Bacon wrapped datesstuffed with goat cheese and topped with a honey balsamic reduction – fancy finger food! This is the perfect appetizer for a party.
I have a bunch of go-to appetizer recipes that have always been my favorites for parties or potlucks.
I’ve shared a few with you guys – my slow cooker grape jelly meatballs are a fan fave, and myveggie dipis a family favorite. You can’t go wrong with frito corn salad, either.
I have been changing it up a bit lately, craving a sweet and salty combo.
Bacon wrapped dates are where it’s at. I’m sure you have seen them before – in fact, you have probably eaten them before. They are an easy appetizer recipe and are offered at a tapas bar.
Sweet dates, crispy bacon, and creamy cheese are the perfect combination for the holiday season.
Bacon Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese
Bacon-wrapped dates are one of the easiest finger foods to make, yet they still look slightly complicated.
The first time I made this delicious appetizer, I dribbled honey balsamic reduction all over the stuffed dates to make them extra fancy.
Bacon Wrapped Dates Ingredients
Tender Medjool Dates:Select fresh, plump dates. Remove the pits carefully without damaging the fruit. Slit each date lengthwise to create an opening for stuffing.
Salty Bacon:Use high-quality bacon, preferably not too thin or thick. Cut each slice into three equal parts to wrap around the dates securely. Ensure the bacon is at room temperature to make it easier to wrap.
Creamy Goat Cheese:Opt for a creamy and tangy goat cheese. Crumble it into small pieces that can be easily stuffed into the dates. The cheese adds a delightful creaminess and savory flavor to complement the sweetness of the dates.
Chopped Almonds:Use whole almonds and blanch them to remove the skin. Once blanched, chop the almonds finely. They provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the dates and the savory bacon.
Variations and Twists
- Different Stuffings:Explore various fillings inside the dates besides the typical goat cheese and almonds. You can change your choice of cheese – consider using bleu cheese, salty feta, manchego, or cream cheese. Substitute whole almonds for pecans or walnuts, or even swap out the bacon strips for pieces of chorizo or prosciutto for a savory twist.
- Sweet and Spicy:Add a kick of spice by stuffing the dates with a slice of jalapeño, red pepper flakes, or a small piece of spicy pepper before wrapping them in bacon. The sweet, spicy, and savory flavors can be incredibly delicious.
- Herb-Infused:Mix fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil with the cheese filling for a herby aroma and taste. The herbs can elevate the overall flavor profile of the bacon-wrapped dates.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Dates
First things first, crank up that oven to 350 degrees. While it’s heating, grab a rimmed baking sheet and line it with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup later on.
Toss your crumbled goat cheese and those finely chopped almonds into a small bowl, and give ’em a good mix. This delicious combo is going to be our filling.
Now, take each date and gently open it up with a paring knife without tearing it apart. Stuff each one with a bit of the goat cheese and almond mixture. Don’t go crazy – we want the dates nicely filled but not bursting at the seams.
It’s time to get that smoky bacon involved! Grab a half slice of bacon and wrap it snugly around each stuffed date, covering the opening where we stuffed our cheesy almond mix. Go for it if the bacon needs a little stretch to cover everything.
Place these beauties on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring the bacon edges face down. Give ’em some space; they need some breathing room for even cooking.
Pop that sheet pan into the preheated oven. Let them bake for around 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the bacon turns all crispy and irresistible.
Once they’re done, take them out of the oven and let them cool down on the baking sheet. After that, transfer them to a serving dish. They’ll be hot, so let them chill before diving in.
How to Make Honey Balsamic Reduction
Grab a small saucepan while those dates are busy getting all crispy and fabulous in the oven. In that pan, pour in your honey and balsamic vinegar. Go for that perfect balance of sweet and tangy!
Set that saucepan on the stove over medium heat. Let the honey and balsamic vinegar mingle and get to know each other for about 15 minutes. We aim to reduce the mixture by half, so keep an eye on it.
Don’t forget to gently stir it while it’s simmering away. We want everything to blend together nicely.
Take it off the heat once it’s reduced to about half its original volume and has thickened up a bit. Let it sit there for a while; it’ll thicken as it cools.
This lovely, rich honey balsamic reduction is ready to add extra flavor to the bacon-wrapped dates! Pour it into a nice serving bowl or drizzle it over the dates for that extra flavor kick.
Tips for This Bacon-Wrapped Dates Recipe
- Ensure the dates are slit open enough to accommodate the stuffing without tearing apart.
- Stuff each date with a small amount of goat cheese and a sprinkle of chopped almonds. Avoid overstuffing to ensure easy wrapping with bacon.
- Wrap each stuffed date with a piece of bacon and secure it with a toothpick to hold everything together during baking or cooking.
- Depending on your preference, you can bake or pan-fry these bacon-wrapped dates until the bacon is crispy and caramelized, creating a delicious combination of sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy flavors and textures.
How do you store leftover bacon wrapped dates?
Transfer the cooled leftover bacon-wrapped dates to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Make sure the container is suitable for refrigerator storage.
If you need to layer the bacon-wrapped dates in the container, separate the layers with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent them from sticking together.
Place the sealed container or bag of bacon-wrapped dates in the refrigerator. Properly stored, they can be refrigerated for up to 3 to 4 days.
What type of bacon is best for wrapping dates?
The best type of bacon for wrapping dates often depends on personal preference and the desired outcome. You can use regular bacon, which is pork bacon, or substitute with turkey bacon. However, there are a few considerations:
Thickness:Bacon thickness can affect the cooking time and texture. Some prefer thick-cut bacon as it holds its shape better while wrapping and provides a heartier bite. Thin bacon might cook faster but could be more prone to becoming overly crispy or tearing while covering.
Smoked or Unsmoked:Smoked bacon adds an extra layer of flavor, providing a smoky essence to the dates. Unsmoked bacon allows the natural flavors of the dates and any stuffing to stand out more prominently.
Cured or Uncured:Cured bacon undergoes salt preservation, while uncured bacon typically uses natural curing agents like celery juice. The choice here might depend on dietary preferences or taste preferences for saltiness.
Can bacon-wrapped dates be prepared in advance?
Preparing this bacon wrapped dates recipe in advance can save you time on the day of your event or gathering, allowing you to enjoy your time with guests without the stress of last-minute cooking.
Store them in the refrigerator and adjust the cooking time to ensure they turn out perfectly when served.
Bacon Wrapped Dates
Yield: 30 dates
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Active Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Bacon wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese, topped with honey balsamic reduction - fancy finger food! This is the perfect party appetizer.
Ingredients
- 30 dates, with the pits removed and slit open
- 10 slices of bacon, cut into thirds
- ¼ cup goat cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup chopped almonds (skin removed)
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
Instructions
For the Bacon Wrapped Dates
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and cover a baking sheet with foil. Combine the goat cheese and almonds in a small bowl. Mix well.
- Stuff each date with the goat cheese mixture - you want to stuff them full but not overflowing. Wrap a piece of bacon around the date so that the date’s opening is covered - stretch the bacon if needed.
- Place the bacon-covered date on the baking sheet, with the bacon edges on the bottom. Repeat with all the dates/bacon, spacing evenly on your baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the bacon is crispy, and remove from the oven. Let cool completely before serving.
For the Balsamic Reduction:
While the dates are baking, combine the honey and balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan.
Cook on medium heat for 15 minutes or until the combination is reduced by half. Stir occasionally.
Remove from heat and let sit to thicken.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 15Serving Size: 2 dates
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 119Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 158mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 1gSugar: 14gProtein: 4g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and may not be correct.
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