Martini Sticks: Cream Cheese and Blue Cheese Stuffed Celery with Olives Recipe

Introduction

Martini Sticks are a delightful and savory appetizer perfect for gatherings or a simple snack. Creamy, tangy, and packed with briny olive flavor, these stuffed celery sticks offer a fresh crunch with every bite.

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

1. Step 1: Add the softened cream cheese to a medium-sized mixing bowl and beat until smooth and creamy.
2. Step 2: Stir in the chopped olives, olive brine, lemon zest, blue cheese, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
3. Step 3: Wash and slice the celery stalks into sticks about 4 inches long.
4. Step 4: Use a small spoon or knife to fill the hollow side of each celery stick with the olive and cheese mixture. Alternatively, use a piping bag for a neater presentation.
5. Step 5: Arrange the stuffed celery sticks on a serving tray or dish and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a small pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the filling mixture for a subtle kick.
• Use different olives such as Kalamata for a deeper, more robust taste.
• If blue cheese isn’t preferred, substitute with feta or goat cheese for a milder, tangy flavor.
• Make the filling a day ahead to save time and let the flavors intensify.

Storage

Store leftover stuffed celery sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The celery may soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed within the first day. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular olives instead of Castelvetrano?

Yes, you can substitute with other mild olives like green or black olives, but Castelvetrano olives provide a sweeter and buttery flavor that complements this recipe well.

Can I prepare Martini Sticks ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the filling and stuff the celery sticks up to one day in advance. Keep them covered and refrigerated, but for best texture, fill the celery just before serving if possible.

Martini Sticks: Cream Cheese and Blue Cheese Stuffed Celery with Olives Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 63 reviews

• Author: Simon
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 20–30 celery sticks depending on stalk size 1x
• Diet: Low Carb

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Description

Martini Sticks are a flavorful appetizer featuring celery stalks filled with a creamy blend of cream cheese, blue cheese, Castelvetrano olives, and olive brine. This refreshing snack is perfect for parties or a light bite, served chilled to enhance the tangy and savory flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese and Olive Mixture

• 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

Vegetables

• 1–2 bunches of celery stalks

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cheese mixture: Add the softened cream cheese to a medium-sized mixing bowl and beat until smooth and creamy. Then add the roughly chopped Castelvetrano olives, olive brine, creamy blue cheese, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest to the cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are combined evenly.
2. Slice the celery: Wash and trim the celery stalks. Slice them into sticks approximately 4 inches long, which will serve as the vessels for the filling.
3. Fill the celery sticks: Using a small spoon or knife, spread the olive and cheese mixture into the hollow center of each celery stick. Alternatively, use a piping bag to pipe the mixture neatly inside.
4. Chill before serving: Arrange the filled celery sticks in a serving tray or dish and place them in the refrigerator. Chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up.
5. Serve chilled: Remove from the refrigerator and serve immediately while cold for a refreshing and savory appetizer.

Notes

• Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
• Use Castelvetrano olives for their buttery and mild flavor; green olives can substitute but will alter the taste slightly.
• Adjust the amount of blue cheese according to your preference for stronger or milder flavor.
• Chilling is essential for the best flavor and presentation; do not skip this step.
• These sticks can be made a few hours in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Martini Sticks, celery appetizer, blue cheese dip, olive cream cheese spread, party snacks, no cook recipe