Martini Sticks

Martini Sticks are a clever, cocktail-inspired appetizer that capture the bold, briny elegance of a classic dirty martini in bite-sized form.

Crisp celery becomes the perfect vessel for a creamy, savory filling of olives, blue cheese, and lemon zest—rich yet refreshing, indulgent yet light.

They’re effortlessly sophisticated, making them ideal for parties, holiday spreads, or anytime you want an appetizer with personality and polish.

Why People Will Love Martini Sticks:

Bold, cocktail-inspired flavor – The briny olives, blue cheese, and olive brine capture the essence of a dirty martini in a fun, edible form.

Perfect balance of creamy and crisp – Rich, savory filling contrasts beautifully with the fresh crunch of celery.

Sophisticated yet simple – The flavors feel upscale and refined, but the recipe itself is easy to prepare with minimal effort.

Ideal party appetizer – Bite-sized, no-mess, and easy to serve, making them perfect for gatherings and cocktail hours.

Distinctive and memorable – This is not a typical celery appetizer; the martini-inspired twist makes it stand out.

Naturally low-carb and gluten-free – A crowd-pleasing option for guests with dietary preferences or restrictions.

Customizable to taste – Easily adjust olive intensity, blue cheese richness, or citrus brightness.

Make-ahead friendly – Chilling enhances flavor and texture, making party prep stress-free.

Elegant presentation – Clean lines and creamy filling make these visually appealing on any platter.

A savory alternative to sweet appetizers – Perfect for guests who crave bold, salty, umami-rich bites.

Key Ingredients:

Cream cheese – Smooth and mild, it forms the luxurious base of the filling, carrying bold flavors while keeping the texture light and spreadable.

Castelvetrano olives – Buttery, briny, and gently sweet, these olives bring signature martini character without harsh bitterness.

Olive brine – Salty and savory, it deepens the flavor and ties the filling directly to classic cocktail notes.

Blue cheese – Creamy and assertive, it adds umami depth and a sophisticated edge that elevates the entire bite.

Lemon zest – Bright and aromatic, it lifts the richness and sharpens the flavors with a subtle citrus finish.

Celery – Crisp, clean, and refreshing, celery provides the perfect crunchy contrast and keeps the appetizer light and balanced.

Black pepper – Gently warming and aromatic, it rounds out the savory elements without overpowering them.

Expert Tips:

Bring all cheeses fully to room temperature – Softened cream cheese and blue cheese blend smoothly, preventing lumps and ensuring a silky filling.

Chop olives thoughtfully – Roughly chop rather than mince so you get small bursts of olive flavor without overpowering the filling.

Add olive brine gradually – Start with a little and adjust to taste; different olive brands vary in saltiness.

Use lemon zest sparingly – The goal is brightness, not citrus dominance. A fine zest distributes aroma evenly without sharpness.

Beat the cream cheese first – Whipping it alone before adding other ingredients creates a lighter, more refined texture.

Taste before adding salt – Olives, brine, and blue cheese already bring salt; extra seasoning should be minimal and intentional.

Choose crisp celery – Fresh, firm stalks hold the filling better and provide the clean snap that makes the dish shine.

Trim celery evenly – Uniform sticks give a polished presentation and consistent bite.

Pipe for precision – Using a piping bag creates clean lines and makes assembly faster for large batches.

Chill before serving – Resting allows flavors to meld and firms the filling for the best texture and taste.

Martini Sticks

Ingredients

8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature

¾ cup Castelvetrano olives, pitted, drained, and roughly chopped

¼ cup olive brine (from the jar)

1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

4 ounces creamy blue cheese, crumbled

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1–2 bunches celery, cut into sticks

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Instructions

Place the softened cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl and beat until smooth and creamy.

Add the chopped Castelvetrano olives, olive brine, blue cheese, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is evenly combined.

Wash the celery stalks, then cut them into sticks about 4 inches long.

Using a small spoon, knife, or piping bag, fill the center groove of each celery stick with the olive cheese mixture.

Arrange the filled celery sticks on a serving platter.

Refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to firm up.

Serve chilled.

Important Notes When Making Martini Sticks:

Flavor balance is essential – This recipe relies on harmony between briny, creamy, and fresh elements. Small adjustments make a big difference.

Salt builds quickly – Olives, brine, and blue cheese all contribute salt, so seasoning should be added carefully and tasted as you go.

Texture matters as much as taste – The filling should be creamy but firm enough to hold its shape inside the celery.

Celery freshness defines the bite – Limp celery will undermine the dish. Choose crisp stalks and keep them chilled until assembly.

Chilling is not optional – Resting time improves flavor cohesion and makes the filling more stable and pleasant to eat.

This dish is best served cold – Warm temperatures soften the filling and mute the clean, martini-like flavors.

Not ideal for long outdoor heat – The cheese-based filling can soften too much if left unrefrigerated.

Ingredient quality is noticeable – With few components, high-quality olives and cheese make a clear difference.

Best enjoyed as an appetizer – These are designed to awaken the palate, not overwhelm it.

Make-ahead friendly with limits – Best prepared a few hours in advance, but serve within the same day for optimal texture.

How to Enjoy Martini Sticks After Cooking

Serve well chilled
Martini Sticks shine when cold. The chilled filling stays firm, the flavors are sharper, and the celery remains crisp.

Arrange neatly on a platter
Line them up or fan them out to highlight their clean shape and creamy centers—simple presentation enhances their elegance.

Enjoy one bite at a time
Each stick is meant to be eaten whole or in two bites, letting the creamy filling and crisp celery hit together.

Pair with a classic cocktail
A dirty martini, gin and tonic, or sparkling water with citrus complements the briny, savory flavors beautifully.

Let flavors wake up your palate
These are ideal as a starter—the salt, fat, and acid stimulate appetite without feeling heavy.

Keep portions light
The flavors are bold, so a few sticks go a long way in satisfying.

Avoid extra garnishes
The dish is already layered; unnecessary toppings can distract from its clean profile.

Serve on a cool surface
Marble or chilled plates help keep the filling firm longer during service.

Enjoy soon after chilling
They’re best within a few hours of being chilled, when texture and flavor are at their peak.

Savor the contrast
Take a moment to enjoy the snap of celery against the creamy, savory filling—that contrast is the heart of the dish.

Nutrition Information:

Approximate values per serving, assuming 1 serving = 2 Martini Sticks

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Martini Sticks ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare them up to 6–8 hours in advance. Keep them tightly covered and refrigerated so the filling stays firm and the celery remains crisp.

What if I don’t like blue cheese?
You can replace blue cheese with goat cheese or extra cream cheese for a milder flavor while keeping the creamy texture intact.

Are Castelvetrano olives necessary?
They’re recommended for their buttery, mild flavor, but you can substitute green olives if needed. Just note the flavor may be sharper and saltier.

How do I keep the celery from getting soggy?
Dry the celery thoroughly after washing and fill it close to serving time. Moisture on the celery surface is the main cause of sogginess.

Are Martini Sticks suitable for special diets?
Yes. They are naturally low-carb and gluten-free, making them a great option for keto-friendly or gluten-free appetizer spreads.

Why is my filling too soft or runny?
This usually happens if the cheeses aren’t fully softened before mixing or if too much olive brine is added. Beat the cream cheese first and add brine gradually until the filling is creamy but stable.

How finely should the olives be chopped?
Roughly chopped is ideal. Pieces should be small enough to distribute evenly but large enough to provide distinct bursts of olive flavor.

Can I mix everything by hand instead of using a mixer?
Yes. A mixer creates the smoothest texture, but thorough hand-mixing works as long as the cream cheese is very soft.

Should I chill the filling before piping it into the celery?
If the mixture feels loose, chilling it for 10–15 minutes can help it firm up, making piping cleaner and easier.

How do I prevent the celery sticks from cracking while filling?
Choose thick, sturdy celery stalks and avoid overfilling. Applying gentle, even pressure when piping helps keep the sticks intact.