfectly, cutting through the richness with their bright acidity.
  • Match with Light Appetizer Companions: Serve alongside cucumber rounds or bruschetta to create a balanced starter spread that highlights the celery's fresh crunch.
  • Combine with Sparkling Beverage: Prosecco or sparkling water with a lemon twist enhances the pecan's subtle sweetness and adds a refreshing touch to the creamy appetizer.
  • Complement with Charcuterie Elements: Add prosciutto or salami slices near the stuffed celery sticks to introduce a savory depth that contrasts with the creamy filling's smoothness.

Recipe Variations for Stuffed Celery with Pecan Cream

  • Herbed Celery Delight: Swap pecorino for fresh dill and chives, creating a zesty garden-fresh flavor profile with added green herbs.
  • Spicy Southwest Fusion: Mix cream cheese with jalapeños, cilantro, and a pinch of cumin for a bold, tangy southwestern-inspired appetizer.
  • Blue Cheese Crunch: Replace pecans with crumbled blue cheese and toasted walnuts, offering a rich, robust taste with extra nutty texture.
  • Mediterranean Medley: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired stuffed celery experience with bright, vibrant notes.
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Stuffed Celery Sticks with Creamy Pecan Filling Recipe

Stuffed Celery Sticks with Creamy Pecan Filling Recipe


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4.6 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Crisp celery sticks become elegant appetizers when filled with rich, creamy pecan spread. Mediterranean-inspired flavors combine smooth textures and nutty undertones, offering guests a delightful prelude to any gathering with minimal preparation.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 6 large celery stalks
  • 4 ounces (120 grams) cream cheese
  • ¼ cup (25 grams) pecans
  • ⅓ cup (35 grams) pecorino cheese powder

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • ½ small red onion
  • Paprika, for sprinkling
  • Black pepper, for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Craft a velvety filling by pulsing cream cheese with finely minced red onion, toasted pecans, and pecorino cheese powder in a food processor until the mixture achieves a luxurious, uniform consistency.
  2. Carefully wash and pat dry celery stalks, ensuring they are crisp and clean for optimal presentation.
  3. Delicately spoon the creamy pecan blend into each celery channel, filling them generously but without overflowing.
  4. Enhance the flavor profile by lightly dusting the stuffed celery sticks with a subtle sprinkle of smoky paprika and freshly cracked black pepper.
  5. Arrange the elegant appetizers on a serving platter, ensuring they are positioned to showcase their vibrant colors and textures.
  6. Serve the stuffed celery immediately to maintain their crisp texture and maximize the sensory experience of the rich, creamy filling.

Notes

  • Prep these delightful appetizers in just 10 minutes, perfect for quick entertaining or sudden snack cravings.
  • Crisp celery provides a low-carb, nutrient-packed vessel for the rich, creamy pecan filling.
  • Pecorino cheese powder adds a tangy, sharp flavor that elevates the entire appetizer’s taste profile.
  • Chilling the filled celery sticks for 15 minutes before serving can help the mixture set and intensify flavors.
  • Store any unused filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for future snacking.
  • Swap pecans with toasted almonds or walnuts for a different nutty variation if desired.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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