Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you love a bite-sized snack that’s fancy enough to impress but easy enough to throw together on a whim. That’s why I’m excited to share this Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese Recipe—it’s a perfect blend of sweet, salty, creamy, and smoky all rolled into one. Whether you’re planning a party appetizer, a cozy night in, or just a little treat for yourself, these little bundles of joy never disappoint. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through everything to make sure they turn out flawless every single time.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

This Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese Recipe works its magic because of the unique qualities each ingredient brings to the table. When you use quality dates, creamy goat cheese, and smoky bacon, the flavors blend perfectly without overpowering each other. I always recommend checking the dates for quality—plump and fresh dates really make a difference!

• Dates: I usually grab Medjool dates—they’re naturally sweet and soft, making them great for stuffing and wrapping.
• Goat Cheese: The tangy creaminess of goat cheese cuts through the sweetness of the dates beautifully. Use the soft, spreadable kind for easier stuffing.
• Bacon: Opt for thin-cut bacon so it crisps evenly and doesn’t overpower the delicate flavors inside.
• Honey: A quick drizzle of honey at the end boosts the natural sweetness and adds a pretty glossy finish.
• Fresh Thyme & Parsley: These herbs add freshness and a pop of color that really elevate the dish when serving.
• Salt & Pepper: Just a pinch right before serving wakes up the flavors perfectly.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love about this Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Feel free to swap in different cheeses, add nuts, or try spices to make it your own. Let your taste buds lead!

• Variation: I’ve experimented with blue cheese instead of goat cheese—if you love bold flavors, give it a try for an extra kick.
• Dietary Modifications: For a lower-fat option, use turkey bacon, though it crisps up differently, so watch the bake time carefully.
• Seasonal Changes: Adding chopped toasted pistachios inside the dates brings a lovely crunch during holiday seasons.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Dates and Cheese

Preheat your oven to 350°F. While that’s warming up, slice each date in half lengthwise and double-check for pits (some packages are pitted, but it’s always good to be sure). Then, stuff each date with about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of goat cheese—don’t overstuff or the cheese might ooze out during baking. This step is super satisfying because you’re basically building these little flavor bombs.

Step 2: Wrap and Secure the Bacon

Cut your bacon into thirds or halves depending on the size of your dates—each piece should be enough to wrap snugly around one stuffed date. Wrap the bacon around the stuffed date and secure it with a toothpick to keep everything together while baking. I’ve learned the hard way that if you don’t secure them well, the bacon might unravel, so don’t skip this!

Step 3: Oven Time for Crispy Perfection

Place your wrapped dates on a baking rack fitted over a baking sheet—this helps the bacon crisp evenly all around without sitting in grease. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the bacon is golden and crisp, flipping them halfway through to get that perfect texture. Keep a close eye near the end to avoid burning.

Step 4: Finish with Honey, Salt, Pepper & Herbs

The magic happens right out of the oven. Drizzle about 4 tablespoons of honey over the hot bacon-wrapped dates, then sprinkle a little salt and freshly cracked black pepper to balance the sweetness. Finish with fresh parsley and thyme leaves for a pop of color and a fragrant hint. Let them cool just a bit so they’re warm, not piping hot, and then dig in!

How to Serve Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple and fresh with my garnishes—fresh parsley and thyme bring bright color and fragrant notes that contrast well with the richness. For a little extra flair, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or crushed pistachios adds crunch and a nutty touch I’ve grown fond of.

Side Dishes

These bites shine on their own but pair beautifully with light sides like a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables to balance out the richness. For parties, laying them next to a cheese board or alongside olives and nuts is always a hit.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to thread the bacon-wrapped dates onto skewers—easy to pick up and pretty to look at. Serving them on a slate board with drizzled honey artfully spoons over the top also makes them feel extra festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After they’ve cooled, I store leftover bacon-wrapped dates in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They reheat well and still taste great, making them perfect for prepping ahead on busy days.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these before by arranging them on a tray to freeze individually. Once firm, I transferred them to a freezer-safe bag. They last a couple of months this way—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to get the bacon crispy again without drying out the dates or cheese. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that crunch intact.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say, once you’ve made this Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese Recipe, it will become a go-to for every holiday party, casual hangout, or an indulgent snack night. It’s a combination that’s impossible to mess up but endlessly impressive. I can’t wait for you to try it—feel free to experiment and make it your own, but don’t skip on that honey drizzle, it’s what pulls everything together. Happy cooking!

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