How to Make a Last-Minute Appetizer Using Jams and Jellies
One thing I love about the sweetness of summer is homemade jams and jellies. You may have followed my 5-day series on canning your own jam, and I love the variety of ways that you can use jams. Of course our family favorite is on pancakes, waffles, French toast, or peanut butter and jellies.
Another way to use jam is for a last-minute appetizer.
I can’t tell you the times I had to scramble to put an appetizer together, at the last minute.
How to Make a Last-Minute Appetizer
Using cream cheese or goat cheese, place on a plate and pour homemade jam on top.
Toast nuts in the microwave for 2 minutes (stirring half-way through the cooking process), and place on the side of the cheese.
Serve with small crackers.
The sweet and savory effect is mouth-watering and also perfect for if your guests drink wine.
A tasty treat.
And homemade all the way.
What’s your go-to, last-minute appetizer that you reach for?
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I’m Sandy—lover of food, family, cooking, THE BIG BOARD, travel, and bringing people together. Through great recipes and connection around the table, we become better, stronger, and more courageous people. Feasting on Life is real, and every time we do it, we grow a little more. Read more...
Never thought of using jam….we always use sweet onion pepper sauce….going to give it a try
I always have cans of refried beans and jarred salsa on hand – same concept as this – just spread the beans on a platter and spread the salsa over the top. And I live in Wisconsin so I always have an ample supply of cheese and crackers on hand, too.
What a wonderful reminder of an old standby! I tend to forget to utilize this quick, but so yummy idea! Thank you for always sharing your inspiration.
I would like that recipe!
My family and friends love my homemade hot pepper jelly over cream cheese, just like you’ve done here, served with crackers. I made it for the first time this summer, using cayenne peppers from my little garden.
By the way, I love reading your blog and have enjoyed your book as well.
What an awesome idea!!! Yummy!!!
Sounds quick and easy.
I miss canning jams. Years ago in Texas I used to get a lot of fresh fruit and can jams and and different flavored applesauce.
My go to last minute appetizer is usually shrimp cocktail or cheese (from Wisconsin afterall!) and crackers. Very boring but very quick. When I have more time I love a Greek feta dip with roasted red peppers and kalmata olives served with pita chips.
Hi Sandy! I LOVE this idea. I’ve often used a block of cream cheese with red pepper jelly on top (best with wheat thins) for a quick appetizer, but this is such a summery sweet version with the fruit jam and nuts. Better believe I’m gonna be trying this out soon!
My good friend has supplied me with a ton of her canned blueberry and lemon pepper jelly, just for this reason. I can’t tell you how many times this has come in very handy!
We keep different kinds of jam and jellies, in the pantry just for this occasion. You never know when someone might just drop by and it is always nice to be able just throw together a quick appetizer. And this time of year when you have an abundance of fresh tomatoes, we keep fresh mozzerella in the refrigerator and always have basil growing, we can throw together a quick appetizer of tomato mozzeralla, basil snacks…. always fresh and yummy, and the real kicker??? not too many calories!!!
Blessings to you and yours
Curtis & Sherrie
Very simple and tasty! I recently used your method of canning for our Wild Grape Jelly I made. It turned out great.
Have a lovely day Sandy!
Heck. Yes. Love this!
This looks so good. What a great appetizer combination.
There is a goat cheese log covered in cranberries from Costco that is an excellent choice when you need something in a hurry. I also like doing brie topped with (yes) jam and nuts wrapped in crescent rolls. It’s especially good with a tart jam like raspberry or even cranberry sauce.
Looks both tasty and colorful. Love the addition of the nuts. My go to appetiser is often hummus. I usually have the main ingredients on hand and vary the spices. Then I cut strips of veggies to serve with it or toast up some pita or tortilla cut into wedges if I have those on hand.
Darla