Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese

Recipe Overview

Recipe Name: Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese

Recipe Features: This is a simple three-ingredient appetizer that will absolutely amaze you! Perfect for sharing with a group of friends.

Ingredients

Bacon: 8 slices (thinly sliced ​​bacon works best)

Dates: 16

Goat Cheese: 4 ounces

Toothpicks: as needed

Instructions

Prepare the dates: Cut one side of each date lengthwise to create an opening and remove the pit.

Stuff with cheese: Using a spoon, stuff a small amount of goat cheese into the cavity of each date and press the sides together to seal.

Wrap with bacon: Cut a bacon slice in half and wrap each date with half a slice, securing with toothpicks.

Baking: Preheat oven to 350°F (approximately 175°C). Arrange the wrapped dates evenly on a rimmed baking sheet (to prevent splattering).

Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and use a toothpick to flip the dates onto their sides.

Continue baking for 5-8 minutes, until they reach your desired brown color. Flip the dates again and repeat baking.

Plate: Remove from the oven and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips and Variations

Tips: Use a toothpick to flip the dates to ensure even browning on all sides.

Variations:

Add Syrup: To make bourbon honey syrup, mix 1/4 cup honey with 1 tablespoon bourbon whiskey and brush it onto the baked dates.

Add Nuts: When stuffing the cheese, add whole almonds or pecans for added texture and flavor.

Alternative Cheeses: Besides goat cheese, blue cheese or feta cheese are also good choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to make bacon crispier: Increase oven temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (about 190 degrees Celsius) and extend baking time.

What if the bacon isn't cooked through: If the bacon has too many layers (more than twice), trim the bacon slices to make them shorter. Thick layers of bacon will make it difficult to cook through.

Can I use thick-cut bacon: While thick-cut bacon is suitable for eating on its own, thin-cut bacon will bake to crisp more quickly in this recipe.

Can I use other cheeses: Absolutely! Blue cheese or feta cheese are equally delicious.

Can I use an air fryer: Yes! Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit (about 200 degrees Celsius), fry for 8 minutes, then shake the basket (or flip with a toothpick) and fry for another 3-5 minutes.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional information per serving (2 bacon-wrapped dates): Specific values ​​are not listed in detail, but can be used as a reference for a healthy snack.

This webpage provides a comprehensive recipe guide, cooking tips, variation suggestions, and frequently asked questions to help you easily make delicious bacon-wrapped dates with goat cheese. This appetizer is simple to make yet has a unique flavor, combining the sweetness of dates, the richness of goat cheese, and the savory aroma of bacon, making it an excellent choice for parties and banquets.