Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese and Maple Glaze

Discover the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors with this amazing Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese and Maple Glaze recipe. These bite-sized appetizers combine the natural sweetness of dates, the tangy richness of goat cheese, smoky bacon, and a luscious maple glaze to create a treat that’s ideal for parties, gatherings, or an indulgent snack anytime. It’s simple to make, irresistibly delicious, and guaranteed to impress your guests every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses just a handful of everyday ingredients that are easy to find and combine effortlessly.
• Flavor Explosion: The sweet dates, creamy goat cheese, smoky bacon, and maple glaze create a perfect harmony of tastes.
• Party-Ready: These appetizers look elegant and impressive, making them ideal for entertaining friends and family.
• Quick Prep: With minimal preparation and baking time, you can have these ready fast without any fuss.
• Customizable: Easy to adapt to your preferences by swapping cheeses or adding spices for a personal touch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make the Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese and Maple Glaze, you only need a simple mix of staples and fresh flavors. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in balancing the overall taste, texture, and visual appeal of this delightful appetizer.

• Medjool Dates: These large, naturally sweet dates provide a luscious and chewy base perfect for stuffing.
• Goat Cheese: Creamy and tangy, goat cheese offers the perfect contrast to the sweetness of the dates.
• Bacon Slices: Thinly sliced bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch that wraps everything together.
• Pure Maple Syrup: Using real maple syrup creates a rich and caramelized glaze that enhances every bite.
• Toothpicks: Essential for securing the wrapped dates during baking to ensure they hold their shape.

Variations for Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese and Maple Glaze

Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own. It’s so flexible that you can tweak it easily to suit your taste buds, dietary needs, or desired presentation style.

• Add Nuts: Incorporate toasted pecans or almonds inside the dates for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Cheese Swap: Use blue cheese or cream cheese instead of goat cheese for a different tang and texture.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce before wrapping for heat lovers.
• Herbal Touch: Add fresh rosemary or thyme on top before baking for a fragrant twist.
• Maple Alternatives: Drizzle with honey or balsamic reduction instead of maple glaze for variety.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Dates

Start by slicing each date along one side and gently removing the pit. Be careful not to cut fully through to keep the date intact as a little pocket for the goat cheese.

Step 2: Stuff with Goat Cheese

Spoon about a teaspoon of goat cheese into the cavity of each date, filling it evenly but not overstuffing so the cheese doesn’t spill out during cooking.

Step 3: Wrap with Bacon

Cut bacon slices into halves or thirds depending on their size, then wrap each stuffed date snugly with a piece of bacon. Secure it with a toothpick to hold everything in place while baking.

Step 4: Arrange for Baking

Place all wrapped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack. This helps crisp the bacon evenly while letting the fat drip away.

Step 5: Apply Maple Glaze and Bake

Brush each bacon-wrapped date with pure maple syrup for a sweet finish. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes until the bacon is crispy and caramelized, turning halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow them to cool slightly before serving so the cheese settles and the glaze thickens, enhancing every bite with gooey goodness.

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

• Choose Medjool Dates: Their larger size and softness make them the best for stuffing and wrapping.
• Don’t Overstuff: Keeping the goat cheese amounts moderate ensures even cooking and prevents leaks.
• Use Thin Bacon: Thin slices crisp up faster and wrap more easily around the dates.
• Double Up the Glaze: Brush with maple syrup both before and halfway through baking for a deeper caramel flavor.
• Turn During Baking: Flip the dates once halfway to crisp bacon evenly on all sides.

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

Garnishes

Finish your presentation with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives to add a pop of color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet glaze.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a charcuterie board, fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables to complement these rich bites and round out your appetizer spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the dates on elegant skewers, place them on a wooden serving platter, or use small ramekins with extra maple glaze for dipping to impress your guests visually and tastefully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese and Maple Glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, preserving their flavors and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze these appetizers uncooked by arranging them on a tray, freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to baking time.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until warmed through and the bacon regains its crispness. Avoid microwaves to keep texture intact.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Cream cheese, blue cheese, or even feta can work well, though each will bring a slightly different flavor and texture.

Are there vegetarian alternatives for this recipe?

For a vegetarian option, try wrapping the dates in thin slices of smoked eggplant or use vegetarian bacon alternatives.

What type of dates work best for this recipe?

Medjool dates are preferred for their softness and large size, which makes stuffing easier and results in a juicier bite.

How do I prevent bacon from getting soggy?

Using a wire rack while baking allows fat to drip away and helps the bacon crisp up evenly.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure the bacon and maple syrup do not contain any gluten additives.

Final Thoughts

Nothing brings joy quite like the simple pleasure of Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese and Maple Glaze. This recipe combines classic flavors in an irresistible way that’s fast, fun, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Give it a try and watch them disappear as everyone reaches for just one more bite!

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