Bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with creamy goat cheese make the perfect bite-sized treat! The salty bacon and sweet dates work so well together. Yum!
Every time I make these, they disappear in seconds! I always keep some on hand for unexpected guests— because who doesn’t love a little surprise snack? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Medjool Dates: These are my favorite because of their large size and sweet flavor. If you can’t find Medjool dates, any other pitted dates will work, but they may be smaller and less sweet. Just keep an eye on the cooking time!
Goat Cheese: Softened goat cheese gives a creamy texture. If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, consider cream cheese or even blue cheese for a stronger flavor. Both will still taste amazing!
Bacon: Standard bacon is great, but if you’re looking for a twist, try turkey bacon for a lighter option. Just note it may not get as crispy. For those avoiding meat, you could even use a veggie bacon alternative.
Fresh Parsley: This is more for garnish, but fresh herbs like cilantro or chives can add a nice touch if you’re looking for a different flavor profile.
How Do You Get the Bacon Crispy Without Burning the Dates?
Getting that bacon crispy while keeping the dates tender is key! Here’s how I do it:
- Preheat the oven and use a wire rack if you have one, which allows the heat to circulate around the bacon.
- Wrap the bacon snugly around the dates, but not too tight—you still want them to cook evenly.
- Turn the dates halfway through baking. This helps ensure both sides of the bacon get crispy.
- Keep an eye on them towards the end of the cooking time. Every oven is a bit different, so check around 20 minutes!
Enjoy creating these tasty bites! They’re always a hit, and you’ll love how easy they are to whip up!
Bacon-Wrapped Dates With Goat Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dates:
- 20 Medjool dates, pitted
- 4 oz goat cheese, softened
- 10 slices of bacon, cut in half
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Toothpicks (for securing)
Time Estimate:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to cook, making a total of around 35 minutes. It’s a quick and delicious treat that’s perfect for snacking or entertaining!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it will be nice and hot by the time you’re ready to bake those yummy bites!
2. Prepare the Dates:
Take your pitted Medjool dates and carefully make a slit on one side. This will help you stuff them with goat cheese. If the dates aren’t pitted yet, take out the pit first!
3. Stuff Each Date:
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of softened goat cheese into each slit in the dates. Don’t worry about being perfect; a little extra cheese will just taste even better!
4. Wrap with Bacon:
Take half of a bacon slice and wrap it around each stuffed date. Secure it in place with a toothpick to keep everything together. Make sure the bacon is snug but not too tight.
5. Arrange on a Baking Sheet:
Place the bacon-wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack. This will help collect any drippings and keep the bacon crispy!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Make sure to turn them halfway through so the bacon gets crispy all around. Keep an eye on them toward the end to avoid burning!
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once they’re all nice and crispy, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley over the top for a lovely pop of color!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Now these delicious bites are ready to serve! Enjoy them warm as a delightful appetizer or snack that everyone will love!
Happy cooking! 😊
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While goat cheese gives a creamy texture, cream cheese or even feta can be great alternatives. Just be sure to soften them a bit before stuffing the dates!
What If I Don’t Have Toothpicks?
No problem! You can use small skewers or even just secure them tightly with the bacon; it should hold together while baking. If all else fails, bake them seam-side down!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dates up to a day in advance! Once stuffed and wrapped in bacon, cover them with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge. Just bake them right before serving!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (though they rarely last long!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They can be reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness.
