Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese and Maple Glaze Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese and Maple Glaze Recipe because it manages to be fancy enough for gatherings but simple enough for a weeknight snack. These little bites burst with flavor – sweet, salty, smoky, and tangy all rolled into one, making them an instant crowd-pleaser. When you try this recipe, you’ll find it’s perfect for everything from holiday parties to casual get-togethers, and honestly, even just a quiet night when you want a delicious treat.

What makes this Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese and Maple Glaze Recipe really special is how each element balances the other so elegantly. The creamy goat cheese cools down the warm sweetness of the dates, the bacon gives it that irresistible savory crunch, and then the maple glaze ties it all together with a subtle kick of rosemary and pepper. I discovered this combo a few years ago, and ever since, my family goes crazy for these little gems every time I make them.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients blend effortlessly, and each one is easy to find at your local grocery store or specialty market. To get the best texture, pick plump, soft Medjool dates and a fresh, creamy goat cheese.

• Medjool Dates: Going for large and soft dates makes stuffing easier and tastier.
• Goat Cheese: Fresh crumbled goat cheese imparts a creamy tang that pairs perfectly with sweet dates.
• Bacon: Thin sliced bacon wrapped around each date crisps up nicely without overpowering flavors.
• Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup lends natural sweetness and depth to the glaze.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adds just enough heat to balance the sweetness without overwhelming it.
• Fresh Rosemary: Finely chopped for an herbaceous touch that complements the glaze.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential to add a subtle spice that rounds everything out.

Variations

I love mixing things up depending on the occasion or what’s in my pantry, and you’ll find it’s easy to tweak this Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese and Maple Glaze Recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs.

• Stuffing Swap: Sometimes I use cream cheese or blue cheese instead of goat cheese for a different flavor profile, and it always turns out delicious.
• Alternative Meat: For a twist, try wrapping the dates with prosciutto instead of bacon for a leaner yet still savory bite.
• Herbs and Spice: I’ve played around with thyme instead of rosemary or added a pinch of smoked paprika to the glaze for a smoky flair.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon entirely and roast the stuffed dates with a drizzle of extra maple syrup and a sprinkle of toasted nuts for texture.

How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese and Maple Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Preheat for Crispy Goodness

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (about 200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. I highly recommend fitting the tray with a wire rack if you have one; it lets the bacon crisp evenly without sitting in its fat. This little step really lifts the texture, so don’t skip it if you want perfectly crispy bites.

Step 2: Stuff and Wrap with Love

Carefully halve each Medjool date lengthwise, but be sure not to slice all the way through – you want a little pocket for that creamy goat cheese. Use just a small spoonful or about a teaspoon of cheese to stuff each one. Wrap each date with half a slice of bacon, making sure the ends meet underneath to keep it secure during baking. I usually use toothpicks here if I feel the bacon wants to unravel, but often it sticks just fine on its own.

Step 3: Bake the Dates Until Bacon Starts Rendering

Place the wrapped dates seam side down on your prepared rack and into the oven. Bake them for about 15 minutes until you see the bacon fat starting to render out and the bacon is softening. This step is key because it helps the bacon start crisping up before you add the glaze.

Step 4: Brush on the Maple Glaze Magic

While your dates bake, whisk together the maple syrup, crushed red pepper flakes, chopped rosemary, and freshly ground black pepper. Brush this flavorful glaze onto each date. The heat from the oven will help the rosemary and pepper release their aromas, creating a beautiful finishing touch you’ll love.

Step 5: Final Bake for Crispy, Glazed Perfection

Pop those glazed dates back into the oven for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the bacon is irresistibly crispy and caramelized. Keep a close eye toward the end so they don’t burn – every oven bakes a little differently, and you want a perfect balance of smoky and sweet. When they’re done, let them cool just a bit before digging in.

How to Serve Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese and Maple Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a touch of chopped fresh parsley or rosemary over the hot dates to brighten up the rich flavors visually and taste-wise. A light dusting of flaky sea salt right before serving also adds a nice contrast to the sweet and creamy elements.

Side Dishes

These dates pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad, some marinated olives, or a cheese board full of complementary flavors. For parties, I usually set them alongside nuts and fruit preserves to keep the mix interesting and keep guests coming back for more.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, I like arranging the dates on a wooden board with sprigs of fresh herbs scattered around and serve them with toothpicks for easy grabbing. During holidays, placing them inside small festive ramekins or on elegant platters makes them extra special and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover bacon-wrapped dates can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually line the container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture and keep the bacon as crispy as possible.

Freezing

If you want to prep in advance, these freeze surprisingly well. Freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake from frozen, adding extra baking time to make sure the bacon crisps up properly.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the dates into a hot oven (around 375°F) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the bacon is crispy again. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that perfect crisp texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese and Maple Glaze Recipe has become one of my favorite go-to appetizers because it’s a delicious combination that almost everyone loves. I genuinely enjoy making them because they feel fancy without fuss, and the reward in every bite is incredible. If you haven’t tried it yet, I encourage you to give this recipe a whirl—you might just find it becoming your new favorite too!

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