Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Dark Chocolate Recipe

Introduction

These bacon-wrapped dark chocolate and goat cheese stuffed dates make a perfect sweet and savory appetizer. The combination of creamy goat cheese, rich dark chocolate, and crispy bacon creates an irresistible bite that’s sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 1-2 ounces goat cheese
• 1-2 squares 72% dark chocolate, chopped into pieces (optional)
• 1 (12 ounce) package bacon
• 20-24 pitted dates
• 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup (for the glaze)
• Cayenne pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring it has edges to contain the bacon grease.
2. Step 2: Split each date in half carefully without breaking it apart fully. Confirm the pit is completely removed.
3. Step 3: Place a small piece of dark chocolate inside each opened date, then spread a small amount of goat cheese into the date. Press the date closed gently and repeat for all dates.
4. Step 4: Cut bacon strips in half. Wrap each stuffed date with half a strip of bacon, securing the bacon seam underneath.
5. Step 5: Arrange all bacon-wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet with the seam side down.
6. Step 6: Brush each date lightly with maple syrup and sprinkle cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level. Insert a toothpick into each date to hold it together.
7. Step 7: Bake for 10 minutes, then turn each date on its side so the toothpick is parallel to the baking sheet. Bake for another 10 minutes.
8. Step 8: Flip the dates to the other side and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the bacon is golden and crispy. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder spice, use a small pinch of cayenne or omit it entirely. For extra heat, sprinkle more generously.
• If you prefer, substitute goat cheese with cream cheese or blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Use medjool dates for larger, meatier bites that hold the filling well.
• Adding a few chopped nuts like almonds or pecans inside the dates can add a nice crunch.

Storage

Store leftover bacon-wrapped dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the dates and wrap them in bacon up to a day ahead. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving to ensure crisp bacon.

What if I don’t have dark chocolate?

The chocolate is optional, so you can omit it if unavailable or not preferred. The combination of goat cheese and bacon still offers a delicious flavor balance.

Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Dark Chocolate Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 559 reviews

• Author: anna
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings (2 dates per serving) 1x

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Description

These Bacon Wrapped Dark Chocolate and Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates are a savory-sweet appetizer perfect for any gathering. Sweet dates are filled with creamy goat cheese and optional rich dark chocolate, then wrapped in smoky bacon and glazed with maple syrup and a hint of cayenne pepper for a subtle spicy kick. Baked until the bacon is crispy and golden, these bite-sized treats offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures sure to impress your guests.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Stuffed Dates

• 20–24 pitted dates
• 1–2 ounces goat cheese
• 1–2 squares 72% dark chocolate, chopped into pieces (optional)

Bacon Wrapping

• 1 (12 ounce) package bacon

Glaze and Seasoning

• 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup
• Cayenne pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring it has raised edges to catch the bacon grease during cooking.
2. Prepare Dates: Split each pitted date in half lengthwise without completely separating them. Ensure any remaining pits are fully removed and discarded.
3. Stuff Dates: Place a small piece of chopped dark chocolate inside each opened date (if using). Add a small amount of goat cheese into the date, then press the date halves together to close around the filling. Repeat for all dates.
4. Prepare Bacon: Cut each bacon strip in half. Wrap each stuffed date with half a slice of bacon, securing the bacon seam side down to ensure it stays wrapped during baking.
5. Arrange and Glaze: Place all bacon-wrapped dates seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each with maple syrup, then sprinkle with cayenne pepper according to your spice preference. Insert a toothpick into each date to hold everything together.
6. Bake: Bake the dates for 10 minutes. Turn each date on its side so that the toothpick is parallel to the baking sheet and bake for another 10 minutes. Flip the dates to the other side and bake for a final 10 minutes or until the bacon is golden brown and slightly crispy.
7. Cool and Serve: Transfer the cooked dates to a plate to cool slightly. Serve immediately while warm. This recipe makes about 10 servings, with 2 bacon-wrapped dates per serving.

Notes

• For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
• You can omit the dark chocolate if you prefer a purely savory version.
• Use thick-cut bacon for a meatier bite, but adjust baking time accordingly as thicker bacon takes longer to cook.
• These can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving for convenience.
• Make sure to use pitted dates to avoid any unexpected pits in the filling.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: bacon wrapped dates, stuffed dates appetizer, goat cheese appetizer, dark chocolate bacon bites, maple syrup glaze, spicy bacon dates