If you love the perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors, you are going to absolutely adore this Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Spiced Brown Sugar Recipe. These little bites are a symphony of taste and texture, featuring the rich creaminess of goat cheese nestled inside tender, natural sweetness of Medjool dates, all wrapped up in smoky bacon and a tantalizing spiced brown sugar coating that caramelizes to perfection. They are incredibly easy to make yet impressively sophisticated, making them a beloved appetizer for any occasion or a delightful snack to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Though the ingredients might seem simple at first glance, each one plays a vital role in creating the complex flavor profile and enticing texture of this dish. From the creamy tang of soft goat cheese to the smoky crunch of thick-cut bacon, every element works harmoniously.
- Pitted Medjool Dates (2 packages, 8 ounces each): These naturally sweet and plump dried fruits are the perfect vessel for the rich filling.
- Soft Goat Cheese (4 ounces): Offers a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the dates and complements the bacon beautifully.
- Thick-cut Hickory Smoked Bacon (7 slices): Adds a smoky, savory crunch that wraps everything together.
- Light Brown Sugar (1/3 cup, packed): Sweetens and caramelizes during baking, enhancing both flavor and visual appeal.
- Ancho Chili Powder (1 teaspoon): Gives a gentle smoky heat that lifts the flavor without overpowering.
- Smoked Paprika (½ teaspoon): Adds depth and a subtle earthiness that pairs perfectly with bacon.
- Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon): Infuses a savory note that balances the sweetness.
- Onion Powder (½ teaspoon): Provides a mild sharpness that rounds out the spice blend.
- Hot Honey (optional, for drizzling): A luscious finishing touch that brings a spicy-sweet zing.
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Spiced Brown Sugar Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Bacon
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for crispy bacon and melting cheese. Then, take your thick-cut bacon and slice each strip lengthwise into thirds. This size is just right to wrap neatly around each date without overwhelming it or making it too smoky.
Step 2: Mix the Spiced Brown Sugar Coating
In a small shallow bowl, combine the light brown sugar, ancho chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This spice mixture is what transforms the bacon-wrapped dates from simple bites into something extraordinary, adding layers of heat, sweetness, and depth that pop with every bite.
Step 3: Prepare the Dates for Stuffing
Take each pitted Medjool date and gently pry it open along its natural seam. Be careful not to split it completely in half—just a gentle opening so that it can cradle the goat cheese. Patience here means the perfect balance of filling and fruit with each bite.
Step 4: Stuff the Dates with Goat Cheese
Spoon about half a teaspoon of soft goat cheese into the opening of each date. Press the edges together softly to close them around the creamy filling while allowing a peek of the cheese to remain visible. This peek is an invitation to the deliciousness inside.
Step 5: Wrap Each Date in Bacon
Grab a third of a bacon slice and carefully wrap it snugly around the stuffed date, starting at one end and rolling until fully covered. Secure your bacon wrap by securing a toothpick through the center, making sure both ends overlap and stay in place during cooking. This ensures all the flavors meld and the bacon crisps perfectly.
Step 6: Coat Dates in Spiced Brown Sugar Mixture
Roll each bacon-wrapped date generously in the spiced brown sugar blend, coating every surface. This coating gives a beautiful caramelized crust when baked and introduces a tantalizing combination of spice, sweetness, and smokiness that’s irresistible.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the coated dates on a baking sheet spaced about one inch apart to allow even cooking. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 minutes or until the bacon is browned and just crisp, and the sugar starts to caramelize. Your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly at this point!
Step 8: Serve with Optional Hot Honey Drizzle
Serve these beauties warm as they are, or for a final exciting pop of flavor, drizzle with a little hot honey. The gentle heat and sweetness of the honey perfectly complement the smoky bacon and creamy cheese for an unforgettable bite.
How to Serve Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Spiced Brown Sugar Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme not only lifts the presentation but adds a fresh, aromatic note. A light dusting of flaky sea salt on top just before serving enhances the savory qualities and balances the sweetness perfectly.
Side Dishes
These bacon-wrapped dates are stellar as a party appetizer or side morsel with a rustic charcuterie board. Pair them alongside crusty bread, olives, and aged cheeses for a sophisticated spread. They also provide a lovely contrast to lighter salads or roasted vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, arrange several bacon-wrapped dates on decorative skewers or place them inside hollowed-out mini bell peppers for a colorful twist. Serving on a slate platter with small bowls of dipping sauces like a balsamic reduction or spicy mustard adds interactive fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover bacon-wrapped dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They remain delicious even chilled and make a perfect grab-and-go snack or quick appetizer for the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze these bites before baking — wrap and coat the bacon-wrapped dates as directed, place on a baking sheet in a single layer, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This is a great way to have them ready whenever craving strikes!
Reheating
To reheat, pop the dates in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8-10 minutes. This will restore the crispiness of the bacon and warm the goat cheese filling beautifully without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of goat cheese?
Absolutely! While goat cheese provides a delicious tang and creamy texture, cream cheese or blue cheese work wonderfully as alternatives to add different flavor profiles.
Are there alternatives to bacon for wrapping the dates?
If you prefer a less fatty or non-pork option, try turkey bacon or prosciutto. Each adds its own unique flavor but keep in mind the cooking time might vary slightly.
How spicy are the dates with the spiced brown sugar coating?
The spice blend adds a mild to moderate heat that balances the sweetness without overwhelming the palate. You can adjust the chili powder and hot honey to suit your heat preference.
Can this recipe be made vegan or dairy-free?
For a vegan twist, substitute the goat cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative and use a vegan bacon substitute. The spiced brown sugar coating remains the same and still delivers fantastic flavor.
What occasions work best for serving Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Spiced Brown Sugar Recipe?
These are fantastic for holiday gatherings, cocktail parties, game day snacks, or anytime you want to impress guests with an easy yet elegant appetizer.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines indulgent flavors with simplicity, I cannot recommend this Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Spiced Brown Sugar Recipe enough. It’s one of those recipes that feels special but is so quick to prepare, making it a real winner for busy hosts or anyone craving a deliciously sophisticated treat. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a favorite you’ll be coming back to again 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
Sweet, smoky, and creamy, these Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese are the perfect appetizer to impress your guests. Medjool dates are stuffed with tangy soft goat cheese, wrapped in thick-cut hickory smoked bacon, coated in a spiced brown sugar mixture, and baked until crispy and caramelized. Finished with an optional drizzle of hot honey, they offer a delightful balance of flavors—sweet, savory, and a hint of heat—in every bite.
Ingredients
Dates & Filling
- 2 (8 ounce) packages Pitted Medjool Dates (21 dates total)
- 4 ounces soft goat cheese
Bacon & Coating
- 7 slices thick-cut hickory smoked bacon
- 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the dates.
- Prepare Spice Mix: In a small shallow bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ancho chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a flavorful coating.
- Open Dates: Carefully hold each pitted date and use your fingers or a small paring knife to find the natural seam where the pit was removed. Gently pry it open without splitting the date entirely, working slowly to separate if needed.
- Stuff Dates: Spoon about ½ teaspoon of the soft goat cheese into each opened date. Press the sides gently to partially close it around the cheese, leaving some visible.
- Wrap with Bacon: Cut bacon slices into thirds lengthwise. Wrap one piece of bacon snugly around each stuffed date, securing it with a toothpick through the center to hold the bacon in place.
- Coat Dates: Roll each bacon-wrapped date in the spiced brown sugar mixture generously, ensuring an even coating.
- Bake: Arrange the coated dates on a baking sheet, spaced about 1 inch apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 minutes or until the bacon is crisp and caramelized.
- Serve: Serve warm as is, or drizzle with hot honey for an extra touch of sweetness and heat before serving.
Notes
- Use thick-cut bacon for best results, as it holds its shape well during baking.
- Pitted Medjool dates are preferred for their size and natural sweetness.
- To prevent sticking, line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- The hot honey drizzle adds a spicy sweet finish but is optional if you prefer less heat.
- Ensure you secure the bacon with toothpicks to keep the wrapping intact while baking.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
