Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese are one of those magical appetizers that bring joy to any gathering. Imagine this: you bite into a juicy, sweet Medjool date, and it’s perfectly filled with creamy goat cheese. Then, there’s the savory crispness of bacon enveloping it all—a delightful symphony of flavors! These little bites are simple to make and pack a punch that keeps everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a party, having a casual get-together, or simply looking for a tasty snack, these bites truly hit the spot. Plus, they come together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s whip up these Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese that will wow your friends and family!
Why This Recipe Works
Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese combine the sweetness of Medjool dates with the rich creaminess of goat cheese, all enveloped in crispy, savory bacon. This sweet-and-savory balance, enhanced by the spice mixture, creates an explosion of flavors that is hard to resist. The combination of textures is simply delightful! Each bite offers a crunch from the bacon, a creamy smoothness from the cheese, and a natural sweetness from the date. When baked, these ingredients meld together beautifully, allowing for a culinary experience that feels thoughtful yet effortless. You’ll find that this recipe is not just about taste, but also the joy it brings to your dining table.
Why You’ll Love This Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese
These delightful bite-sized appetizers are not just easy to prepare but are also crowd-pleasers at any gathering. The contrasting textures and flavors will have your guests coming back for more. Plus, they can be ready in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for unexpected guests or spontaneous celebrations. The presentation is effortless yet elegant, bringing a touch of gourmet flair to your spread. They are great for sharing, but you might find yourself wanting to keep them all to yourself! With each date wrapped in delicious bacon and oozing cheese, they become a sensational hit that’s sure to impress all your friends.
Ingredients
- 2 (8 ounce) packages Pitted Medjool Dates
- 4 ounces soft goat cheese
- 7 slices thick-cut hickory smoked bacon
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Hot honey for drizzling (optional)
Preparing the Bacon Wrapped Dates
Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures that your bacon will crisp perfectly while your dates heat through.
Prepare the Bacon
Next, cut the bacon slices into thirds. This will make them the perfect size to wrap around each date. Make sure the pieces are not too large or they might steal the show!
Create the Spice Mixture
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ancho chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined. This spice blend will elevate your dates, adding a sweet kick and a depth of flavor.
Prepare the Medjool Dates
Now it’s time to work with the dates. Gently hold each pitted date in your hand. Use your fingers or a small paring knife to locate the natural seam where the pit was removed. Carefully pry it open along the seam to create enough space for the cheese without splitting it completely.
Stuff Each Date with Goat Cheese
Using a spoon, fill each date with about ½ teaspoon of goat cheese. Gently press the sides of the date together to enclose the filling, leaving some cheese visible for that delicious melty effect.
Wrap Dates in Bacon
Take a slice of bacon and start wrapping it snugly around the filled date. Secure the bacon by inserting a toothpick through the center of the date, ensuring both ends of the bacon are pierced. This helps keep everything neat and tidy during baking.
Coat in Spice Mixture
Now, roll each stuffed date in the brown sugar spice mixture. It’s important to coat them generously for maximum flavor and sweetness, ensuring every bite is an explosion of taste.
Bake the Dates
Place the wrapped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring there is about an inch of space between each date. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 18 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized. You’ll want to keep an eye on them towards the end—they may need a few extra minutes, but be careful not to overcook.
Drizzle with Hot Honey and Serve
If desired, drizzle each date with hot honey before serving to add an extra layer of flavor. This teaspoon of sweetness brings a beautiful finish to your Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese. Enjoy these as an appetizer or snack that is bound to impress everyone!
Serving Suggestions
- Charcuterie Board: Pair these Bacon Wrapped Dates with a selection of cheeses to create a stunning spread.
- Cocktail Accompaniment: Serve alongside cocktails or a glass of red wine for a luxurious touch.
- Fresh Fruit Balance: Accompany with fresh fruit like figs or apples to balance the rich flavors.
Tips for Success
- Select Thick-Cut Bacon: For the best results, use thick-cut bacon; it holds up better during cooking.
- Room Temperature Cheese: Ensure your goat cheese is at room temperature for easy stuffing.
- Space is Key: Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; this allows the bacon to crisp up nicely.
Variations
- Change the Cheese: Substitute the goat cheese for blue cheese for a stronger flavor.
- Add Nuts: Consider adding chopped nuts inside the dates for added texture and crunch.
- Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices, like cayenne pepper, for a little kick.
Pairing Ideas
- Creamy Dips: Serve with a creamy dip like ranch or tzatziki to enhance the experience.
- Fresh Salad: Pair these dates with a fresh salad to complement their richness.
- Tart Sauce: Enjoy with a side of homemade cranberry sauce for a refreshing contrast.
FAQs
Can I prepare these bacon wrapped dates in advance?
Yes, you can prepare them a few hours before and bake just before serving for the best results.
What can I substitute for goat cheese?
Cream cheese or feta cheese can be good alternatives, but they will alter the flavor profile slightly.
Can these be made vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, consider using plant-based bacon while keeping the goat cheese.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven for the best flavor.
Can I freeze bacon wrapped dates?
Yes, they can be frozen before cooking. Thaw in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
These Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese are an irresistible combination of flavors and textures, making them the perfect appetizer for any occasion. Their sweet and savory profile is sure to be a hit, and with just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll be serving up a gourmet dish that tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant. Enjoy your cooking adventure and the joy these delightful bites bring to your table!
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Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese
These delicious bite-sized appetizers combine sweet Medjool dates, rich goat cheese, and crispy bacon, making them a perfect snack for gatherings or casual get-togethers.
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 14 pieces 1x
Ingredients
- 2 (8 ounce) packages Pitted Medjool Dates
- 4 ounces soft goat cheese
- 7 slices thick-cut hickory smoked bacon
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Hot honey for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cut bacon slices into thirds.
- Mix brown sugar, ancho chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl.
- Prepare each date by prying it open slightly.
- Stuff each date with about ½ teaspoon of goat cheese.
- Wrap each stuffed date with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Roll in the spice mixture for coating.
- Bake on a lined baking sheet for about 18 minutes until bacon is crispy.
- Drizzle with hot honey before serving.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Select thick-cut bacon for better results.
Ensure goat cheese is at room temperature for easier stuffing.
Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to ensure crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 9
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 10
