Some recipes just flirt with the line between sweet and savory, but these Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Dates? Honey, they dive right in. Around here, we call them bite-sized miracles. Whether you’re hosting a holiday soirée or a no-fuss girls’ night in, these dreamy little bites will be the first to disappear.
Why You’ll Crave These Again & Again
- Salty-sweet perfection in every bite
- Only five ingredients, but flavor that screams fancy
- Ideal for party appetizers or weeknight indulgence
Let’s Talk Ingredients
It doesn’t take much to create magic. Here’s what we’re working with:
Medjool Dates: These are the sweet, chewy base. Pit them, but keep them whole, we’re turning them into flavor pockets.
Goat Cheese: Creamy and tangy, it balances the date’s natural sugar. You could use blue cheese, but goat cheese wraps this in elegance.
beef Bacon: We want thin-cut here. Thick bacon takes too long to crisp and can overpower. Thin lets the whole party shine.
Toothpicks: Not technically food, but essential for that neat wrap-and-hold function. Bonus: they make this a perfect finger food recipe.
Maple Syrup (Optional but irresistible): Just a light drizzle before baking gives these an ever-so-slight caramel glaze. Think grown-up candy.
How to Make Them (A.K.A. The Assembly Line of Delicious)
Grab your apron, friend. Here’s how we roll literally:
Start by slicing each date lengthwise, don’t go all the way through. Gently open them up like a little book.
Stuff each one with about a teaspoon of goat cheese. Don’t worry if it’s messy; messy is charming in the kitchen.
Cut your beef bacon slices in half. Wrap each stuffed date with a half-slice of bacon, secure it with a toothpick, and place it seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you’re feeling wild, drizzle just a kiss of maple syrup over each one before baking.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until the beef bacon is golden and crisp.
Cool slightly (if you can wait), then serve warm. Or sneak one before they hit the platter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
This isn’t a complicated recipe, but a couple of missteps can throw off your Goat Cheese Stuffed beef Bacon-Wrapped Dates experience:
Using thick-cut beef bacon: It takes forever to crisp and might leave the date undercooked or greasy. Trust thin-cut to get it done fast and crisp.
Skipping the parchment: beef Bacon is going to crisp and sizzle—and stick if you’re not careful. Parchment makes clean-up a breeze.
Overfilling with goat cheese: Tempting, I know. But too much cheese can leak out, leaving less inside where it belongs.
Best Pro Tips
After making these for what feels like a hundred gatherings (and let’s be real, sometimes just for me), here’s what I’ve learned:
Soak your toothpicks in water for 10 minutes before baking. They won’t burn in the oven that way, and you get that golden look without char.
Make ahead: Assemble everything the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Pop them in the oven just before guests arrive for a hands-off hot appetizer.
Batch size tip: One pack of beef bacon makes about 32 if you halve the slices, so plan accordingly. Double or triple this—you’ll need it.
Variations? Oh yes. Try almond-stuffed dates, blue cheese instead of goat, or even a tiny sliver of jalapeño for some heat. But this version? Classic and crowd-approved.
Bonus: My Secret Sauce (Literally)
For those overachievers (and fellow sauce-lovers): mix ¼ cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon honey, and a squeeze of lemon. Whip it up for a cool, tangy dip on the side. Your guests will be impressed. They’ll think you catered.
Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Ingredients
- – 16 Medjool dates pitted
- – 4 oz goat cheese
- – 8 slices of thin bacon halved
- – Toothpicks
- – 1 tbsp maple syrup optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Slice each date lengthwise and fill with goat cheese.
- Wrap each date with half a bacon slice and secure with toothpick.
- Place on parchment-lined tray, drizzle with maple syrup if desired.
- Bake 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
- Let cool slightly, then serve warm.
Notes
- Use thin-cut bacon for quicker crisping.
- Soak toothpicks in water to prevent burning.
- Can be prepped ahead and baked just before serving.
- Add jalapeño for a spicy twist.
FAQs
Can I make these Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Dates ahead of time?
You sure can! Prep them the night before, then bake just before serving. They’re best warm, but still dreamy at room temp.
Do I have to use goat cheese?
Nope. Blue cheese works too, especially if you like bold flavors. Even cream cheese can work in a pinch for a milder version.
Can I serve these cold?
You can, but they’re much better warm. That bacon-crisp-to-cheese-gooey ratio hits different when they’re hot out of the oven.
How do I keep the bacon from unwrapping?
Toothpicks are your friend. Also, place them seam-side down on the baking sheet to help them stay tucked while cooking.
Wrap-Up (Or Should I Say, Bacon-Wrap?)
These Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Dates might just become your go-to in the appetizer recipes category. They’re the best party snacks because they hit all the right notes—sweet, salty, creamy, crunchy. Whether you’re building out your holiday appetizers spread or just need a killer finger food recipe, this one’s a keeper. And when you see that platter emptied before you even sit down, you’ll know exactly why.
