If you’re looking for a bite-sized delight that bursts with an irresistible combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, the Goats Cheese Stuffed Dates with Bacon, Walnuts, and Orange Zest Recipe is your next kitchen adventure. This dish perfectly balances creamy goat cheese, smoky bacon, crunchy walnuts, and the bright zing of fresh orange zest, all wrapped inside luscious dates. Whether it’s for a party appetizer or a special snack, this recipe will have your guests coming back for more and you falling in love with these deliciously rich, textured morsels all over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Though the ingredient list might seem modest, each element plays a vital role in the overall taste, texture, and appeal of the dish. The harmony between sweet dates, creamy goat cheese, and crispy turkey bacon, with crunchy walnuts and a fresh hint of orange zest, is what makes this dish truly memorable.
- 20 dates: Choose plump, fresh dates for the juiciest sweetness and best texture.
- 250 g turkey bacon (diced): Adds a smoky, savory crunch without too much fat, keeping it lighter but full of flavor.
- 250 g goat cheese: The creamy, tangy base that melts beautifully inside each date.
- 40 g walnuts (chopped): Provides a satisfying crunch and earthy contrast to the sweetness of the dates.
- 1 tbsp rosemary (finely diced): Brings an aromatic herbal note that balances the richness of the cheese and bacon.
- 1 tbsp maple syrup: A natural sweetness that enhances the caramelized flavor of the bacon and nuts.
- 1 tbsp brown sugar: Adds depth and a gentle caramelized crunch when cooked with the bacon and walnuts.
- Zest of 1 orange: Gives a bright citrusy zing that lifts the entire dish.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Used to blend into the goat cheese for a silky smooth filling.
- Salt and pepper: To season the mix just right and enhance all the natural flavors.
How to Make Goats Cheese Stuffed Dates with Bacon, Walnuts, and Orange Zest Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dates
Start by preheating your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit), an ideal temperature to warm and meld the flavors together without drying out the dish. While it heats, carefully slice each date lengthwise and remove the seed. This creates the perfect little cradle for your luscious filling.
Step 2: Cook the Turkey Bacon and Nuts
Using a cold pan helps render the fat in the diced turkey bacon slowly, allowing it to become crispy without burning. After about three minutes of cooking over high heat, toss in the walnuts, two-thirds of the finely diced rosemary, maple syrup, and brown sugar. Cook everything together until it crisps up and caramelizes lightly, around five minutes. This mix is what lends a deep, crunchy, slightly sweet savoriness that contrasts beautifully with the tender dates.
Step 3: Create the Goat Cheese Mixture
In a food processor, blend the goat cheese with fresh orange zest, a splash of olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pulsing until smooth creates a creamy, flavorful filling that’s luxuriously tangy and bright, ready to marry with the rustic bacon and walnut topping.
Step 4: Stuff and Assemble
Fill each date cavity with about one teaspoon of the goat cheese mixture, ensuring it’s fully nestled inside for maximum flavor in every bite. Arrange the stuffed dates on a baking tray and generously top each with the crispy bacon and walnut mixture, packing on that delightful crunch and sweet-savory loveliness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for approximately 10 minutes until the dates are warmed through, the cheese filling softens slightly, and all the flavors have melded together beautifully. This gentle baking step elevates the textures and intensifies the aromas, making it nearly impossible to resist tasting right away!
How to Serve Goats Cheese Stuffed Dates with Bacon, Walnuts, and Orange Zest Recipe
Garnishes
For a gorgeous final touch, sprinkle the baked dates with the remaining finely chopped rosemary or a few extra chopped walnuts. A small drizzle of honey or a finishing grind of black pepper adds a subtle complexity that will impress your friends and family.
Side Dishes
These stuffed dates shine best as appetizers, but pairing them with a crisp green salad lightly dressed in lemon vinaigrette or alongside a cheese board with crusty bread makes for a wonderful spread. They also complement charcuterie and a fruity wine perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve them on a rustic wooden platter or arrange them on elegant spoons for a chic party offering. You can even thread them onto cocktail skewers with fresh herbs or small pieces of green apple for added freshness and color, perfect for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making the next day’s bites even more delightful. Just keep the bacon mixture separate if possible to maintain optimum crispness.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the stuffed dates before baking. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw fully in the fridge before baking as per the recipe directions.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a preheated oven at 160 degrees Celsius (320 degrees Fahrenheit) for about 7 minutes until warmed through. Avoid the microwave to keep the bacon crispy and the dates tender.
FAQs
Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
Absolutely! Regular bacon will add a richer, fattier flavor that works wonderfully as well, though turkey bacon offers a leaner alternative with less grease.
How do I choose the best dates for this recipe?
Look for large, plump Medjool dates as they’re soft, sweet, and perfect for stuffing. Avoid any that feel overly dry or hard as they won’t provide that juicy texture.
Is it okay to substitute walnuts with another nut?
Yes, pecans or almonds make great substitutes, providing a slightly different crunch and nutty flavor but still complementing the sweet and savory elements beautifully.
Can I prepare this dish vegan-friendly?
You could swap the goat cheese for a plant-based cheese and use a vegan bacon substitute. The orange zest and walnut mixture still add fantastic flavor, though the texture and taste will slightly differ.
What wine pairs well with Goats Cheese Stuffed Dates with Bacon, Walnuts, and Orange Zest Recipe?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir pairs beautifully, balancing the sweet and savory notes without overpowering them.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Goats Cheese Stuffed Dates with Bacon, Walnuts, and Orange Zest Recipe that makes any gathering feel special. The way the flavors and textures come together is simply unforgettable, and once you try them, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your entertaining arsenal forever. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this deliciously elevated snack—you won’t regret it!
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Goats Cheese Stuffed Dates with Bacon, Walnuts, and Orange Zest Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
These Goats Cheese Stuffed Dates are a delightful appetizer combining the sweetness of dates with the creamy tang of goat cheese and the savory crunch of turkey bacon and walnuts. Enhanced with fresh rosemary, orange zest, and a hint of maple syrup and brown sugar, these bites are baked to perfection for a warm, flavorful treat perfect for entertaining or as a sophisticated snack.
Ingredients
Dates
- 20 dates
Turkey Bacon Mixture
- 250 g turkey bacon, diced
- 40 g walnuts, chopped
- 1 tbsp rosemary, finely diced (divided)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
Goat Cheese Mixture
- 250 g goat cheese
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180 degrees C (350 degrees F) to prepare for baking the stuffed dates.
- Prepare Dates: Slice each date lengthwise and gently remove the seed to create space for the stuffing.
- Cook Turkey Bacon Mixture: In a cold pan, add diced turkey bacon and cook over high heat for about 3 minutes. Then add the chopped walnuts, two-thirds of the finely diced rosemary, maple syrup, and brown sugar. Continue cooking the mixture until it becomes crispy, approximately 5 minutes. This creates a sweet and savory topping.
- Make Goat Cheese Filling: In a food processor, blend goat cheese with orange zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. This mixture will be used to stuff the dates.
- Stuff Dates: Using a teaspoon, fill each pitted date with the goat cheese mixture. Arrange the stuffed dates on a baking tray evenly.
- Top and Bake: Spoon the cooked turkey bacon and walnut mixture over each stuffed date. Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes until the dates are warmed through and the cheese slightly softens.
Notes
- Use turkey bacon as a leaner alternative to traditional bacon, reducing fat content.
- To avoid over-sweetness, adjust maple syrup and brown sugar according to taste.
- Fresh rosemary adds a fragrant herbal note; finely dice it for even distribution.
- Serve these stuffed dates warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
- Can be prepared ahead by stuffing the dates and refrigerating, then baking just before serving.
