You know, I’ve always had a soft spot for Bacon Wrapped Dates Goat Cheese. It’s one of those appetizers that just transports me back to my mom’s kitchen growing up. She used to make them for all our family gatherings, and I can still remember the delightful aroma wafting through the house as they baked in the oven.
There was something so special about those little bites – the salty, crispy bacon, the sweet and sticky dates, and the tangy punch of the goat cheese. They were the perfect balance of flavors and textures, and they always disappeared in a flash. I remember fighting my siblings for the last few on the plate, knowing that once they were gone, I’d have to wait until the next gathering to get my hands on them again.
As I got older and started hosting my own parties, Bacon Wrapped Dates Goat Cheese quickly became a signature dish that I’d bring to every event. It’s just one of those crowd-pleasing appetizers that everyone loves. And the best part? It’s actually really easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of prep work, you can whip up a batch of these irresistible bites in no time.
Why This Bacon Wrapped Dates Goat Cheese Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Bacon Wrapped Dates Goat Cheese
What makes this Bacon Wrapped Dates Goat Cheese recipe so special is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The salty, crispy bacon provides the perfect counterpart to the sweet, sticky dates and the tangy goat cheese. And with a little bit of brown sugar and balsamic glaze, you’ve got a flavor explosion in every bite. Plus, the easy prep and quick cooking time make this an ideal appetizer for any occasion, from holiday parties to game day gatherings.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Medjool dates: These large, plump dates are the perfect vessel for the goat cheese filling.
- Goat cheese: The tangy, creamy goat cheese is the star of the show, complementing the sweet dates and salty bacon.
- Bacon: You’ll want to use high-quality, thick-cut bacon for the best texture and flavor.
- Brown sugar: A sprinkle of brown sugar helps to caramelize the bacon and provide a delicious contrast to the other ingredients.
- Balsamic glaze: This thick, sweet-tart reduction adds the perfect finishing touch to the Bacon Wrapped Dates Goat Cheese.
Step-by-Step Bacon Wrapped Dates Goat Cheese Instructions
Preparing Your Bacon Wrapped Dates Goat Cheese
This Bacon Wrapped Dates Goat Cheese recipe is incredibly easy to make, with just a few simple steps. In total, it takes about 30 minutes to prepare, with most of that time spent in the oven. You’ll need a sharp knife, a baking sheet, and a few basic kitchen tools to get started.
1- First, preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2- Using a sharp knife, slice each Medjool date in half lengthwise and remove the pit.
3- Stuff each date half with about 1 teaspoon of goat cheese, pressing it gently into the cavity.
4- Wrap each stuffed date half with a half slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick.
5- Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching.
6- Sprinkle the tops of the Bacon Wrapped Dates Goat Cheese with a light coating of brown sugar and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Bacon Wrapped Dates Goat Cheese turn out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips:
- Make sure to use high-quality, thick-cut bacon for the best texture and flavor.
- Don’t overstuff the dates – a teaspoon of goat cheese is the perfect amount.
- Bake the Bacon Wrapped Dates Goat Cheese at a high temperature (400°F) to get the bacon nice and crispy.
- Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent the bacon from burning.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar and balsamic glaze to your personal taste preferences.
Serving and Storing Your Bacon Wrapped Dates Goat Cheese
Perfect Pairings for Bacon Wrapped Dates Goat Cheese
Bacon Wrapped Dates Goat Cheese are the perfect appetizer for any occasion, from holiday parties to game day gatherings. They pair beautifully with a variety of beverages, from dry red wines to crisp white wines to craft cocktails. And for a complete spread, try serving them alongside other easy appetizers like bruschetta, stuffed mushrooms, or a charcuterie board.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Luckily, Bacon Wrapped Dates Goat Cheese are incredibly easy to make ahead and store. Once baked, you can keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven at 400°F for 5-7 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is warm. You can also freeze the unbaked Bacon Wrapped Dates Goat Cheese for up to 2 months – just bake them straight from the freezer when you’re ready to serve.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Bacon Wrapped Dates Goat Cheese
Creative Bacon Wrapped Dates Goat Cheese Variations
While the classic Bacon Wrapped Dates Goat Cheese is tough to beat, there are plenty of ways to switch things up and put your own spin on this delicious appetizer. Try using different types of cheese, like feta or blue cheese. Or experiment with various seasonings, like rosemary, thyme, or smoked paprika. You can even swap out the dates for other fruits, like apricots or figs, for a fun twist.
Making Bacon Wrapped Dates Goat Cheese Diet-Friendly
For those looking to enjoy Bacon Wrapped Dates Goat Cheese while adhering to a specific diet, there are a few easy substitutions you can make. To make it gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free balsamic glaze. For a vegan version, replace the goat cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative and the bacon with a plant-based bacon substitute. And for a low-carb option, you can skip the dates and use small rounds of zucchini or bell pepper instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of goat cheese?
A: Absolutely! Bacon Wrapped Dates Goat Cheese is delicious, but you can easily swap in other cheeses like feta, blue cheese, or even a creamy brie.
Q: How do I know when the Bacon Wrapped Dates Goat Cheese are done?
A: You’ll want to bake the Bacon Wrapped Dates Goat Cheese until the bacon is crispy and golden brown, which should take about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent burning.
Q: Can I make Bacon Wrapped Dates Goat Cheese ahead of time?
A: Yes! Bacon Wrapped Dates Goat Cheese are the perfect make-ahead appetizer. You can bake them up to 4 days in advance and store them in the fridge. Just reheat them in the oven before serving.
Q: How many Bacon Wrapped Dates Goat Cheese should I serve per person?
A: As a general rule, plan for 2-3 Bacon Wrapped Dates Goat Cheese per person as an appetizer. They’re quite rich and satisfying, so a few bites is usually enough.
Q: What if my dates are too dry or hard to stuff?
A: If you’re having trouble stuffing the dates, you can try soaking them in hot water for 5-10 minutes to soften them up before stuffing and wrapping.
Bacon Wrapped Dates Goat Cheese
- Total Time: 28
- Yield: 12
Description
Indulge in the irresistible combination of crispy bacon, sweet dates, and creamy goat cheese. This easy appetizer is the perfect party pleaser!
Ingredients
– 12 Medjool dates, pitted
– 4 oz goat cheese, softened
– 6 slices bacon, cut in half
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. – Cut a slit down one side of each date and remove the pit.
3. – Stuff each date with a small amount of goat cheese.
4. – Wrap a half slice of bacon around each stuffed date, securing with a toothpick.
5. – Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates on a baking sheet.
6. – Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy.
7. – Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For a spicy twist, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the goat cheese. These can also be made ahead and baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 18
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Bacon Wrapped Dates Goat Cheese is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, and this recipe is sure to become a new go-to in your repertoire. With its perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors, and the irresistible crispy bacon, it’s no wonder this dish is a fan favorite. So don’t wait – gather your ingredients and get ready to wow your guests with this delicious and easy-to-make Bacon Wrapped Dates Goat Cheese recipe. Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions, and be sure to share your creations with me!
