Bacon Wrapped Dates Goat Cheese: The Ultimate Appetizer Recipe

Bacon Wrapped Dates Goat Cheese: Prepare to meet your new favorite appetizer! These little bites are an explosion of flavor and texture, guaranteed to disappear in minutes at any gathering. I remember the first time I tried them – I was at a friend’s holiday party, and I couldn’t stop reaching for these savory-sweet morsels. I knew I had to recreate them at home. While the exact origin of bacon-wrapped dates is a bit hazy, the concept of combining sweet dates with salty bacon has roots in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, where dates are a staple. The addition of creamy goat cheese elevates this simple pairing to something truly special. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible. What makes bacon wrapped dates goat cheese so universally loved? It’s the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and creamy. The chewy sweetness of the date, the crispy, smoky bacon, and the tangy goat cheese create a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. Whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party or just looking for a quick and delicious snack, these bacon-wrapped dates are always a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this addictive appetizer!

Ingredients:

• 16 Medjool dates, pitted
• 8 slices bacon, cut in half crosswise
• 4 ounces goat cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons honey (optional, for drizzling)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Olive oil or cooking spray

Preparing the Dates and Goat Cheese

Okay, let’s get started! First things first, we need to prep our dates and get that creamy goat cheese ready to go. This is a super simple step, but it’s important for the overall deliciousness of our bacon-wrapped date appetizers.

1. Pitting the Dates: If your dates aren’t already pitted, now’s the time to do it. Simply make a small slit lengthwise in each date and remove the pit. Medjool dates are naturally soft and sticky, so this should be a breeze. If you find them a little too sticky, you can lightly dust your fingers with flour.
2. Softening the Goat Cheese: Make sure your goat cheese is nice and soft. The easiest way to do this is to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you’re short on time, you can microwave it for a few seconds, but be careful not to melt it completely. We want it soft and spreadable, not liquid!
3. Filling the Dates: Now comes the fun part! Take a small spoonful of softened goat cheese and gently stuff it into each pitted date. Don’t overfill them, just enough to fill the cavity. You can use a small spoon, a butter knife, or even a piping bag if you’re feeling fancy. I usually just use my fingers – they’re the best tools in the kitchen!
4. Seasoning (Optional): At this point, you can add a little freshly ground black pepper to the goat cheese filling for an extra layer of flavor. A tiny pinch of red pepper flakes would also be amazing if you like a little heat.

Wrapping the Dates with Bacon

This is where the magic happens! The salty, crispy bacon perfectly complements the sweet dates and tangy goat cheese. Trust me, this combination is addictive.

1. Preparing the Bacon: Cut each slice of bacon in half crosswise. This will give you the perfect length to wrap around the dates. Using half slices also helps the bacon cook evenly and get nice and crispy.
2. Wrapping the Dates: Take one piece of bacon and wrap it around a goat cheese-filled date. Make sure the bacon overlaps slightly to secure it in place. You can use a toothpick to hold the bacon in place if you’re worried about it unraveling, but I usually find that it stays put on its own.
3. Securing with Toothpicks (Optional): If you’re using toothpicks, insert them through the bacon and into the date to hold everything together. This is especially helpful if you’re planning to bake the dates, as the bacon tends to shrink a bit during cooking. Just remember to remove the toothpicks before serving!
4. Repeat: Repeat the wrapping process with the remaining dates and bacon until everything is nicely wrapped and ready to go.

Cooking the Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Now it’s time to cook these little beauties! You have a few options here: baking, pan-frying, or air frying. I’ll walk you through each method so you can choose the one that works best for you.

Baking Method

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will make cleanup a breeze. You can also lightly grease the baking sheet with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent the dates from sticking.
3. Arrange the Dates: Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re not too crowded. You want to give them enough space so the bacon can crisp up evenly.
4. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is cooked through and crispy. Keep an eye on them, as the cooking time may vary depending on your oven.
5. Drain Excess Fat (Optional): If there’s a lot of excess fat on the baking sheet, you can carefully drain it off before serving.

Pan-Frying Method

1. Heat a Skillet: Heat a skillet over medium heat. You don’t need to add any oil, as the bacon will release its own fat as it cooks.
2. Cook the Dates: Place the bacon-wrapped dates in the skillet, seam-side down. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the bacon is cooked through and crispy.
3. Turn Frequently: Turn the dates frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent the bacon from burning.
4. Drain Excess Fat: As the bacon cooks, it will release fat into the skillet. You can drain off the excess fat as needed to keep the dates from getting too greasy.
5. Remove from Skillet: Once the bacon is cooked to your liking, remove the dates from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any remaining fat.

Air Frying Method

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes.
2. Arrange the Dates: Place the bacon-wrapped dates in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the basket, or the bacon won’t crisp up properly. You may need to cook them in batches.
3. Air Fry: Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until the bacon is cooked through and crispy.
4. Check for Doneness: Check the dates halfway through cooking and flip them over to ensure even cooking.
5. Remove from Air Fryer: Once the bacon is cooked to your liking, remove the dates from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.

Serving and Garnishing

Almost there! Now that our bacon-wrapped dates are cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve them up and add a few finishing touches.

1. Cool Slightly: Let the dates cool slightly before serving. They’ll be extremely hot right out of the oven, skillet, or air fryer.
2. Drizzle with Honey (Optional): If you want to add a touch of extra sweetness, drizzle the dates with a little honey. This is totally optional, but I think it adds a nice flavor contrast.
3. Garnish with Thyme (Optional): Sprinkle the dates with fresh thyme leaves for a pop of color and a hint of herbaceous flavor.
4. Serve Immediately: Serve the bacon-wrapped dates immediately while they’re still warm and the bacon is crispy. They’re best enjoyed fresh!
5. Pairing Suggestions: These bacon-wrapped dates make a fantastic appetizer for parties, gatherings, or even a special date night. They pair well with a variety of drinks, including sparkling wine, red wine, and craft beer. You can also serve them alongside a cheese board or charcuterie platter for a more elaborate spread.

And there you have it! Delicious, easy-to-make bacon-wrapped dates with goat cheese. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese are truly an explosion of flavor in every bite, and I sincerely believe they’re a must-try for your next gathering, or even just a special treat for yourself. The sweetness of the dates, the salty, smoky bacon, and the tangy creaminess of the goat cheese create a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you and your guests wanting more. But why are these little bites so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance. The dates offer a natural sweetness that’s far more complex than simple sugar, and when paired with the savory, crispy bacon, it’s a match made in culinary heaven. Then, the goat cheese adds a layer of sophistication and a delightful tang that cuts through the richness, preventing the appetizer from becoming overly sweet or heavy. It’s a trifecta of deliciousness! Beyond the incredible flavor, these Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese are surprisingly easy to make. The prep time is minimal, and the baking process is straightforward, making them a fantastic option even for novice cooks. You can even assemble them ahead of time and bake them just before your guests arrive, freeing you up to enjoy the party. Now, let’s talk about serving suggestions and variations. While these are fantastic on their own, you can elevate them even further with a few simple additions. A drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking adds a touch of acidity and sweetness that complements the other flavors beautifully. Alternatively, a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts provides a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the goat cheese before stuffing the dates. This will add a subtle heat that balances the sweetness and richness. You could also experiment with different types of cheese. Cream cheese, mascarpone, or even a blue cheese would all work well, each adding its own unique flavor profile. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can easily substitute the bacon with a vegetarian bacon alternative or even wrap the dates in prosciutto for a slightly different, but equally delicious, flavor. You could also skip the wrapping altogether and simply stuff the dates with goat cheese and top them with a sprinkle of nuts and a drizzle of honey. I truly encourage you to try this recipe. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and find what works best for your taste. Once you’ve made these delectable Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments on social media using [Your Hashtag Here], or leave a review on the recipe page. Let me know what variations you tried and how they turned out. I’m always eager to learn from your culinary adventures. Happy cooking, and enjoy! I am sure that this recipe will become a staple in your appetizer rotation.

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