Martini Sticks: Savory Cream Cheese and Blue Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Martini Sticks: Savory Cream Cheese and Blue Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe because it’s one of those snack-time magic moments. The crisp celery paired with the creamy, tangy olive and blue cheese filling creates a burst of flavor and texture that always surprises and delights. Whether I’m hosting friends or just craving a satisfying little bite, these savory sticks never disappoint and come together with such ease that I find myself making them again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Martini Sticks: Savory Cream Cheese and Blue Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe

When I first tried this recipe, I was instantly hooked by the balanced flavor profile. The smooth cream cheese combined with the sharpness of blue cheese and the briny pop from Castelvetrano olives creates a unique flavor dance in every bite. The addition of lemon zest adds just the right touch of brightness to keep it fresh. I love how the crunchy crispness of celery contrasts beautifully with the creamy, savory filling – it’s like a snack that excites all your senses.

Beyond the flavors, what really makes this recipe stand out to me is how incredibly simple it is to prepare. There’s no complicated cooking or lengthy prep work involved—just mixing, slicing, and stuffing. It’s a perfect go-to when you want something elegant but easy. I especially enjoy serving these at parties or as a casual appetizer during a family gathering. They look impressive on a platter but take almost no time, so I always feel like I’ve nailed the snack game with minimal effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of five food items arranged on a dark wooden surface with a white marbled texture in the background. At the center back, there is a tall glass jar filled with light green pitted Italian Castelvetrano olives with a red lid and a green and red label. To the left of the jar, there is a bright yellow lemon with a slightly rough texture. In front and slightly to the right of the lemon, there is a silver rectangular package of Philadelphia Original cream cheese with blue lettering and a partially opened top. To the right of the cream cheese, there is a round white container with a blue lid holding Roth Buttermilk Blue cheese crumbles, labeled clearly in blue and red text. At the far right top, several bright green celery stalks with visible texture and leaves lie horizontally. The setup is well-lit, highlighting the textures and colors of the items clearly, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All you need are a handful of fresh, tasty ingredients that come together quickly to create this delightful snack. Each component plays a vital role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and freshness.

Cream cheese: Softened to a smooth consistency, it forms the creamy base that holds everything together.
Castelvetrano olives: Pitted and roughly chopped, these olives add a mild, buttery brininess that brightens the filling.
Olive brine: This adds an extra pop of savory saltiness and keeps the filling moist.
Lemon zest: A small amount to enhance freshness and add a subtle citrusy zing.
Creamy blue cheese: Bold and tangy, it gives the filling its distinct savory punch.
Salt: To perfectly season and balance the flavors.
Black pepper: A slight kick that deepens the overall taste experience.
Celery stalks: Crisp and fresh, sliced into 4-inch sticks to hold the luscious filling.

Directions

Step 1: Begin by softening the cream cheese. If it’s been refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes so it’s easier to beat until perfectly smooth and creamy.

Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with a mixer or a sturdy spoon until smooth with no lumps remaining, creating a silky base for the filling.

Step 3: Add the roughly chopped Castelvetrano olives, olive brine, blue cheese, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest to the bowl. Mix everything together gently but thoroughly until well combined – you want the olives and cheese evenly distributed for every spoonful.

Step 4: Wash and dry your celery stalks thoroughly. Then, slice each stalk into sticks roughly 4 inches long. This size makes a perfect bite-sized vessel for the filling.

Step 5: Using a small spoon or a butter knife, carefully spread the olive and cheese mixture into the hollow groove of each celery stick. Alternatively, if you have a piping bag, you can pipe the filling in for a neater presentation and even distribution.

Step 6: Arrange the stuffed celery sticks on a serving tray or dish. Cover and chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serving these chilled really helps the flavors meld and the celery stay crisp.

Servings and Timing

This Martini Sticks: Savory Cream Cheese and Blue Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe serves about 12 people as a snack or appetizer. Preparing the filling and slicing celery takes roughly 15 minutes, and chilling time is around 30 minutes. There’s no cooking involved, so the total time from start to serving is approximately 45 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute entertaining or casual get-togethers.

How to Serve This Martini Sticks: Savory Cream Cheese and Blue Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe

The image shows a white plate filled with several long celery sticks, each hollowed out and filled with a thick, creamy white mixture that appears to contain small green and black herb pieces. The celery sticks are arranged neatly in rows, with their light green color contrasting against the white filling. The texture of the filling looks soft and slightly rough due to the herbs mixed inside. The plate sits on a dark brown wooden surface with a small striped cloth visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving, I love presenting these Martini Sticks on a beautiful platter garnished with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives to add a burst of color. They always look so inviting and elegant laid out in neat rows, perfect for snacking. I find they pair wonderfully with other finger foods, such as antipasto boards featuring cured meats, crusty bread, and marinated vegetables.

In terms of drinks, I enjoy pairing these savory bites with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light, herbal cocktail such as a gin and tonic with a lemon twist. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a splash of lemon juice complements the flavors really well. Because the stuffed celery is chilled, I always serve it straight from the fridge, especially on warm days when the cool, crisp snack feels especially refreshing.

This recipe is a natural fit for parties, holiday gatherings, or even a fun weeknight snack when I want something a bit fancy but simple. The portion sizes are ideal for grazing, so everyone can enjoy a few without feeling overwhelmed. I also sometimes add a little extra filling on the side for guests who want a second helping or to add more topping to their celery sticks.

Variations

Over time, I’ve enjoyed experimenting with different variations of this Martini Sticks: Savory Cream Cheese and Blue Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For example, swapping out blue cheese for feta or goat cheese creates a milder but still flavorful filling. Olive fans might also try black olives instead of Castelvetrano for a more intense briny bite.

If you’re looking to make this recipe gluten-free or vegan, it’s pretty easy with a few ingredient swaps. Using a plant-based cream cheese and vegan blue cheese alternatives works wonderfully, and celery itself is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to double-check the ingredients for any hidden animal products or gluten-containing additives.

I also enjoy adding a little minced garlic or fresh herbs like dill or basil into the filling for extra depth and aroma. Sometimes I grate a bit of sharp Parmesan on top for a salty finish. Cooking methods aren’t really necessary here since it’s a fresh, chilled snack, but I’ve tried warming the filling slightly and serving atop baked celery for a warm appetizer twist, which turned out surprisingly tasty.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Martini Sticks, I recommend storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep best when chilled and should maintain their fresh crispness for up to 2 days. I find it’s best to store the celery and filling together to keep the flavors melded, but if you want extra crispness, you can store celery separately and refill just before serving.

Freezing

Since celery tends to lose its crunch after freezing and thawing, I don’t recommend freezing this particular Martini Sticks: Savory Cream Cheese and Blue Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe. The watery, crisp texture of celery doesn’t hold up well to freezing, and the creamy filling’s texture can become grainy. For best results, prepare fresh or store refrigerated for short-term enjoyment.

Reheating

Because this dish is served chilled and relies on fresh textures, reheating isn’t needed or advised. Warming the celery and creamy filling would soften their texture and mute the flavors. Instead, if leftovers get too cold in the fridge, pulling them out 10 minutes before serving to come to a cool room temperature works nicely without sacrificing freshness.

FAQs

Can I use other types of olives for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Castelvetrano olives provide a mild and buttery flavor that complements the creaminess well, you can experiment with Kalamata, black, or green olives too. Just be mindful of their saltiness and adjust seasoning accordingly.

Is it okay to prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, preparing the filling and stuffing the celery a few hours in advance works great. Just keep everything covered and chilled until you’re ready to serve. This makes it perfect for party prep without any last-minute stress.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Substitute the cream cheese and blue cheese with plant-based alternatives. There are several excellent vegan cheeses available that melt into a creamy consistency similar to dairy versions, making this snack accessible for all dietary preferences.

What other snacks pair well with Martini Sticks?

I love serving these alongside a cheese platter, marinated olives, roasted nuts, or even simple crackers. The contrast of textures and flavors really elevates the spread and keeps guests coming back for more.

How do I prevent the celery from getting soggy?

Drying your celery thoroughly before stuffing is key. Also, serve the Martini Sticks soon after filling, and always keep them chilled until serving to maintain crispness. Avoid making them too far in advance to prevent moisture buildup.

Conclusion

I genuinely hope you give this Martini Sticks: Savory Cream Cheese and Blue Cheese Stuffed Celery Recipe a try. It has quickly become one of my favorite snacks to whip up because of how effortlessly it combines simplicity, flavor, and texture into one delightful bite. Trust me, once you experience that fresh, creamy, savory crunch, you’ll want to share it with everyone you know. Enjoy!