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

★★★★★

4.5 from 559 reviews
  • Author: anna
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings (2 dates per serving) 1x

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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

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Find it online: https://recipiana.com/bacon-wrapped-dates-stuffed-with-goat-cheese-and-dark-chocolate-recipe/