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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
