Holiday Cranberry Pecan Celery Boats

Celebrate the festive season with these Holiday Cranberry Pecan Celery Boats, a delightful appetizer that perfectly blends crunchy celery with a rich cream cheese filling. The savory herbs and garlic compliment the sweetness of dried cranberries and the buttery crunch of toasted pecans, creating a well-balanced bite for your holiday gatherings.

This no-cook appetizer takes just minutes to assemble, making it ideal for last-minute parties or elegant starters. Its fresh ingredients and vibrant colors add a beautiful, festive touch to any holiday spread, impressing guests with both flavor and presentation.

Ingredients

• Celery stalks: Crisp, fresh stalks trimmed and cut into 3–4 inch pieces to hold the creamy filling perfectly.
• Cream cheese: Softened block cream cheese creates a smooth and rich base for the filling.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and a slight tang to lighten the texture of the cheese mixture.
• Garlic powder: Provides subtle savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
• Fresh parsley or dill: Chopped herbs bring brightness and a fresh herbal note.
• Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the flavors.
• Dried cranberries: Sweet and chewy, they add a festive fruity contrast to the creamy filling.
• Toasted pecan halves or pieces: Adds a buttery, crunchy texture that complements the creamy cheese and crisp celery.
• Extra fresh herbs: Optional garnish to elevate appearance and flavor with fresh herbal aroma.

Instructions

Prepare the celery stalks

Wash and thoroughly dry the celery to ensure crispness. Trim ends and cut each stalk into 3 to 4 inch pieces for manageable bite-sized boats, creating hollow centers to hold the filling well.

Make the cheese filling

In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sour cream (or Greek yogurt) until smooth and creamy. This step ensures a light, spreadable texture essential for easy filling.

Season the filling

Stir in garlic powder, freshly chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. These ingredients infuse the filling with savory flavor, balancing the sweetness of cranberries added later.

Fill the celery boats

Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each celery hollow with the cheese mixture. Piping allows for neat, even distribution and a beautiful presentation.

Add cranberries and pecans

Gently press a few dried cranberries onto the cream cheese in each celery piece, then top with pecan halves or pieces. This layering delivers bursts of sweet and crunchy textures in every bite.

Garnish and chill

Optionally sprinkle with extra fresh herbs for an elegant look. Chill the filled celery boats for about 10 minutes to firm the cheese for easier serving, or you may serve them immediately for a softer texture.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover celery boats covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours to maintain freshness. Avoid filling the celery too early to prevent it from becoming soggy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these celery boats as elegant appetizers at holiday parties or alongside festive cheese and charcuterie boards for added color and flavor contrast. Pair them with sparkling beverages to complement their light and savory notes.

FAQs

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

Yes, regular yogurt can be used, but Greek yogurt is preferable for its thicker texture which helps maintain firmness in the filling.

Can I prepare these a day in advance?

It’s best to prepare them a few hours ahead and refrigerate, but avoid assembling more than 24 hours in advance to keep celery crisp.

Are there any nut-free alternatives to pecans?

Yes, toasted seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds provide a crunchy texture without nuts.

Can I substitute cream cheese for a vegan option?

Absolutely! Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and a plant-based yogurt to keep it vegan friendly.

What other dried fruits can I use instead of cranberries?

Dried cherries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots will also pair wonderfully with the cheese filling.

How do I keep the celery from becoming soggy?

Dry the celery completely before filling and assemble close to serving time. Chilling filled boats helps maintain texture.

Can I add more herbs or spices?

Yes, finely chopped chives, basil, or a pinch of smoked paprika can elevate the flavor profile to your liking.

Holiday Cranberry Pecan Celery Boats

These festive celery boats combine creamy cheese filling with crunchy celery, topped with sweet cranberries and toasted pecans for a delicious, easy holiday appetizer.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, holiday

Cuisine American

Servings 10 people

Calories 120 kcal

Equipment

• 1 bowl for mixing cheese filling
• 1 Spoon or piping bag to fill celery stalks

Ingredients

  

• 5 large celery stalks trimmed and cut into 3–4 inch pieces
• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• 2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup toasted pecan halves or pieces
• Extra fresh herbs for garnish optional

Instructions

 

• Wash and dry the celery stalks, then cut them into even 3 to 4 inch pieces.
• In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sour cream until smooth.
• Add garlic powder, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper to the cheese mixture and stir to combine.
• Fill each celery hollow with the cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
• Press a few dried cranberries gently into the cheese filling on each celery piece.
• Top each filled celery stalk with toasted pecan halves for crunch and flavor.
• Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired, then chill for 10 minutes or serve immediately.

Notes

• Use low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version.
• Swap fresh herbs to suit your taste preferences.
• Prepare a few hours ahead and refrigerate before serving.