Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese are a delightful treat! Sweet dates meet creamy goat cheese and crispy bacon, making each bite a tasty surprise. Perfect for parties or snack time!
These little bites are quite the crowd-pleaser—who can resist bacon? I love to make a big batch and enjoy them as a special treat. Just try not to eat them all at once! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Medjool Dates: These dates are known for their rich, sweet flavor and chewy texture. If you can’t find Medjool, you can use Deglet Noor dates, though they are less sweet and firmer. Just make sure they’re pitted!
Goat Cheese: Creamy goat cheese gives a tangy contrast to the sweet dates. If you’re not a fan, you can substitute with cream cheese or feta, but be aware that the flavor will change a bit.
Bacon: I prefer thin-cut bacon for quick crispiness, but thick-cut works too if you want extra chewy bites. To make it a bit healthier, turkey bacon or prosciutto could be good alternatives, though they will change the dish’s flavor.
Fresh Thyme: This herb adds a nice touch of freshness. If you don’t have fresh thyme, use dried thyme, or even rosemary for a different flavor. Just use a little less since dried herbs are more potent!
How Do I Get the Bacon Extra Crispy?
Achieving perfectly crispy bacon is key to this dish. Here are some tips to make it easier:
- Don’t crowd the baking sheet. Give the dates space to breathe so the fat renders out properly.
- Bake at a higher temperature (like 400°F) to help crisp up the bacon more quickly.
- Turn the dates halfway through baking for even cooking. This lets both sides of the bacon get lovely and crispy!
- If needed, broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Just keep a close eye to prevent burning.
With these insights, you’ll create a winning appetizer that everyone will love! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Dates With Goat Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stuffing:
- 20 large Medjool dates, pitted
- 4 ounces goat cheese, softened
For the Wrap:
- 10 slices bacon, cut in half lengthwise
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
- Toothpicks, for securing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 25 minutes to cook. Overall, you’re looking at about 35 minutes to have these delicious bites ready to impress your friends and family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for making the bacon crispy and delicious. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup later. You’re going to love how simple this is!
2. Prepare the Dates:
Take each date and slice it lengthwise on one side. You want to make a little pocket but be careful not to cut all the way through. This pocket will hold the delicious goat cheese, so take your time to do this step right!
3. Stuff the Dates:
Next, fill each date with about 1 teaspoon of softened goat cheese. You can use a small spoon or your fingers. After filling, gently press the date closed to encase the cheese inside. It’s like a delicious little surprise waiting to be discovered!
4. Wrap with Bacon:
Now, take a half-slice of bacon and wrap it around each stuffed date, starting from one end and spiraling down to the other. Use a toothpick to secure the bacon in place, ensuring it won’t unwrap during cooking. Repeat this process until all the dates are wrapped.
5. Bake the Dates:
Place the wrapped dates seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. This helps the bacon crisp up nicely. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized. Make sure to turn them halfway through baking to get that crispy goodness on all sides!
6. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re done, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. If you’d like, garnish the plate with fresh thyme sprigs for a lovely presentation. Serve these warm or at room temperature as a scrumptious appetizer for any gathering!
Enjoy the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors in each delicious bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Yes! While goat cheese adds a unique tanginess, you can substitute it with cream cheese, ricotta, or even blue cheese if you prefer a stronger flavor. Just remember that the overall taste will change slightly depending on the cheese you choose!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed dates and wrap them in bacon up to a day in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate them. When you’re ready to serve, bake them straight from the fridge, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they’re heated through.
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftover bacon-wrapped dates in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but they may lose some of their crispiness.
Can I Make This Recipe without Bacon?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by wrapping the stuffed dates in strips of prosciutto or using a plant-based bacon substitute. While the flavors will differ, you’ll still enjoy a tasty treat!
