Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese

Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese offer a beautiful balance of sweetness, creaminess, and savory richness. The crisp bacon envelops the soft, tangy goat cheese and naturally sweet dates, creating an irresistible flavor combination. Topped with a spicy honey glaze, each bite is a delightful mix of textures and tastes.

This appetizer is simple to prepare yet impressive in its presentation. Whether hosting a holiday party, potluck, or casual get-together, these bacon-wrapped delights will be the star of the spread. Their versatility and crowd-pleasing flavor make them a must-have for your next gathering.

Full Recipe:

  • 7 slices of bacon (cut into thirds; thick-cut like Good Ranchers recommended)
  • 21 pitted dates
  • 4–6 oz goat cheese
  • Toothpicks

For the Glaze:

  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp rosemary
  • Pinch of cayenne

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. If dates have pits, slice them lengthwise (not fully through) and remove the pits. Stuff each date with goat cheese.
  3. Wrap a third of a bacon slice around each stuffed date and secure with a toothpick. Ensure the bacon wraps just under 1.5 times to crisp properly.
  4. Bake for 10 minutes. Flip the dates using the toothpicks to ensure even crisping, and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
  5. While the dates are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing honey, red pepper flakes, rosemary, and cayenne in a small bowl.
  6. After the second bake, brush the dates with ⅓ of the glaze and return them to the oven for 3 more minutes.
  7. Remove from oven, drizzle or serve with remaining glaze, and enjoy!

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 21 minutes | Total Time: 26 minutes
Kcal: 103 per date | Servings: 21

Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese: A Culinary Masterpiece

Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese is the perfect appetizer that blends sweetness, savoriness, and a hint of spice. This delightful bite-sized treat has gained popularity among food enthusiasts for its unique flavor profile and versatility, making it an ideal addition to gatherings, celebrations, or casual dinners. The combination of crispy bacon, creamy goat cheese, and naturally sweet dates creates a harmony of flavors that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

The Perfect Sweet and Savory Balance

The magic of Bacon Wrapped Dates lies in the juxtaposition of sweet and savory. Dates, with their rich, caramel-like sweetness, pair beautifully with the creamy tanginess of goat cheese. When wrapped in smoky, crispy bacon, this appetizer becomes a flavor-packed experience. To elevate it further, a glaze made with honey, red pepper flakes, rosemary, and a hint of cayenne provides just the right amount of spice and aromatic depth.

An Ideal Appetizer for Any Occasion

This recipe is a go-to for a variety of occasions, from intimate family dinners to elaborate holiday parties. Its simplicity makes it approachable for home cooks of all skill levels, while the impressive flavor ensures it’s a hit with guests. These bacon-wrapped delights are also gluten-free, appealing to a wider range of dietary preferences without compromising on taste.

Customizing to Suit Your Palate

One of the best features of this recipe is its adaptability. While goat cheese is the classic choice for stuffing the dates, you can experiment with alternatives such as blue cheese, cream cheese, or even nuts for a crunchier texture. Additionally, the spice level in the glaze can be adjusted to cater to your preference—add more cayenne for extra heat or reduce it for a milder flavor.

Tips for Achieving Perfection

  • Choose the Right Bacon: The thickness of the bacon plays a crucial role in the success of this dish. Thick-cut bacon, such as Good Ranchers Pumpkin Spice Bacon, provides a robust smoky flavor and wraps perfectly around the dates. Thinly sliced bacon can work but requires closer monitoring to avoid overcooking.
  • Use Pitted Dates: Pre-pitted dates save time and effort. If you can’t find pre-pitted ones, removing the pits carefully without splitting the dates is essential for easy stuffing.
  • Crisping the Bacon: To ensure evenly crisped bacon, flip the dates midway through baking. The toothpicks make this process simple and mess-free.
  • Don’t Overwrap: Wrapping the bacon around the date no more than 1.5 times ensures it crisps properly. Overwrapping may result in soggy bacon.

The Role of the Honey Glaze

The honey glaze is the star finishing touch that ties this dish together. Its combination of sweetness, spice, and herbs complements the natural flavors of the ingredients, enhancing their depth. Brushing the glaze onto the bacon-wrapped dates in the final stages of baking ensures it caramelizes beautifully, adding a glossy finish and a burst of flavor with every bite.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

There are many bacon-wrapped appetizers, but this recipe stands out for its thoughtful layering of flavors and textures. The interplay of the soft and chewy dates, creamy goat cheese, and crispy bacon creates a satisfying bite. Meanwhile, the spicy honey glaze adds a complex depth that takes this appetizer to the next level. The simplicity of the preparation is also a bonus, making it accessible to both novice and experienced cooks.

Serving and Presentation

Presentation is key when serving Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese. Arranging them neatly on a rustic wooden board or a sleek platter adds to their visual appeal. A small bowl of extra glaze on the side allows guests to drizzle more onto their serving, enhancing the flavor even further. These bites pair wonderfully with a crisp white wine or sparkling beverage, balancing the richness of the bacon and cheese.

Health Considerations

Despite being indulgent, this recipe is relatively balanced in terms of nutrition. Dates are a great source of natural sugars and provide dietary fiber, while goat cheese offers protein and healthy fats. The use of honey in the glaze adds a touch of sweetness without relying on processed sugars. By using high-quality bacon and adjusting the portion sizes, you can enjoy this treat without guilt.

Cultural and Historical Context

The combination of sweet and savory in this dish reflects culinary traditions from around the world. Stuffed dates have been a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries, often filled with nuts or cheeses. The addition of bacon and a spicy glaze gives this classic concept a modern, Western twist that appeals to contemporary palates.

Conclusion

Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese is a show-stopping appetizer that is as delicious as it is versatile. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or preparing a special treat for your family, this recipe is sure to impress. Its balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, combined with a beautiful presentation, makes it a must-have for any occasion. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s no surprise this dish has become a favorite among food lovers.

Take the time to experiment with variations, from different cheeses to alternative glazes, and discover your own twist on this culinary masterpiece. The result will always be a crowd-pleaser that leaves everyone asking for the recipe.

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