Savory Peach Appetizers
I've been playing with peaches all week exploring savory appetizers with what is traditionally used in desserts. Trying new things is seriously one of my favorite kitchen challenges! I've gathered a few of the recipes here for you to try out yourself this summer when the peaches are ripe and juicy and you are just looking for something DIFFERENT! Although do you ever really get tired of peach casserole and peach ice cream?? Uhh here? Not really.
We have Peach Salsa, Peach Cracker Stackers, and Peach Pepper Dip ahead of you! Hope you're feelin' peachy!
First up, Peach Salsa!
Short and sweet, here is my recipe for peach salsa. I've used this combo for years and one thing worth noting is that this can be made with a number of fruits. I've made mango, strawberry, pineapple, peach. Any fruit you enjoy and will 'Juice' as mixed can work. This leaves things like grapes and blueberries out unless you want to experiment with crushing them... and if so go crazy! Have fun!
🍑4-5 peaches; peeled and chopped • 1/2 cup chopped onion (I used Vidalia) • 1/4 jalapeño minced: increase or decrease to taste • 1 clove of garlic minced • juice of 1/2 lime • 1 T apple cider vinegar • Handful of chopped cilantro (about 1/4 - 1/3 of a bunch) • Mix all and chill for a bit to let flavors marry (or dive right in!) 🍑
Peach Cracker Stackers
This bite is literally playing stackable with ingredients to get a perfect bite of sweet, savory and CRUNCH! I have the combo we used below but as with most of my "recipes" substitutions are totally great and you may surprise yourself with what you create!
🍑Summer snacking easy as your fav crackers + 🍑 slices + cheese* + JK Peach Pepper Jelly + chopped pistachios. *We used a spread of goat cheese here, but any spreadable cheese would be scrumptious! 😋
Just layer the ingredients as shown for a simple snack or even to line up on a tray for guests to grab up. You can make these a bit in advance and keep in fridge - but no too far as the wet ingredients can weep if left too long and soggy crackers are just not fun. Another party option idea would be a stackable buffet tray. Make a few crackers up as samples on the tray and then have all the ingredients ready in their own cute little bowls for guests to "design" their own stackables! Decorative signage with suggested combinations would be a great finishing touch!
Peach Pepper Dip
Ok - now this dip just looks so scrumptious and inviting me! Like - DIP ME!!!
Seriously though, I was ending the week of peaches and was trying to find one more yummy thing for the last of my peaches. I began playing with a cream cheese & goat cheese base and the rest is history!
Ingredients:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
4 oz goat cheese
1 T + 3 T Jennifer's Kitchen Peach Pepper Jelly*
1 peach, peeled and chopped
1 - 2 tsp + 1 tsp chives, chopped*
1 - 2 tsp jalapeño, chopped*
1/2 tsp salt
Notes on this recipe:
* You will notice some variations and split quantities. Jalapeño and chives are very taste subjective. Choose how much based on how much you like those ingredients. I like a lot of flavor so I add the maximum, but my kids wouldn't enjoy that much jalapeño and onion...so I would use smaller amounts if I were making it for them. I will also add that if you don't like them at all? This dip is still tasty without them - just a bit less savory. If you choose to omit the peppers & onions; increase the pepper jelly to 2 T instead. It will be subtle but still give you the flavor!
* The Split portions (+) shown have the 1st listed amount INSIDE the dip mixture and the 2nd listed amount as the dip topping.
* Cheese: We used 2 cheeses in this recipe. It will work with one or the other and/or any other creamy cheese you enjoy!
* Additional mix in ideas: chopped red, yellow or orange bell peppers or chopped nuts
* To find JK Peach Pepper Jelly - head to our 'shop' page. It's available online via Amazon or direct shipping from me. Be sure to check the 'find us' page for stores carrying our jellies near you!
How to:
Grab all your ingredients and chop up onions and jalapeño. This is how much jalepeno I began with shown (about 1 tsp). I added a 2nd tsp (a second sliver this size) for the final recipe. I tend to take pics as I create to help me keep up with what I do. Sometimes modifications happen at the end and no pics will exist for those :) Measuring cup shown has chopped chives and chopped jalapeño inside.
Mix softened cream cheese and goat cheese and 1 or 2 T of JK Peach pepper jelly and mix well. I find the flat beater attachment works great for this. It also saves me time cleaning and pulling peppers off the the whisk beaters.
Next add the greens, chives and jalapeño and mix well.
Now for the fresh peach! This is where I began, hand slicing and chopping. The chopped pieces at the bottom are a good size if you LOVE big chunks of peaches. If you want it more subtle see the next pic!
I grabbed my small chopper and gave the peaches a few pulses to reach this smaller chop pictured below. the peach pieces become more integrated and less noticeable in the texture. So really the chop size is up to your own personally preference. I find bigger chops allow you to taste "more" peach. On the flip side you could completely puree the peaches and have them disappear for a creamy texture or picky eaters!
Now just add your chopped peaches right in and mix well!
ServingYou
If you want to make this in advance - just pop the dip in the fridge until you're ready to serve.
When ready, choose a cute low edge style dish to allow more dipped area on top. I used a AA size fluted bowl made by @susangorgonpottery. It didn't hold the complete batch of dip but was a nice family size portion with some leftover for later. Find her dishes on Etsy and my exact set here:
Add your chilled dip mixture to serving bowl of choice and top with a few tablespoons of JK Peach Pepper Jelly and sprinkle with chopped chives. Serve with pita chips or crackers.
Hope you enjoy this one! Be sure to take pics and tag me it you make it! I love to see! @fromjenniferskitchen and/or #fromjenniferskitchen
Check out our Pinterest page for TONS of appetizer inspiration!
"JensKitchenLLC" or click pic to check it out and follow along the Pinterest fun!
