Bacon Cranberry Walnut Stuffed Celery offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, combining the crunchiness of celery with the sweetness of cranberries and the rich taste of bacon. This recipe is perfect for those seeking a unique appetizer that’s both easy to make and guaranteed to impress at any gathering.
The inception of this recipe occurred during a quaint tea party organized for graduating senior girls and their mothers. The event called for something exceptional yet subtly elegant, and these stuffed celery sticks were the answer. Not only were they a highlight of the afternoon, but their preparation was an effortless endeavor that yielded delightful results. This experience underlined the recipe’s suitability for various other events such as bridal showers, brunches, or casual get-togethers.
Why You’ll Love This Bacon Cranberry Walnut Stuffed Celery Recipe
– Effortless Preparation: Simple steps and easily accessible ingredients.
– Perfect Party Appetizer: Ideal for a wide range of occasions.
– Delightfully Crunchy and Flavorful: A satisfying texture with a harmonious blend of flavors.
– Nutritious Choice: Includes healthy ingredients like walnuts and celery.
Ingredient Notes
– Bacon: Use half a pound of crisply cooked bacon, crumbled to sprinkle into the mixture. Its smokey flavor intensifies the overall taste.
– Reduced-Fat Cream Cheese: Acts as a smooth base for the stuffing. Its creaminess complements the crunchy texture of the celery.
– Glazed Walnuts: Half a cup of chopped glazed walnuts adds a sweet nuttiness.
– Craisins: These slightly tart dried cranberries offer a chewy texture and vibrant bursts of flavor.
– Green Onions & Garlic Powder: These ingredients provide a subtle spiciness that balances the sweetness of the walnuts and Craisins.
– Heavy Cream: Just a touch to bind the ingredients into a rich, cohesive filling.
– Celery: Twelve stalks, cleaned and cut into pieces, serve as the crunchy vessels for the filling.
How to Make Bacon Cranberry Walnut Stuffed Celery Recipe
– Step 1: Prepare the Bacon
Cook the bacon until crispy and drain it on paper towels.
– Step 2: Chop Ingredients
Finely chop the walnuts, Craisins, and green onions.
– Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a bowl, blend the cream cheese with your chopped ingredients, heavy cream, and garlic powder until well combined.
– Step 4: Combine Bacon
Fold the cooled, crispy bacon into the cream cheese mixture. Refrigerate this blend for 30-60 minutes to enhance the flavors.
– Step 5: Prepare the Celery
Clean and cut the celery into desired sizes. Carefully fill each celery stick using a piping bag fitted with a large tip (or a Ziploc bag with a corner cut off).
– Step 6: Final Refrigeration
Chill the stuffed celery in the refrigerator until ready to serve to ensure it remains fresh and crisp.
Storage Options
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours. For optimal texture, avoid freezing, as frozen celery may become overly soft upon thawing.
Variations and Substitutions
– Pecans Instead of Walnuts: Substitute chopped pecans for a different nutty flavor.
– Use Greek Yogurt: Blend in Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a lighter filling.
– Spice It Up: Add a dash of chili powder or cayenne for extra heat.
– Vegan Adaptation: Utilize vegan cream cheese and coconut bacon for a plant-based version.
What to Serve With Bacon Cranberry Walnut Stuffed Celery
– Cheese Platter: Complement with various cheeses for a rich and varied appetizer spread.
– Crisp White Wine: Serve with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
– Fruit Salad: Offer a sweet counterpart with a fresh fruit salad.
– Mini Sandwiches: Pair with assorted mini sandwiches for a fulfilling snack option.
Frequently Asked Questions
– Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and refrigerate the filling a day in advance; stuff the celery close to serving time.
– How can I make this dish healthier?
Opt for fat-free cream cheese and increase the proportion of nuts and cranberries.
– Is there a low-carb version of this recipe?
Yes, simply reduce the quantity of Craisins or substitute them with lower-carb berries like raspberries.
– What are some tips for perfect stuffing?
Use a piping bag for cleaner, more uniform filling of the celery sticks.
Creating this Bacon Cranberry Walnut Stuffed Celery promises a delightful, crunchy, and refreshingly unique appetizer that efficiently combines diverse flavors and textures. Following these guidelines will ensure not only a beautifully presented dish but also a universally enjoyable snacking experience. Perfect for any gathering, these celery sticks will not disappoint.
Bacon Cranberry Walnut Stuffed Celery
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Piping Bag
Ingredients
Bacon Cranberry Walnut Stuffed Celery
- 6 strips Bacon cooked until crispy
- 4 oz Reduced-Fat Cream Cheese
- 1/2 cup Glazed Walnuts chopped
- 1/2 cup Craisins
- 2 tbsp Green Onions finely chopped
- 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
- 2 tbsp Heavy Cream
- 12 stalks Celery cleaned and cut into pieces
Instructions
- Cook the bacon until crispy, then drain and crumble it.
- Finely chop the walnuts, Craisins, and green onions.
- In a bowl, combine cream cheese, walnuts, Craisins, green onions, garlic powder, and heavy cream until well blended.
- Fold in the crispy bacon and refrigerate the mixture for 30-60 minutes.
- Clean and cut the celery into pieces then fill each piece with the cream cheese mixture using a piping bag.
- Chill the stuffed celery in the refrigerator until ready to serve.