These bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with creamy goat cheese are a tasty treat! The sweetness of the dates pairs perfectly with the salty bacon, making every bite delightful.
Honestly, these are a favorite at any gathering. Who can resist a bite-sized pop of flavor? I could munch on these all day, and you might find yourself doing the same!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Medjool Dates: These dates are sweet and chewy, perfect for the recipe. If you can’t find Medjool, any pitted date variety will work, but they might be less sweet.
Goat Cheese: The creamy tang of goat cheese adds a lovely contrast. If you’re not a fan, cream cheese or ricotta can be used for a milder flavor.
Bacon: I like using thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness. Turkey bacon is a leaner alternative, but keep in mind it may not get as crispy.
Thyme Sprigs: Fresh thyme enhances the flavor, yet feel free to omit it or substitute with rosemary for a different herbal touch.
How Do I Ensure the Bacon Gets Crispy?
Getting the bacon perfectly crispy is key to enjoying these dates! Here are some tips:
- Use a wire rack over your baking sheet. This allows fat to drain away, helping the bacon crisp up as it bakes.
- Space the dates out to ensure even cooking. Crowding can trap moisture and lead to soggy bacon.
- Turning the dates halfway through cooking helps them bake evenly on all sides. Don’t skip this step!
Let them cool slightly after baking to firm up a bit before serving. Enjoy your appetizer! They’re sure to impress!
Bacon-Wrapped Dates With Goat Cheese
Ingredients:
- 20 Medjool dates, pitted
- 4 oz goat cheese (soft and spreadable)
- 10 slices of bacon, cut in half
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)
- Toothpicks (for securing bacon)
- Black pepper, freshly ground (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious appetizer will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 25 minutes to bake, for a total of about 35 minutes from start to finish. Quick, easy, and oh-so-tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, prep your baking sheet. You can either line it with parchment paper or set a wire rack over it. This helps the excess fat drain off and makes the bacon extra crispy!
2. Prep the Dates:
Carefully take a small knife and make a slit along one side of each pitted date. This will create an opening for stuffing the goat cheese. Take your time to avoid tearing the dates.
3. Stuff the Dates:
Take about 1 teaspoon of goat cheese and fill each date with it. Don’t overfill—just enough to fill them nicely without spilling out.
4. Wrap with Bacon:
Now, wrap each stuffed date with a half slice of bacon. Make sure to secure it with a toothpick so the bacon stays in place while cooking. This also helps hold in all that gooey cheese!
5. Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
Place the bacon-wrapped dates on your prepared baking sheet or wire rack, making sure they’re spaced a little apart. This ensures they bake evenly and get all crispy.
6. Bake:
Put the dates in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them and consider turning them halfway through so they brown evenly.
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once they’re golden and crispy, take them out of the oven and let cool for a few minutes. If you like, sprinkle a little freshly ground black pepper on top and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a nice touch.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the bacon-wrapped dates warm as a tasty appetizer or party snack. Enjoy that wonderful mix of sweet, creamy, and savory flavors in every bite!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While goat cheese provides a wonderful tangy flavor, cream cheese or ricotta can also work well. If you prefer something stronger, blue cheese can add a nice kick!
Can I Prepare These in Advance?
Yes, you can prep the bacon-wrapped dates a few hours ahead of time. Just refrigerate them before baking. When you’re ready to serve, pop them in the oven straight from the fridge; you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and bacon is crispy again.
Can I Make These on the Grill?
Definitely! To grill, preheat your grill and place the bacon-wrapped dates on skewers to prevent them from falling through. Grill them over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the bacon is crispy.
