Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese and Dark Chocolate Recipe

Introduction

Bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with creamy goat cheese and a hint of dark chocolate offer a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors. This elegant appetizer is easy to make and sure to impress guests at any gathering.

Ingredients

• 1-2 ounces goat cheese
• 1-2 squares 72% dark chocolate, chopped into pieces (optional)
• 1 (12 ounce) package bacon
• 20-24 pitted dates
• For the glaze:
  • 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • Cayenne pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, making sure it has edges to catch the bacon grease.
2. Step 2: Prepare the dates by splitting each one in half without breaking them apart completely. Ensure all pits are removed.
3. Step 3: Stuff each date with a small piece of dark chocolate (if using) and a small amount of goat cheese. Press the date closed gently.
4. Step 4: Cut bacon strips in half. Wrap each stuffed date with half a slice of bacon, placing the seam side down on the baking sheet.
5. Step 5: Brush each bacon-wrapped date with maple syrup and lightly sprinkle cayenne pepper according to your spice preference. Secure with a toothpick.
6. Step 6: Bake for 10 minutes. Then turn each date so the toothpick lies parallel to the baking sheet and bake for another 10 minutes.
7. Step 7: Flip the dates to the other side and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the bacon is golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder flavor, omit the dark chocolate and cayenne pepper.
• Use toothpicks to keep the bacon securely wrapped around the dates during baking.
• Try substituting goat cheese with blue cheese or cream cheese for a different taste profile.
• Serve with a drizzle of additional maple syrup for extra sweetness.

Storage

Store leftover bacon-wrapped dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these in advance?

Yes. You can assemble the bacon-wrapped dates a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated until ready to bake.

What can I use instead of bacon?

If you prefer a non-pork option, try prosciutto or turkey bacon, though cooking times may vary slightly.

Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese and Dark Chocolate Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 75 reviews

• Author: Jack
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings (2 bacon-wrapped dates per serving) 1x

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Description

These Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese & Dark Chocolate are a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and savory flavors. Stuffed with creamy goat cheese and optional rich dark chocolate, then wrapped in crispy bacon and finished with a hint of maple syrup and cayenne pepper glaze, these bite-sized appetizers offer a delicious balance of textures and tastes, ideal for parties or special occasions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling

• 1–2 ounces goat cheese
• 1–2 squares 72% dark chocolate, chopped into pieces (optional)

Main

• 1 (12 ounce) package bacon
• 20–24 pitted dates

Glaze

• 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup
• Cayenne pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring it has edges to catch bacon grease.
2. Prepare dates: Carefully split each pitted date in half without separating completely, ensuring pits are fully removed and discarded.
3. Stuff dates: Place a small piece of chopped dark chocolate inside each opened date, then add a small amount of goat cheese. Press the date closed gently to enclose the filling.
4. Wrap dates with bacon: Cut each bacon strip in half. Wrap each stuffed date with a ½ slice of bacon, securing the bacon seam side down on the baking sheet to prevent unwrapping during cooking.
5. Glaze and season: Brush each bacon-wrapped date lightly with maple syrup. Sprinkle cayenne pepper over them according to your heat preference. Insert a toothpick into each date for easy handling.
6. Bake dates: Bake for 10 minutes. Then turn each date onto its side so the toothpick lies parallel to the baking sheet. Bake for another 10 minutes.
7. Flip and finish baking: Flip the dates onto the opposite side and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the bacon is golden brown and crispy.
8. Cool and serve: Remove from the oven, transfer to a plate, allow to cool slightly, and serve immediately. Yields approximately 10 servings with 2 bacon-wrapped dates each.

Notes

• Using dark chocolate is optional but adds a rich flavor contrast to the savory bacon and tangy goat cheese.
• If you prefer less heat, adjust the cayenne pepper to your taste or omit it entirely.
• To avoid bacon unraveling, secure the seam side down and use toothpicks if necessary.
• For a sweeter variation, drizzle a little extra maple syrup before serving.
• Make sure to use pitted dates for ease of stuffing and safety.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Bacon-Wrapped Dates, Goat Cheese, Dark Chocolate, Appetizer, Bacon, Maple Syrup, Cayenne Pepper, Party Snack