Dates with Goat Cheese Wrapped in Bacon Recipe

Introduction

These Dates with Goat Cheese Wrapped in Bacon make a delightful appetizer that balances sweet and salty flavors perfectly. Easy to prepare and sure to impress, they are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 14 oz. dates
• 4 oz goat cheese
• 1 package bacon, cut in half or thirds
• 4 Tbsp. honey
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme leaves for topping
• Fresh parsley for topping

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: Slice the dates in half and remove any pits if present.
3. Step 3: Stuff each date with about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of goat cheese.
4. Step 4: Wrap each stuffed date with 1/3 to 1/2 piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
5. Step 5: Place the bacon-wrapped dates on a baking rack set over a baking sheet.
6. Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the bacon is crispy.
7. Step 7: Remove from oven, immediately drizzle with honey, and season with salt and pepper.
8. Step 8: Let cool slightly, then garnish with fresh parsley and thyme before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a smokier flavor, use smoked bacon or add a pinch of smoked paprika before baking.
• Try using blue cheese or cream cheese as a substitute for goat cheese if preferred.
• Serve with a balsamic glaze drizzle for an extra tangy contrast.
• Make sure to secure the bacon well with toothpicks to keep the wrapping intact while baking.

Storage

Store any leftover bacon-wrapped dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed dates and wrap them in bacon ahead of time. Keep them refrigerated until ready to bake to maintain freshness.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh thyme or parsley?

If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried thyme or parsley can be used sparingly, or you can omit the herbs altogether without sacrificing much flavor.

Dates with Goat Cheese Wrapped in Bacon Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 142 reviews

• Author: Matteo
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: About 20–24 stuffed dates depending on size 1x

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Description

These Dates with Goat Cheese Wrapped in Bacon are a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, making an irresistible appetizer. Soft dates stuffed with creamy goat cheese, wrapped in crispy bacon, then drizzled with honey and garnished with fresh herbs create an elegant and easy-to-make dish ideal for parties or special occasions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dates and Filling

• 14 oz. dates (pitted)
• 4 oz goat cheese

Bacon and Toppings

• 1 package bacon (cut into halves or thirds depending on date size)
• 4 Tbsp. honey
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme leaves for topping
• Fresh parsley for topping

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the dates.
2. Prepare Dates: Slice each date in half and remove any pits if present, as some dates may still contain pits. This ensures they are ready to be stuffed.
3. Stuff Dates: Using a teaspoon, stuff each date with approximately 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of creamy goat cheese, filling the cavity left by the pit.
4. Wrap with Bacon: Take a 1/3 to 1/2 piece of bacon and wrap it securely around each stuffed date. Use a toothpick to hold the bacon in place during cooking.
5. Arrange on Rack: Place the bacon-wrapped dates on a baking rack set over a baking sheet. This setup will allow the bacon to crisp evenly while baking.
6. Bake: Bake the dates in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy. For even crispiness, turn the dates halfway through baking.
7. Finish and Serve: Once baked, immediately drizzle the dates with honey, season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh parsley and thyme leaves. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• If your dates are not pitted, be sure to remove the pits carefully to avoid any hard pieces.
• Adjust bacon portion sizes based on date size to ensure an even wrap without excess bacon.
• Use a cooling rack above the baking sheet to allow fat to drip away and ensure maximum crispiness.
• Honey drizzle adds a lovely sweetness contrast; adjust the amount to taste.
• Fresh herbs add freshness and visual appeal but can be omitted if unavailable.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Bacon wrapped dates, Bacon wrapped dates with goat cheese, Dates with Goat Cheese Wrapped in Bacon, Appetizer, Sweet and Salty Snack