Ah, beef jerky. The surprisingly healthy snack is ideal for road trips, hiking trips, and any other time you need food that doesn’t spoil easily. Yet beef jerky also lends itself to a variety of recipes, including yummy appetizers. Check out the following ideas to use at your next shindig. Your family and friends will love your creative use of jerky!
Tomato and Cheese Appetizer
Add beef jerky to a tomato-and-cheese appetizer to create something that’s both delicious and filling. Simply cut beef jerky into ¼-inch pieces and do the same thing with the tomato. Spread goat cheese on crackers and then top with the tomato and jerky. Add parsley sprigs, salt, and pepper to heighten the flavors.
Tomato Sauce
Create a unique tomato sauce to use as an appetizer dip with beef jerky. Soften the meat with boiling water so the result isn’t super-chewy. Use ingredients such as green pepper, chopped onion, heavy cream, and minced garlic, to create a delicious sauce ideal for mini grilled cheeses. Cut the jerky into bite-size pieces with kitchen shears before you throw it in the sauce.
Jerky Bruschetta
Use jerky in bruschetta recipes to give the appetizer a meaty kick. Experiment with different seasonings until you have the recipe just right.
Jerky and Cheese Plate
Do something different with your next cheese plate—add jerky! Substitute typical deli meats for jerky. Friends and family are sure to notice you opted out of ho-hum pepperoni this go-around.
Papaya and Beef Jerky Salad
Serve salad that includes jerky as an appetizer at your next event. Vietnamese papaya, Thai basil, and beef jerky combine to make a unique and delicious salad everyone will love. Use about two pounds of shredded papaya for the best results. Make your own dressing with ingredients such as soy sauce, garlic, sugar, and vinegar.
Fried Jerky
Forget mozzarella sticks—why not serve fried jerky at your upcoming gathering? Fry the food however you see fit and include one or a variety of sauces for dipping. This includes marinara sauce, of course!
Jerky in a Blanket
Substitute hot dogs for beef jerky to make the appetizer classic, Pigs in a Blanket. Sure, the meat being used is no longer pig, but it’s still a cool twist on an old favorite. Name the appetizer depending on the type of jerky used, such as Turkey in a Blanket.
Crockett Creek Jerky Fits Every Occasion
You can use these jerky ideas for all occasions. Picnics, birthday parties, Super Bowl watch parties, cookouts, even classy dinner parties can all be made better when you add a little Crockett Creek Jerky to the mix. Elevate your boring appetizers with our quality jerky to make them tastier, healthier, and extra fun. Use one of these ideas to bring some flavor to your next gathering, or experiment with your own jerky appetizer ideas. Crockett Creek offers a wide selection of jerky flavors, so you will have no trouble finding one that fits with the rest of your dishes. From the more mild flavors like Original and Teriyaki to the extremes like Sweet N’ Spicy and Fire, we have the perfect jerky flavor for you. Check out all of our flavors and buy your favorites on our website.
