Martini Sticks: Cream Cheese, Olive, and Blue Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe
Introduction
Martini Sticks are a refreshing and tangy appetizer perfect for gathering with friends. Creamy cheeses combined with briny olives and crisp celery create a delightful bite that’s both elegant and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup pitted Castelvetrano olives, drained and roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup olive brine
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 4 ounces creamy blue cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1-2 bunches of celery
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Step 2: Add the chopped olives, olive brine, lemon zest, blue cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- Step 3: Wash and slice celery stalks into sticks about 4 inches long.
- Step 4: Use a small spoon or knife to carefully fill the hollow part of each celery stick with the olive and cheese mixture. Alternatively, use a piping bag for easier filling.
- Step 5: Arrange the filled celery sticks on a serving tray or dish and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra freshness, sprinkle a little chopped fresh parsley or chives on top before serving.
- Substitute Castelvetrano olives with green olives or even Kalamata for a different flavor.
- If you prefer a milder cheese, swap blue cheese for goat cheese or feta.
- Use organic celery for the best crunch and flavor.
Storage
Store leftover filled celery sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because celery can lose its crispness over time, it’s best enjoyed within the first day. Reheat is not recommended; serve chilled for best taste and texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare Martini Sticks in advance?
Yes, you can prepare and fill the celery sticks a few hours ahead. Just keep them covered and refrigerated to maintain freshness.
What can I serve with Martini Sticks?
These sticks pair well with light cocktails, crisp white wines, or as part of a larger appetizer spread including crackers, nuts, and other finger foods.
PrintMartini Sticks: Cream Cheese, Olive, and Blue Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe
Martini Sticks are a refreshing and savory appetizer featuring celery stalks filled with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, Castelvetrano olives, olive brine, blue cheese, and seasoning. This no-cook snack combines crisp celery with a tangy and rich olive-cheese filling, perfect for parties or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 celery sticks 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup pitted Castelvetrano olives, drained and roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup olive brine
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 4 ounces creamy blue cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Serving
- 1–2 bunches of celery, cut into 4-inch sticks
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: Add the softened cream cheese to a medium-sized mixing bowl and beat it until smooth and creamy.
- Mix ingredients: Stir in the roughly chopped Castelvetrano olives, olive brine, creamy blue cheese, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest. Mix everything thoroughly to combine the flavors evenly into the filling.
- Prepare celery sticks: Slice celery stalks into sticks about 4 inches long, ensuring they are hollow and ready to be filled.
- Fill celery sticks: Use a small spoon, knife, or piping bag to carefully fill the hollow center of each celery stick with the olive and cheese mixture, spreading or piping as desired for a neat appearance.
- Chill before serving: Arrange the filled celery sticks on a serving tray or dish and chill them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and filling firm up slightly. Serve chilled as an appetizing snack or party bite.
Notes
- For a stronger olive flavor, allow the filling to chill and develop for an hour before serving.
- Use fresh, crisp celery for the best texture contrast with the creamy filling.
- This recipe is easy to customize by adding herbs like dill or chives to the filling.
- If blue cheese is not preferred, feta or goat cheese can be a suitable substitute.
- Keep refrigerated until just before serving to maintain freshness and crispness of the celery.
Keywords: martini sticks, celery appetizer, cream cheese olives, blue cheese dip, no-cook appetizer, party snacks
