These bacon-wrapped dates are a tasty surprise! Sweet dates are stuffed with creamy goat cheese and then wrapped in crispy bacon. What’s not to love?
When you bite into one, the sweet and salty flavors mix perfectly. I love serving them at parties, and trust me, they’re gone in a flash! Perfect finger food! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Medjool dates: These are my favorite for their sweetness and size. If you can’t find them, you can use other varieties like deglet nour, but they might be smaller and less sweet.
Goat cheese: Creamy goat cheese gives a tangy flavor that complements the dates and bacon perfectly. If you’re not a fan, try cream cheese or ricotta as alternatives for a milder taste.
Bacon: I recommend using regular sliced bacon for its rich flavor. For a healthier option, turkey bacon works nicely, though it might not be as crispy. A vegan alternative could be to use smoked tempeh or eggplant bacon.
Fresh thyme: This herb adds a lovely touch of freshness. If you don’t have it, any herbs like parsley or rosemary can work, or you can skip it entirely for a simpler flavor.
How Do You Make Sure the Bacon is Crispy?
Getting that bacon perfectly crispy can be tricky! Here are steps and tips to help:
- Preheat your oven properly before baking the dates; this helps the bacon cook evenly.
- Line the baking sheet; it prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy!
- Keep an eye on the cooking time, generally 20-25 minutes is good. If the bacon isn’t browned sufficiently, feel free to increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
- Turn the dates halfway through for even cooking on all sides, but this step is optional if you prefer.
Bacon-Wrapped Dates With Goat Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Filling:
- 20 large Medjool dates, pitted
- 4 oz (115 g) goat cheese, softened
For The Wrapping:
- 10 slices bacon, cut in half
For Garnish:
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)
- Toothpicks
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll spend about 30-35 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake your tasty treats. While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Dates:
Carefully make a small slit in each date to open them up. This is where you’ll remove the pit if the dates aren’t already pitted. It’s okay if you just want to open them slightly to stuff them later!
3. Stuff with Goat Cheese:
Grab a small spoon or a piping bag and stuff each date with about 1 teaspoon of softened goat cheese. Don’t be shy; the creaminess will make every bite delightful!
4. Wrap in Bacon:
Now it’s time to wrap! Take a half slice of bacon and wrap it around each stuffed date, securing it with a toothpick to keep everything in place. The bacon will add such a nice crunch!
5. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Place the bacon-wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet with the seam side facing down. This will help them stay wrapped during cooking.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them and turn them once halfway through if you want extra crispy bacon.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re nice and crispy, remove them from the oven and let them cool for just a minute. Then, transfer them to a serving plate, making sure to remove the toothpicks!
8. Garnish:
If you like, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a lovely touch. This makes them look even prettier!
9. Enjoy!
Serve these delicious bites warm and watch them disappear in no time! They make an amazing appetizer or a delightful party snack.
Enjoy the combination of sweet, creamy, and savory flavors with these irresistible bites!
Can I Use Other Cheeses Instead of Goat Cheese?
Absolutely! While goat cheese adds a nice tangy flavor, you can substitute it with cream cheese for a milder taste or even feta for a saltier kick. Just ensure the cheese is soft enough to easily stuff the dates.
How Can I Store Leftover Bacon-Wrapped Dates?
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
Can I Prepare Them in Advance?
Yes, you can prep these a day ahead! Assemble the bacon-wrapped dates, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few more minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What If I Don’t Have Parchment Paper?
No worries! If you don’t have parchment paper, you can lightly grease the baking sheet with oil or use a silicone baking mat. This will help prevent the dates from sticking.