Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese and Maple Glaze

If you’re searching for an appetizer that brilliantly balances sweet, salty, creamy, and smoky flavors all in one bite, you’ve just found it with Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese and Maple Glaze. This irresistibly delicious dish brings together the caramelized sweetness of dates, the tangy creaminess of goat cheese, the smoky crispiness of bacon, and a luscious maple glaze that ties everything together perfectly. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or looking for a crowd-pleasing party starter, these little bites will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Flavor Combo: The sweet and savory harmony of bacon, dates, goat cheese, and maple glaze creates an unforgettable taste explosion.
• Simple Yet Elegant: Only a handful of ingredients come together effortlessly to impress any guest.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance to save time during busy entertaining moments.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or a special treat on any night.
• Customizable Flavors: Easy to tweak with spices or alternative fillings to suit your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe boasts simplicity in every ingredient, with each element bringing essential flavor, texture, and color contrasts that elevate the dish beyond a typical appetizer.

• Medjool Dates: Choose plump, soft dates that offer natural sweetness and the perfect texture for stuffing.
• Goat Cheese: Use creamy, tangy goat cheese for a rich filling that balances the sweetness of the dates.
• Bacon Slices: Thin-cut bacon works best to wrap neatly and crisp up beautifully.
• Pure Maple Syrup: Adds a sticky, caramel-like glaze that enhances the smoky and sweet notes.
• Toothpicks: Essential for securing the bacon around each date for easy baking.
• Optional Spices: A pinch of smoked paprika or black pepper to add depth and warmth.

Variations for Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese and Maple Glaze

Feel free to personalize this classic recipe. With its simple base, it’s incredibly easy to adapt for dietary needs or to explore new taste sensations.

• Swap the Cheese: Use cream cheese or blue cheese for different creamy textures and flavors.
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts inside the dates for an extra crunch.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle chili flakes or add a dab of harissa to the filling for some heat.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace bacon with smoked tempeh strips or thin eggplant slices for a smoky, meat-free option.
• Herb Boost: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the goat cheese filling for a fragrant twist.

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese and Maple Glaze

Step 1: Prepare the Dates

Start by carefully slicing each date lengthwise to remove the pit while keeping the date mostly intact, creating a perfect pocket for the goat cheese filling.

Step 2: Stuff the Dates

Fill each pitted date generously with soft goat cheese, ensuring the creamy filling stays nestled inside when wrapped.

Step 3: Wrap with Bacon

Wrap each stuffed date with a half or full slice of bacon depending on size, securing it with a toothpick to hold everything together during cooking.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the bacon-wrapped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through for even crisping.

Step 5: Drizzle with Maple Glaze

Shortly before removing from the oven, brush the dates generously with pure maple syrup and return to the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize beautifully.

Pro Tips for Making Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese and Maple Glaze

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Fresh, soft dates and creamy goat cheese make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overstuff: Enough goat cheese to fill but not overflow keeps wrapping clean and easy.
• Use Thin Bacon: Thinner slices cook more evenly and crisp better without overbaking the dates.
• Watch the Glaze: Glaze toward the end of baking to prevent burning and ensure stickiness.
• Rest Before Serving: Let the dates cool for a few minutes to avoid burning tongues and help flavors settle.

How to Serve Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese and Maple Glaze

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the top for a pop of color and a hint of fresh aroma that complements the rich flavors.

Side Dishes

Pair these bites with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or alongside savory cheese and charcuterie boards for a complete appetizer spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the dates on rustic wooden boards, in small decorative bowls, or threaded on cocktail picks arranged beautifully for easy grabbing at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and texture.

Freezing

Unbaked stuffed dates wrapped with bacon freeze well; arrange on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat baked dates in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes or until warmed through and crisp again—avoid microwaving to keep the bacon crispy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of goat cheese?

Absolutely! Cream cheese, blue cheese, or even ricotta work wonderfully depending on the flavor profile you prefer in your Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese and Maple Glaze.

What if I don’t have Medjool dates?

While Medjool dates are ideal for their size and softness, you can substitute with smaller dates like Deglet Noor as long as they are pitted and somewhat soft.

Is there a vegetarian alternative to bacon?

Yes, smoked tempeh, thin slices of eggplant, or even portobello mushroom strips can provide a smoky flavor and texture similar to bacon in this recipe.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Definitely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use pure maple syrup and ensure any bacon used contains no gluten additives.

How long do Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese and Maple Glaze keep fresh?

When refrigerated in an airtight container, they stay fresh for up to three days, making them perfect for prepping ahead of an event.

Final Thoughts

Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese and Maple Glaze are truly one of those magical appetizers that bring so much joy with every bite. The blend of sweet dates, creamy goat cheese, smoky bacon, and sweet maple glaze makes a feast of flavors that’s simple to make yet impressive enough to steal the spotlight. Whether it’s a festive occasion or just a treat to share with friends, this recipe is your go-to crowd-pleaser. Dive in and enjoy the deliciousness waiting to happen in your kitchen!

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