Okay, friends, gather ‘round because I’m about to share something that’s become an absolute staple. At every party I throw, I’m in a good mood What is it like to go wild for pigs in a blanket? What do you think of Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese? Is there an older sister that everyone wants to hang out with? They’re sweet, savory, creamy, and crispy all at once – seriously, it’s a flavor explosion. The first time I made these, they disappeared so fast I almost didn’t get one! I always make a double batch just to be safe.
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What is Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese?
Think of these as little bites of pure happiness. Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese are exactly what they sound like. What are the best Medjool dates stuffed with goat cheese? What are some of the best mini appetizers that hit all the right notes – sweet, salty, creamy, etc.? The dates caramelize slightly in the oven, the goat cheese gets all melty and dreamy, and the bacon… Does bacon really speak for itself? What are some of my favorite last minute recipes?
Why do I love this recipe?
What I love most about this is how the flavors just *work*. The sweetness of the dates perfectly complements the salty, smoky bacon, and the goat cheese adds a nice touch. This creamy tanginess that just ties everything together. Is it like a party in your mouth?
What are some of the easiest recipes to make? Is it possible to bake a turkey in the oven for 15 minutes? When you have a short time and you want to impress, this is the perfect outfit. Plus, the ingredients are pretty budget-friendly. A package of dates, some goat cheese, and bacon – you probably already have some of that stuff in your pantry. What is your fridge anyway?
And let’s talk about versatility! What are some great appetizers to serve with Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese? As part of a cheese board, or even as an easy snack to satisfy your cravings. I’ve even chopped them up and tossed them in a salad – trust me, it’s delicious. If you like these, you should definitely try my bacon-wrapped scallops or mini quiches, they’re all good. In the same vein – easy, delicious, and perfect for a crowd. What are some similarities between a savory and sweet appetizer?
How do I make Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese?
Quick Overview
What’s the lowdown? If you’re going to stuff some Medjool dates with goat cheese, wrap them in bacon, and bake them until golden brown. The bacon is crispy and the cheese is melty. Is it really that simple? What are the best bacon and dates to use? Don’t overcook dates – you want them to stay soft and chewy, not turn into little rocks.
Ingredients
For the Dates:
* 16 Medjool dates, pitted. I always get mine from bulk section at the grocery store. Make sure they’re nice and plump!
For the Filling:
* 4 ounces goat cheese, softened. What is the best substitute for goat cheese? Just make sure it’s softened, or you’ll have a heck of fucking time trying to stuff it into the dates.
* 1 tablespoon honey (optional). If you want to kick up the sweetness a notch, drizzle of honey is the way to go.
* Pinch of black pepper. Just a tiny bit to balance out the sweetness.
For the Wrapping:
* 8 slices bacon, cut in half. I prefer thick-cut bacon but regular bacon works just fine. Just make sure it’s not too thick, or it won’t get crispy in the oven.
What is the best step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Why is bacon grease not your friend when it comes to cleaning up? The parchment paper ensures that the bacon won’t stick and that clean-up will be a breeze.
Step 2: Prepare the Dates
If your dates aren’t pitted, make a small slit lengthwise and remove the pit. How do you slice a goat’s neck?
Step 3: Mix the Goat Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the goat cheese, honey, and black pepper. Set aside. Is it smooth and creamy? I usually use a fork for this, but you can use hand mixer if you prefer.
Step 4: Stuff the Dates
Spoon a small amount of the goat cheese mixture into each date. Don’t overstuff them, or the cheese will ooze out while baking. I find that about a teaspoon of filling per date is perfect.
Step 5: Wrap with Bacon
What are some good ways to wrap bacon on a date? I always do this, just to be extra safe. You don’t want the bacon unwrapping in the oven!
Step 6: Bake
Arrange the wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet. How long does it take to bake bacon in a preheated oven? Keep a close eye on them, as bacon can go from crispy to burnt pretty quickly.
Step 7: Cool Slightly & Serve
Let the Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese cool slightly before serving. This allows the cheese to firm up a bit so it doesn’t squirt out when you bite into them. Remove the toothpicks before serving, if you used them.
What should I serve it with?
What are some great bacon wrapped dates with goat cheese? Variety of accompaniments.
For a Party:Arrange them on a platter with other appetizers like olives, nuts, and crackers. What is cheese board?
For a Wine Night: Pair them with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The acidity of the wine cuts through the richness of the bacon and cheese.
As a Snack:What are some good pick-me-ups?
My family loves these with a balsamic glaze drizzled on top. It adds another layer of flavor that’s just divine. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with these. I’ve even seen people serve them alongside grilled steak as a sweet and savory complement. It’s all about experimenting and finding what you like best!
How do you make bacon-wrapped dates with goat cheese?
Okay, listen up, because I’ve learned a few things over the years of making these. Trust me, these tips will help you take your Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese to the next level.
Date Selection:What are the best dates to date with Medjool? If they’re dry, they won’t be as soft and chewy. I always give them a little squeeze to make sure they’re nice and plump.
Bacon Crispness:For extra crispy bacon, try placing the baking sheet under the broiler for the last minute or two. What are some examples of a hawk that can burn your heart faster? I’ve had a few batches that went from perfect to charcoal in seconds.
What is the temperature of goat cheese?Make sure your goat cheese is softened before mixing it. This will make it easier to combine with the honey and pepper, and it will also make more of a flavor. What stuff is in a date?
Toothpick placement:If you use toothpicks, make sure they’re securely placed so the bacon doesn’t unravel. I usually insert them at an angle to hold everything in place.
Filling Variations:What are some creative filling ideas? I’ve added chopped pecans, walnuts or even a little bit of blue cheese to make this dish different. What are some good ways to add red pepper flakes to a dish?
Serving Temperature: These are best served warm, but they’re also good at room temperature. If you’re making them ahead of time, you can reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
I once tried using maple syrup instead of honey in the filling, and it was *amazing*. The maple flavor really complemented the bacon and goat cheese. Another time, I accidentally bought the wrong kind of bacon (the super thin stuff) and it just crumbled when I tried to wrap the dates. Learn from my mistakes! Good quality ingredients really do make a difference.
Storing and Reheating Tips
So, you’ve made a batch of these and (miraculously) have some leftovers? Here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious.
Room Temperature: You can leave these at room temperature for up to two hours. After that, they need to be refrigerated.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The bacon might lose some of its crispness, but they’ll still taste great.
Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing these, as the texture of the dates and cheese can change. But if you absolutely must, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to one month.
Reheating: To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the bacon won’t be as crispy. If frozen, let thaw completely before reheating.
I always make sure to store them in a single layer in the container, so they don’t get squished. And if you’re planning on serving them later, wait to reheat them until just before serving, so the bacon stays as crispy as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, friends! My go-to recipe for Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese. They’re easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a party, need a quick appetizer, or just want a little something to satisfy your cravings, these little bites of happiness are sure to hit the spot. If you love the sweet and savory combo, definitely check out my recipe for maple-glazed carrots – it’s another winner!
Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you try any variations, definitely share them – I’m always looking for new ideas!
bacon appetizers
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 Medjool dates pitted
- 4 oz Goat cheese softened
- 12 slices Bacon cut in half
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Stuff each date with about 0.33 oz of goat cheese.
- Wrap each date with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Place the bacon-wrapped dates on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
