Name: Cranberry Pecan Holiday Celery Boats
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 large celery stalks; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley or dill); Salt & pepper to taste; 1/2 cup dried cranberries; 1/2 cup pecan halves or pieces; Extra fresh herbs for garnish

Jump to Recipe · Leave a Review

Cranberry Pecan Holiday Celery Boats are the perfect festive appetizer for any gathering. Imagine biting into a crisp piece of celery, the crunch beneath your teeth revealing a creamy, savory filling that’s dotted with sweet, tangy cranberries and crunchy pecans. The sight of these cheerful celery boats brings a rush of nostalgia, as they remind me of family holiday parties. My aunt would always have a tray of these vibrant bites, their colors mirroring the cheerful decorations around the house.

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

The best part? These Cranberry Pecan Holiday Celery Boats take just about 15 minutes to whip up, creating a beautiful and delicious appetizer that everyone can enjoy. It’s an effortless treat that not only adds a pop of color to your holiday spread but also a delightful burst of flavor. So grab your celery and let’s get started—this is a recipe you won’t want to miss!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in only 15 minutes, perfect for last-minute gatherings.
Irresistible Flavor: The harmony of creamy cheese, zesty garlic, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans is simply divine.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These vibrant celery boats will stand out on any party platter.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy as a quick snack, a side dish for dinner, or a show-stopper at your holiday parties.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets; creamy cheese can be substituted with dairy-free options.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Celery Stalks: Five large, crispy stalks provide the perfect crunch. Choose bright green, firm celery for the best texture.
Cream Cheese: Use a block of full-fat cream cheese for a rich, creamy filling. Neufchâtel works as a lighter alternative.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: This adds tanginess and creaminess. Greek yogurt is a great lower-fat option.
Garlic Powder: A dash of garlic powder enhances flavor without overpowering the filling.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley or dill brings freshness and balances the dish. Feel free to use what you have on hand.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning; always taste and adjust to your preference.
Dried Cranberries: They provide a sweet-tart burst, enhancing the flavor profile of the filling.
Pecan Halves or Pieces: Toasted pecans add crunch and nutty richness. Swap with walnuts if needed.
Extra Fresh Herbs: For garnish, a sprinkle of additional fresh herbs adds a touch of elegance.

How to Make Cranberry Pecan Holiday Celery Boats

Wash and Prepare Celery: Rinse five large celery stalks under cold water, making sure to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Next, cut the celery into 3–4 inch pieces for easy serving. You want pieces that are not too thick, allowing for a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.

Blend Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat one softened (8 oz / 225g) block of cream cheese with two tablespoons of sour cream or Greek yogurt until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. The texture should be creamy, making it easy to scoop into the celery. Don’t rush this step; blending well ensures a delightful mouthfeel.

Season the Mixture: Add one teaspoon of garlic powder and two tablespoons of your choice of chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir to combine, allowing the flavors to meld together. The aromatic herbs and garlic create a fragrant, inviting filling that captivates the senses.

Fill Celery Stalks: Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each piece of celery with the creamy cheese mixture. Make sure to be generous—the more filling, the better! You want the mixture to be visible, creating an enticing look that draws guests in. Don’t worry about perfection; a little rustic charm adds to the appeal.

Add Toppings: Gently press a few dried cranberries into the cheese filling of each celery piece, allowing them to intermingle slightly with the mix. Then, top each one with toasted pecan halves or pieces, adding a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that perfectly complements the creamy filling.

Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle extra fresh herbs over the top for added freshness and presentation. Chill the celery boats in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to firm up before serving, or enjoy them immediately for the best crunch and flavor. They make a wonderful addition to any holiday spread!

Storing & Reheating

These Cranberry Pecan Holiday Celery Boats are best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to use a container that is flat enough to keep the celery from getting crushed. For longer storage, you can freeze the filling for up to 3 months and assemble the boats fresh when you are ready to serve. To refresh the celery boats, simply let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying—this helps retain the crunchy texture!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid soggy celery by assembling the boats right before you plan to serve them—celery has a high water content and can get limp if stored too long.
Ensuring your cream cheese is at room temperature makes it much easier to blend and achieve a smooth texture.
Want to add a bit of zing? Use a hint of lemon juice in the filling for an extra layer of flavor.
If you have leftover filling, consider spreading it on crackers or using it as a dip for fresh veggies.
Experiment with different nuts or dried fruits for a personal twist—substituting walnuts or adding chopped apples can provide unique flavor combinations.

The fabulous thing about these Cranberry Pecan Holiday Celery Boats is their versatility. Not only are they a delightful treat for holiday gatherings, but they can easily be customized for a variety of tastes or dietary needs. Plus, preparing them can be a fun activity to do with family or friends during festive times.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these celery boats ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to fill the celery stalks and garnish them on the same day for optimal freshness and crunch.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, vegan cream cheese or cashew cream can work wonderfully. For a lighter choice, consider using ricotta, though keep in mind that this may alter the flavor and texture slightly.

How do I toast pecans?

To toast pecans, simply spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them, giving them a stir halfway through to ensure they don’t burn. You’ll know they’re ready when they smell fragrant and have turned a lovely golden brown.

Can I add other ingredients to the filling?

Certainly! Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, or even mix-ins like diced apples, olives, or other nuts to elevate your celery boats further. The cream cheese mixture is a blank canvas waiting for your culinary creativity!