If you’re searching for a perfect appetizer that bursts with sweet, smoky, and creamy flavors, look no further than the Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Spiced Brown Sugar Recipe. This delightful treat combines luscious Medjool dates, tangy goat cheese, and crispy hickory-smoked bacon, all enhanced by a fragrant brown sugar and spice blend. Every bite offers a magical balance that’s as impressive on a dinner party table as it is at a cozy family gathering. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a forever favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Spiced Brown Sugar Recipe shines because of its straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each element brings something special—whether it’s the smoky depth of bacon, the luscious sweetness of dates, or the spicy kiss from the seasoning blend.
- Medjool Dates (16 ounces): Naturally sweet and tender, perfect for stuffing and offering a caramel-like base.
- Soft Goat Cheese (4 ounces): Adds creamy tanginess that cuts through the sweet and smoky textures beautifully.
- Thick-Cut Hickory Smoked Bacon (7 slices): Provides a crispy, flavorful wrap that holds the date and cheese perfectly together.
- Light Brown Sugar (1/3 cup, packed): Sweetens and caramelizes the bacon, creating a sticky, irresistible glaze.
- Ancho Chili Powder (1 teaspoon): Delivers a subtle smoky heat that elevates the flavor profile.
- Smoked Paprika (½ teaspoon): Enhances the bacon’s smokiness and deepens the color.
- Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon): Adds savory undertones that balance sweetness.
- Onion Powder (½ teaspoon): Contributes a mild aromatic depth to the spice mix.
- Hot Honey (optional): A sweet and spicy drizzle to take these bites to the next level.
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Spiced Brown Sugar Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon and Spice Mix
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, the perfect temperature to crisp bacon evenly without drying out the whole bite. Cut the bacon slices lengthwise into thirds to get the right size for wrapping each date snugly. In a shallow bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ancho chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This spice blend is the secret behind the irresistible coating that adds layers of flavor.
Step 2: Stuff the Dates
Carefully hold each pitted date and gently pry open the natural seam where the pit once was. Don’t split it fully—just enough to create a pocket. Spoon about a half teaspoon of soft goat cheese into each date, then press the sides together lightly so the cheese stays inside, but some of it peeks through, inviting you to dive right in.
Step 3: Wrap with Bacon
Wrap each stuffed date with a third of a bacon slice, starting at one end and rolling it all the way around. Secure the bacon with a toothpick through the center to keep everything intact during baking. The bacon is the star that transforms these dates into a savory-sweet masterpiece.
Step 4: Coat in Spice Mix
Roll each wrapped date generously in the brown sugar and spice mixture. This coat will melt into a caramelized crust as the bacon crisps, creating an addictive texture and flavor contrast.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the prepared dates on a baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each to cook evenly. Bake for approximately 18 minutes or until the bacon turns beautifully crispy and caramelized. The kitchen will fill with such an enticing aroma that it’s impossible to wait until they’re fully done.
Step 6: Final Touches
Serve the bacon-wrapped dates warm. If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle some hot honey over the top for a fiery-sweet finish that perfectly complements the spiced brown sugar glaze.
How to Serve Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Spiced Brown Sugar Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a few toasted chopped nuts add a fresh, crunchy contrast to the warm, tender dates. A few extra drops of hot honey or even a touch of flaky sea salt can really elevate the dish.
Side Dishes
These dates pair wonderfully with light, fresh salads or cheese boards featuring bold cheeses, olives, and crusty bread. They’re also fantastic alongside grilled meats or as part of a tapas spread that invites sharing and conversation.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange these bacon-wrapped beauties on a rustic wooden board or string them on a festive toothpick skewer, alternating with fresh herbs or small mozzarella balls. Presentation is all about making these small bites look as irresistible as they taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The bacon will lose some crispness, but reheating will revive much of that glorious texture.
Freezing
You can freeze these stuffed dates before baking. Lay them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to one month. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftover bacon-wrapped dates in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, or until the bacon crisps up again. Avoid microwaving, as this will make the bacon chewy and soggy.
FAQs
Can I use another type of cheese instead of goat cheese?
Absolutely! Cream cheese or blue cheese are great substitutes that bring their own unique flavors, but goat cheese offers a lovely tang that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the dates and the smoky bacon.
Are Medjool dates necessary, or can I use another variety?
Medjool dates are preferred for their large size, softness, and sweetness, which make stuffing easier and tasting more sumptuous. If you can only find smaller dates, the process works but the bites will be smaller.
What if I don’t have ancho chili powder?
No worries! You can substitute with mild chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. Ancho chili powder adds smoky depth, but other spices work well depending on your pantry.
Is it okay to make these ahead of time before baking?
Yes! Preparing them in advance saves time. Once assembled and coated with the spice mix, cover and refrigerate. Bake just before serving to ensure the bacon is crispy and fresh.
Can these be made gluten-free?
Definitely. All ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check that your bacon and spices are free from any gluten-containing additives.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Spiced Brown Sugar Recipe is one of those magical dishes that instantly elevates any occasion. Its perfect harmony of flavors and textures makes it a sure crowd-pleaser, whether you’re entertaining close friends or surprising your family with something special. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite to bring out time and again!
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Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Spiced Brown Sugar Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 21 bacon-wrapped dates
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese are a delightful appetizer combining sweet, smoky, and creamy flavors. Pitted Medjool dates are stuffed with tangy soft goat cheese, wrapped in thick-cut hickory smoked bacon, rolled in a spiced brown sugar mixture, and baked until the bacon is perfectly crispy. Drizzle with hot honey for an extra touch of sweetness and spice, making them an irresistible party snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
Dates and Filling
- 2 (8 ounce) packages Pitted Medjool Dates (about 21 dates)
- 4 ounces soft goat cheese
Bacon and Coating
- 7 slices thick-cut hickory smoked bacon, cut into thirds lengthwise
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon Ancho Chili Powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Optional
- Hot Honey for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare bacon: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Cut each slice of bacon into thirds lengthwise, creating smaller strips perfect for wrapping the dates.
- Mix coating spices: In a small shallow bowl, combine the brown sugar, ancho chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a flavorful coating mixture.
- Open the dates: Hold each pitted date in your hand and gently pry open the natural seam where the pit was removed, taking care not to split the date completely in half. Work slowly if the date is stuck together to form a small pocket for the cheese.
- Stuff with goat cheese: Spoon about ½ teaspoon of soft goat cheese into the cavity of each date. Press the sides gently to close the date partially, leaving some goat cheese visible for added appeal.
- Wrap with bacon: Take one of the bacon strips and wrap it snugly around the goat cheese-stuffed date. Secure the bacon by inserting a toothpick through the center, piercing both ends where the bacon meets to keep it in place.
- Coat in brown sugar mixture: Roll each bacon-wrapped date generously in the prepared spiced brown sugar mixture, ensuring an even coating for sweet and smoky flavor.
- Bake to crisp: Arrange the dates on a baking sheet spaced about 1 inch apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized.
- Serve: Serve the bacon-wrapped dates warm as a delicious appetizer. Optionally, drizzle with hot honey before serving for a sweet and spicy finish.
Notes
- Pitting Medjool dates beforehand saves preparation time; ensure they are soft and fresh for best results.
- Using thick-cut hickory smoked bacon adds deep smoky flavor and holds together well during baking.
- If hot honey is not available, substitute with a drizzle of regular honey or maple syrup with a pinch of cayenne for heat.
- To keep bacon in place, toothpicks are essential; remove them before eating to avoid injury.
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and bake stuffed dates topped with a sprinkle of extra brown sugar and spices.
