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Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese

Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese

Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese are a simple yet elegant appetizer combining sweet, chewy dates, creamy tangy goat cheese, and crispy smoky bacon. Perfect for parties or quick snacks, these bite-sized treats are easy to prepare with minimal ingredients and customizable to your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients

  • 2024 Medjool Dates, pitted
  • 4 ounces creamy, spreadable Goat Cheese
  • 1012 slices thin-sliced Bacon, cut in halves or thirds
  • Toothpicks, for securing bacon

Optional Spices and Additions

  • Pinch of Black Pepper (optional)
  • Pinch of Smoked Paprika (optional)
  • Whole almonds or pecans for stuffing (optional)
  • Chili flakes or small pieces of jalapeño for heat (optional)
  • Maple syrup for brushing bacon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (about 200 degrees Celsius) so it’s ready to crisp the bacon perfectly without burning it.
  2. Prepare the Dates: Carefully slice each date lengthwise on one side and remove the pit. Be gentle so you don’t split the dates entirely apart.
  3. Stuff with Goat Cheese: Spoon or pipe a generous amount of goat cheese into each date’s cavity, filling it completely for rich, tangy flavor in every bite. Optionally add a whole almond or pecan, or a small piece of jalapeño inside for variations.
  4. Wrap with Bacon: Cut bacon slices in half or thirds to fit each date snugly. Wrap each stuffed date with a piece of bacon and secure it firmly with a toothpick to prevent unraveling. Optionally brush bacon with maple syrup for a sweet glaze.
  5. Bake Until Crispy: Place the bacon-wrapped dates on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes. Turn them halfway through cooking for even crispiness and watch closely to avoid burning.
  6. Serve Warm: Once golden and crispy, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve warm to enjoy the melting cheese and crispy bacon. Optionally drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze and garnish with fresh herbs.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality bacon for more flavorful and crispy bites.
  • Do not overstuff dates to avoid leakage during baking.
  • Use toothpicks to keep the bacon securely wrapped and for easy serving.
  • Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
  • For added flavor, drizzle honey or balsamic glaze after baking.
  • You can freeze unbaked bacon-wrapped dates individually on a tray, transfer to a freezer bag, and bake from frozen with extra cooking time.
  • Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to preserve crispiness instead of microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon wrapped dates, goat cheese appetizer, party appetizers, bacon appetizers, easy appetizer, gluten free appetizer, bite sized snacks