Fridge (unfilled celery): Soaked stalks keep 2 days in water.

Fridge (filled): Up to 3 days covered (place toothpicks in filling, wrap with plastic).

Do not freeze. Cream cheese separates upon thawing.

Make filling ahead: Store covered 2 days; stuff day-of.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

A: Not recommended—it’s thinner and less creamy. Full-fat = best texture.

Q: Why is my filling too soft?

A: Likely cold cream cheese or overmixing. Next time: room-temp cheese + gentle folding.

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?

A: Yes! Use DF cream cheese (Kite Hill) and nutritional yeast instead of cheddar.

Q: Are they gluten-free?

A: Yes—naturally! Just verify add-ins (bacon, seasoning) if needed.

Q: Can I use celery hearts?

A: Absolutely! They’re more tender and less stringy—ideal for elegant bites.

Allergy Information

Contains: Dairy (cream cheese, cheddar), nuts (if using pecans)

Gluten-free option: Yes

Nut-free option: Yes—with seeds or omit

⚠️ Always verify labels.

Nutrition Facts (Per Piece — 24 servings)

| Calories | 55 |

| Fat | 5g |

| Saturated Fat | 2.5g |

| Carbs | 1g |

| Fiber | <1g |

| Protein | 2g |

| Sodium | 85mg |

Values are estimates. Varies by brands and add-ins.

Final Thought

This appetizer doesn’t arrive with fanfare.

It chills quietly on the platter—crisp green, creamy filling, pecans glistening—until the first bite.

Then comes the crunch. The creamy sigh. The “Oh… this tastes like home.”

That’s the magic of heirloom food:

It’s not about perfection.

It’s about presence.

It’s about a grandmother’s hands, a granddaughter’s love, and the quiet joy of feeding people well.