Pepper jelly is quickly gaining popularity, with many swearing by it for nearly any recipe they can find.  If you're curious about it but don't want to risk a whole meal trying it, consider putting it in your appetizers!  These small pre-meal treats can be boosted to another level by adding heat and sweets with pepper jelly.

Just make plenty: none of the appetizers will last for long once people try a bite!

Coated Crunchy Almonds

Nuts have been a classic snack to have on hand for appetizers and during the meals themselves.  The crunchy and creamy texture of almonds is perfect for pepper jelly because it creates snacks that could confuse candy.  Toss almonds in the jelly, just enough to coat it, and then bake at a low temperature until they're just barely tacky.  The almonds will finish hardening outside the oven as they cool and can last for a couple of weeks if stored in an airtight container.

Simple Pepper Jelly Bread Bites

If you don't have much time, you want to make an appetizer that tastes like you spent hours: jelly bread bites are what you need.  For this recipe, all you need is crescent rolls or any laminated dough that you can find in the refrigerated section of your grocery store.  Roll the dough out into a flat surface, and cut it into even squares that are an inch on all sides.  Place a half tablespoon of jelly in the center, and then bake at 350 until the squares are cooked through, and the dough has a pretty golden color.  Serve slightly warm, and watch your guests rave about how delicious this treat is.

Pepper Jelly And Cream Cheese

This recipe is another simple one that nearly anyone can complete.  To ensure that this recipe goes over well, invest in purchasing a good cream cheese that's a little more expensive.  You can also do this with goat cheese, but not everyone is fond of goat cheeses, so it can be hit or miss.  Place the cheese prettily on a plate, and then pour an even amount of pepper jelly over it so that it just barely touches the plate around the sides of the cheese.  It's more pretty if some parts of the white cheese are showing through, so don't worry about coating it evenly.  Serve this pepper jelly dip with crackers or toasted bread slices.

Candied Bacon Bites

Bacon is a treat that most people love, and it can be taken even further than the simple and delicious breakfast food that it already is!  Pick slices of good quality bacon because the flavor and fat content will change how this dish is received.  Coat the bacon in a thin layer of jelly, and bake at 375 for twenty to thirty minutes, depending on the thickness of your bacon.  This will allow the coating to caramelize onto the bacon and harden into a deliciously crispy sweet, and savory appetizer for any meal.