Martini Sticks: Cream Cheese, Blue Cheese, and Olive Stuffed Celery Recipe
Introduction
Martini Sticks are a delightful appetizer combining creamy cheeses with briny Castelvetrano olives, all nestled inside crisp celery stalks. Perfect for parties or a simple snack, these flavorful bites offer a refreshing and savory treat that’s 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-sized mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Step 2: Add the chopped Castelvetrano olives, olive brine, lemon zest, creamy blue cheese, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Step 3: Slice the celery stalks into sticks about 4 inches long, creating a perfect vessel for the filling.
- Step 4: Using a small spoon, a knife, or a piping bag, fill the hollow side of each celery stick with the olive and cheese mixture.
- 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 to allow flavors to meld and to serve chilled.
Tips & Variations
- For extra zest, add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes to the cheese mixture for a spicy kick.
- Swap Castelvetrano olives for Kalamata olives if you prefer a more robust olive flavor.
- Use vegan cream cheese and blue cheese alternatives to make this recipe dairy-free.
- Try garnishing the finished sticks with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for added freshness.
Storage
Store any leftover Martini Sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture, fill the celery sticks just before serving, as the celery can soften over time when stored filled. If needed, let refrigerated sticks sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for optimal flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the olive and cheese mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness until you’re ready to fill the celery sticks.
What if I don’t have Castelvetrano olives?
You can substitute Castelvetrano olives with other mild green olives or black olives such as Kalamata. Just be sure to adjust the salt since some olives can be saltier than others.
PrintMartini Sticks: Cream Cheese, Blue Cheese, and Olive Stuffed Celery Recipe
Martini Sticks are a savory, refreshing appetizer combining creamy cheeses with briny Castelvetrano olives stuffed into crisp celery sticks. Perfect for cocktail parties or light snacks, these chilled bites offer a smooth and tangy flavor contrast with a satisfying crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 stuffed celery sticks 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Cheese 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy using a hand mixer or a sturdy whisk.
- Add Flavorings and Olives: To the whipped cream cheese, add the roughly chopped Castelvetrano olives, olive brine, lemon zest, creamy blue cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly to combine all the ingredients evenly without overmixing.
- Prepare Celery Sticks: Wash the celery stalks and slice them into sticks approximately 4 inches long, ensuring they fit comfortably in your serving dish and are easy to hold.
- Fill Celery Sticks: Using a small spoon or a knife, carefully spread the olive cheese mixture into the hollowed center of each celery stick. Alternatively, a piping bag can be used for a cleaner, more uniform filling.
- Chill Before Serving: Arrange the filled celery sticks in a serving tray or dish and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes. Serving chilled enhances the flavors and texture.
Notes
- Castelvetrano olives provide a mild, buttery flavor; if unavailable, substitute with green olives but avoid overly salty varieties.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing and smooth texture.
- Lemon zest adds a bright contrast; avoid using lemon juice to prevent watery consistency.
- Chilling the filled celery sticks for longer than 30 minutes can improve firmness and flavor blending.
- For a visually appealing platter, garnish with extra olive slices or fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
Keywords: martini sticks, celery sticks appetizer, olive cream cheese filling, blue cheese appetizer, no-cook snacks, party appetizers, celery with cheese
