There’s something delightfully satisfying about crisp celery paired with creamy flavor-packed spreads, and my Celery Logs with Pimiento Cheese are no exception! A recent potluck had me scrambling for a crowd-pleaser, and this dish stole the show. The blend of sharp Cheddar and smooth cream cheese, with a zesty kick from the chipotle adobo and a burst of flavor from pimientos, was like a symphony in a bite.
As I was whipping up my batch, I couldn’t help but reflect on how easy it is to transform humble ingredients into something special. With just a handful of ingredients and a couple of hours in the fridge, these savory bites are perfect for any gathering or simply as an indulgent snack at home. The vibrant garnishes of raisins and walnuts add a fun twist, making each bite a delightful surprise.
If you’re looking to elevate your snack game and say goodbye to boring fast food, join me in creating this quick and delicious recipe that will keep you and your guests wanting more!
Why will you love this Celery Logs with Pimiento Cheese?
Satisfying Crunch: The fresh celery brings a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the creamy pimiento cheese.
Flavor Explosion: Each bite bursts with rich, savory flavors from the sharp Cheddar and a hint of chipotle spice.
Quick to Make: With minimal prep time, you’ll have these ready for your next gathering in no time.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Everyone loves a tasty snack, and this dish appeals to all ages—perfect for parties or casual munching!
Versatile Options: Customize your garnishes with raisins, walnuts, or sriracha for a unique twist every time.
Healthy Indulgence: Enjoy guilt-free snacking that satisfies without resorting to fast food—your taste buds will thank you!
Celery Logs with Pimiento Cheese Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to whip up these delightful Celery Logs with Pimiento Cheese!
For the Pimiento Cheese Spread
• Cream cheese – Adds a creamy, smooth texture that forms the base of the spread.
• Mayonnaise – Contributes richness and moisture to balance the tangy flavors.
• Dijon mustard – Offers a zesty kick that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Adobo sauce – Imparts a smoky, spicy depth from the chipotles, elevating your pimiento cheese.
• Black pepper – A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper adds the perfect hint of warmth.
• Sharp Cheddar – Grated sharp Cheddar provides bold flavor that’s fundamental to the spread.
• Monterey Jack cheese – Gives a mild, creamy balance to the sharper Cheddar.
• Fresh dill fronds – Adds a refreshing herbal note that brightens up the flavor.
• Diced pimientos – These sweet little bites add color and a subtle sweetness to the mix.
• Kosher salt – Enhances all the flavors, ensuring a well-seasoned spread.
For the Celery Logs
• Celery stalks – Crunchy 3-inch pieces serve as the perfect vessel for your pimiento cheese.
Optional Garnishes
• Raisins – Sweet and chewy, these add a delightful contrast to the savory cheese.
• Sriracha – A drizzle can bring a spicy kick that cranks up the flavor!
• Walnuts – Chopped walnuts add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
• Cranberries – Tart and vibrant, they introduce a pop of color and zest.
Gather these ingredients to create irresistible Celery Logs with Pimiento Cheese that will impress everyone at your next snack session!
How to Make Celery Logs with Pimiento Cheese
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Combine Ingredients: In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, adobo sauce, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix until everything is thoroughly combined and creamy.
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Add Cheeses: Gently stir in the grated sharp Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl, ensuring all ingredients are mixed evenly.
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Mix in Dill and Pimientos: Chop 1 tablespoon of fresh dill fronds and add them, along with the drained diced pimientos, to the cheese mixture. Season with kosher salt before mixing again thoroughly. Transfer the mixture to a container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
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Assemble the Celery Logs: Once the pimiento cheese is firm, mound it into the prepared celery stalks, filling each piece generously.
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Garnish and Serve: Add your favorite garnishes, such as raisins, sriracha, walnuts, or cranberries, for extra flavor and texture. Serve immediately or return to the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy!
Optional: Sprinkle additional fresh dill on top for a pop of color and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Celery Logs with Pimiento Cheese
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Softening Cream Cheese: Before mixing, let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This ensures a smooth and creamy pimiento cheese blend.
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Cheese Selection: Use high-quality cheeses for the best flavor. Sharp Cheddar brings depth, while Monterey Jack adds creaminess—don’t skimp on quality!
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Chill Time: Be patient! Allowing the pimiento cheese to chill for a full 2 hours improves its texture and flavor, making every bite even more satisfying.
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Preventing Watery Spread: Ensure the pimientos are well-drained. Excess moisture can thin out your mixture and impact the final texture of the spread.
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Garnish Variations: Think outside the box! Get creative with garnishes like chopped jalapeños or crispy bacon bits for a different flavor profile that enhances your celery logs with pimiento cheese.
Celery Logs with Pimiento Cheese Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists on your Celery Logs with Pimiento Cheese. Each option invites a fresh layer of flavor and creativity!
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Spicy Kick: Add finely chopped jalapeños to the cheese mixture for an extra kick that spice lovers will adore.
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Herb Infusion: Swap dill for fresh chives or parsley to give your pimiento cheese a new but equally fresh herbal note. The burst of flavor makes each bite sing!
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Smoky Flavor: Incorporate smoked paprika into the cheese blend for a rich and smoky depth that perfectly complements the creamy texture.
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Vegan Option: Replace cream cheese and mayonnaise with vegan alternatives and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Everyone will enjoy these guilt-free bites!
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Nutty Crunch: Mix in chopped almonds or pecans for an unexpected crunch that elevates the textural experience. Each bite becomes a delightful surprise!
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Zesty Twist: A dash of lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds acidity, giving the spread a refreshing lift. It’s like a party in your mouth!
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Fruitiness: Fold in finely chopped apples or pears into the mixture for a sweet contrast that balances the savory elements beautifully.
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Mediterranean Flair: Incorporate chopped sun-dried tomatoes and black olives for a delicious Mediterranean variation that will have everyone raving.
Each variation is a chance to make this recipe uniquely yours—so don’t be shy, experiment, and enjoy the delicious results!
What to Serve with Celery Logs with Pimiento Cheese?
Create a charming spread with delightful pairings that enhance the creamy, zesty flavors of your celery logs!
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Fresh Vegetable Platter: Crisp radishes, bell peppers, and carrots provide extra crunch and a color contrast that brightens your table.
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Savory Crackers: Choose hearty whole grain or herbed varieties to complement the creaminess of pimiento cheese, adding texture and flavor for every bite.
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Sweet Fruit Salsa: A refreshing blend of diced mango and pineapple drizzled with lime juice contrast beautifully with the savory cheese, adding a tropical flair.
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Charcuterie Board: Include sliced meats like salami or prosciutto; their saltiness pairs well with the cheese spread and creates a stunning feast for the eyes.
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Light White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay can elevate your snack selection, bringing together the flavors in a truly delightful way.
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Chocolate-Covered Raisins: For a sweet twist, these indulgent treats can underline the sweetness of the cheese while pleasing the palate at the same time.
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Herbed Flatbreads: Warm, garlic-infused flatbreads provide a delightful vessel for your pimiento cheese, enhancing the experience with every delicious bite.
Transform your gathering into a culinary adventure that keeps everyone coming back for more!
Make Ahead Options
These Celery Logs with Pimiento Cheese are perfect for meal prep, saving you time when busy weeknights roll around! You can prepare the pimiento cheese mixture up to 3 days in advance; simply follow the mixing instructions and store it in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. This helps the flavors meld beautifully while keeping the cheese creamy and delicious. When ready to serve, just mound the chilled pimiento cheese into your celery sticks and add your choice of garnishes. For the best results, avoid assembling the logs too early, as the celery may lose its crunch. Enjoy this delightful snack with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
How to Store and Freeze Celery Logs with Pimiento Cheese
Fridge: Store leftover celery logs in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: You can freeze the pimiento cheese mixture in a sealed container for up to 3 months. However, it’s best to assemble celery logs fresh for crispness.
Reheating: If serving the pimiento cheese spread after freezing, thaw in the fridge overnight. You can mix in a bit of mayonnaise to restore creaminess!
Enjoying Fresh: For the best texture, assemble the celery logs with pimiento cheese just before serving, as celery can become limp in storage.
Celery Logs with Pimiento Cheese Recipe FAQs
What ripeness of celery should I use for the logs?
Absolutely! Look for firm, bright green celery stalks that are crisp and have no dark spots or wilting. Fresh celery will hold up better when stuffed with the pimiento cheese spread, ensuring that delightful crunch you’re after.
How should I store leftover Celery Logs with Pimiento Cheese?
Store leftover celery logs in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping them covered prevents them from absorbing other odors and helps maintain their freshness.
Can I freeze the pimiento cheese mixture?
Yes, you can freeze the pimiento cheese mixture! Place it in a sealed container and it will stay good for up to 3 months. Just remember, it’s best to assemble the celery logs fresh before serving, as the celery may get limp after freezing.
What can I do if my pimiento cheese mixture is too thick?
If your pimiento cheese mixture turns out too thick, simply stir in a little extra mayonnaise until you achieve your desired consistency. This will help maintain the creamy texture that makes the spread so enjoyable!
Are there any dietary considerations for pets or allergies?
Of course! Always keep in mind that this recipe contains dairy, so if anyone has lactose intolerance or a dairy allergy, they should avoid these celery logs. Additionally, the adobo sauce can be spicy; be cautious if sharing with anyone who isn’t comfortable with heat. Always double-check with guests for any allergies before serving!
What if I don’t have pimientos on hand?
No worries! If you can’t find diced pimientos, you can substitute them with finely chopped roasted red peppers or even sweet bell peppers for a similar sweet flavor and beautiful color. Get creative with what you have, the more the merrier!
Delicious Celery Logs with Pimiento Cheese for Irresistible Snacking
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, adobo sauce, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix until everything is thoroughly combined and creamy.
- Gently stir in the grated sharp Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl, ensuring all ingredients are mixed evenly.
- Chop 1 tablespoon of fresh dill fronds and add them, along with the drained diced pimientos, to the cheese mixture. Season with kosher salt before mixing again thoroughly. Transfer the mixture to a container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Once the pimiento cheese is firm, mound it into the prepared celery stalks, filling each piece generously.
- Add your favorite garnishes, such as raisins, sriracha, walnuts, or cranberries, for extra flavor and texture. Serve immediately or return to the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy!