The First Bite That Hooked Me
The first time I tried these dates, the sweet maple glaze dripped onto my fingers. The salty bacon crackled, the creamy goat cheese melted. It was love at first bite. Ever wondered how you could turn three simple ingredients into something unforgettable? Now I make these for every party. Friends beg for the recipe every time.My Kitchen Disaster Turned Win
My first batch? I forgot to pit the dates. Oops. Teeth met seeds, but the flavors still wowed me. Cooking reminds us that mistakes can taste delicious. Now I double-check each date. The effort pays off when guests devour them. Share your own kitchen blunders below!Why This Combo Works
– Sweet dates balance salty bacon like old friends. – Goat cheese adds tangy creaminess that cuts through richness. Which flavor combo surprises you most? Is it the maple with cilantro? Try it and see.A Dish With Roots
This recipe nods to Mediterranean flavors, where dates and cheese shine. Bacon adds a modern twist. *Did you know dates were called “nature’s candy” in ancient times?* Vote: Stuff them with blue cheese next time?
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Bacon, thin cut | 12 slices | |
| Medjool dates, fresh, pitted | 24 | |
| Goat cheese, chèvre, plain | 4 oz | |
| Pure maple syrup | 1/4 cup | |
| Fresh cilantro, finely chopped | 1 Tablespoon | |
| Sweet onion, minced | 1 Tablespoon | |
| Crushed red pepper flakes | pinch | if desired |
How to Make Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates
Step 1 Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment. Add a metal rack on top. This keeps bacon crisp.
Step 2 Mix maple syrup, cilantro, onion, and red pepper flakes. Set aside. This sweet-spicy glaze adds big flavor.
Step 3 Slice dates open and remove pits. Stuff each with goat cheese. A teaspoon per date works best.
Step 4 Cut bacon strips in half. Wrap each date tightly. Secure with a toothpick. Brush with glaze.
Step 5 Bake 15-25 minutes until bacon crisps. Drizzle with leftover glaze. Serve warm or room temp. *(Hard-learned tip: Soak toothpicks in water first. Prevents burning in the oven.)* What’s your go-to party appetizer? Share below! Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Yield: 12 servings Category: Appetizer
3 Fun Twists on This Recipe
Spicy Kick Add jalapeño slices inside the dates. Swap goat cheese for pepper jack.
Sweet & Nutty Tuck an almond into each date. Drizzle with honey instead of maple syrup.
Herb Lover’s Use rosemary or thyme instead of cilantro. Try feta cheese for tang. Which twist would you try first? Vote in the comments!
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Serve on a platter with toothpicks. Add fresh herbs for color. Pair with sliced apples or nuts. Drink pairings: Try chilled white wine or sparkling cider. For kids, serve with lemonade. Which would you choose tonight—wine or cider?
Storage & Reheating Tips
Keep leftovers in the fridge for 2-3 days. Use an airtight container to lock in flavor. Freezing? Skip the glaze—add fresh after thawing. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes to keep bacon crisp. *Fun fact: Dates stay soft even when chilled!* Batch-cook and freeze unbaked—just add 5 extra minutes when ready to bake. Why this matters: Proper storage keeps snacks safe and tasty. Ever tried freezing appetizers? Share your tricks below!Common Issues & Fixes
Bacon not crispy? Bake longer or broil for 1-2 minutes—watch closely! Cheese oozing out? Stuff less and wrap bacon tighter. Dates too dry? Soak them in warm water for 10 minutes first. Why this matters: Small tweaks make big flavor wins. My neighbor Karen learned the hard way—overstuffing leads to messy baking sheets. What’s your biggest kitchen fail turned fix?Your Questions, Answered
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes! Bacon and dates are naturally gluten-free. Check labels to be safe.
Q: How far ahead can I prep these?
A: Assemble 1 day ahead—store covered in the fridge until baking.
Q: Any cheese swaps for goat cheese?
A: Try cream cheese or feta for a tangy twist.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely! Use two baking sheets to avoid crowding.
Q: What if I don’t like cilantro?
A: Skip it or use parsley for a fresh kick.
Final Thoughts
These bites are my go-to for parties—easy, fancy, and always devoured. *Fun fact: Kids love the sweet-salty combo!* Tag@SpoonSway on Pinterest with your creations. Did you try a twist? Tell me below! Happy cooking! —Sarah Cooper.
Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates Recipe
Description
Experience the delightful combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors with these Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place a metal cooling rack on top of a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment.
- Make glaze by stirring the glaze ingredients together. Set aside.
- Fill dates: Cut a slit in the center of the dates, lengthwise. Remove pit, if needed. Stuff the opening with a teaspoon of cheese.
- Wrap in bacon: Cut bacon strips in half and wrap the bacon around each date, securing it with a toothpick. Place on prepared baking sheet. Brush a light coating of maple syrup glaze over each (reserve the extra).
- Bake at 400 degrees for 15-25 minutes, or until bacon is crisp. Remove from oven and drizzle with any remaining glaze.
- Serve warm or at room temperature (refrigerate after 2 hours sitting out). Leftovers will keep for 2-3 days in the fridge.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding a small amount of chopped nuts or a drizzle of balsamic reduction before serving.
Bacon, Dates, Goat Cheese, Appetizer, Party Food
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