Easy Peanut-Based Appetizers

Enhance your appetizer spread with these delicious, easy-to-make peanut-based recipes. Peanuts are a great source of protein and fiber, and they also add a distinctive flavor and texture to any dish. Whether you're hosting a casual gathering or a formal event, these delicious starters are sure to impress.

Sweet and Spicy Peanuts: A Party-Perfect Snack

A little bit spicy, a little bit sweet, a whole lot delicious. This peanut appetizer pairs well with wine and cocktails for your next party.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups Salted Virginia peanuts
• 1 tablespoon neutral-flavored oil, such as vegetable or canola
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
2. Place the peanuts and oil in a medium bowl, stir to coat the nuts.
3. Combine the sugar and spices in a small bowl and stir to combine, then sprinkle the spices over the nuts. Stir to coat the nuts.
4. Pour the nuts out onto a cookie sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, stirring once halfway through baking.
5. Remove from the oven to a cooling rack. Cool completely; store in an airtight container.

Quick and Easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars

Every gathering needs a little treat. These no-bake bars are salty, sweet, and an easy peanut recipe for the busy holiday season.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups cornflakes cereal, lightly crushed
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1/2 cup (4 ounces) salted butter, melted
• 1 1/4 cups creamy peanut butter, divided
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• Flaky sea salt, chopped candied peanuts, for garnish

Directions:

1. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Stir together cornflakes, powdered sugar, butter, and 1 cup of the peanut butter in a medium bowl until combined.
3. Press mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
4. Add chocolate chips and remaining 1/4 cup peanut butter to a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high in 30 second intervals, stirring between intervals, until chocolate chips are melted, about 1 minute.
5. Spread evenly over cornflakes mixture. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and chopped candied peanuts while the chocolate is still warm. Press lightly to set.
6. Chill bars, uncovered, until firm, at least 4 hours or up to overnight.
7. Remove from the refrigerator, cut into squares, and serve.

Peanut Butter Cheese Ball: A Sweet and Creamy Delight

This sweet treat turns a classic appetizer on its head. Creamy and bursting with peanut and chocolate flavors, it’s the perfect sweet addition to your next charcuterie board.

Ingredients:

• 1 package softened cream cheese (8 ounces)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter (not all-natural)
• 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 3/4 cup chocolate chips, milk or semi-sweet
• 3/4 cup peanut butter chips
• Assorted dippers such as apple slices, vanilla wafers, pretzel sticks, and graham cracker pieces

Directions:

1. Beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, peanut butter, and brown sugar in a bowl until smooth.
2. Transfer mixture to the center of a large piece of plastic wrap; pull up all four corners and twist to form a ball shape.
3. Place in the freezer for two hours or until firm enough to hold its shape.
4. Spread the peanut butter chips and chocolate chips on a shallow dish.
5. Remove the ball from plastic wrap and roll in the chips to cover completely; press chips into the ball.
6. Place the ball on a small serving dish and freeze again for two hours or until almost firm.
7. Serve with apple slices, vanilla wafers, pretzel sticks, or graham cracker dippers.

Crispy, Cheesy Peanut Straws

These crowd-pleasing peanut straws are sure to be a hit. They’re surprisingly easy to make, but your guests will think they took you all day.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup salted peanuts, finely chopped*
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 package of frozen puff pastry (14 ounces)
• 1 egg, slightly beaten

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
3. In a bowl, combine cheese, peanuts, and cayenne pepper.
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out half of the puff pastry into a 12-inch square. Trim to size if needed.
5. Brush the beaten egg over the surface of the puff pastry. Sprinkle half of the cheese and peanut mixture over the lower half of the square, leaving a small border (about ½ inch) on three sides. Fold top half of pastry over bottom half, pinching edges firmly to seal. Use a rolling pin to seal layers together. Brush with more egg.
6. Using a sharp knife, cut the rectangle vertically into ½-inch strips, each 6 inches long. Twist each strip several times and place in a single layer on the prepared pan.
7. Repeat with remaining pastry and cheese mixture.
8. Bake in the center of the preheated oven, rotating pans halfway through, until straws are puffed and golden, 15 to 18 minutes.
9. Straws can be kept in an airtight container for a couple of days or frozen for a month.

*For an extra pop of flavor, try our Sea Salt and Cracked Pepper peanuts.

Ready to elevate your next gathering with delicious peanut-based treats? Try out these easy and flavorful peanut recipes. With Hampton Farms peanuts, you can create a variety of appetizers and desserts that will impress your guests.