If you’re looking for an appetizer that’s equal parts sweet, salty, creamy, and crispy, let me introduce you to this Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Drizzled with Maple Syrup Recipe. It’s one of those game-changing bites that your guests will rave about—and trust me, once you try it, you’ll want it at every party. I absolutely love how the smoky bacon wraps around the soft, luscious date stuffed with tangy goat cheese, finishing off with a sweet maple syrup drizzle. It’s pure magic and surprisingly easy to pull off!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Flavor Balance: The salty bacon, sweet dates, tangy goat cheese, and maple syrup create a harmony of flavors that’ll delight your taste buds.
- Simple to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have these appetizers ready in under 40 minutes.
- Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for these—they’re always the first to disappear at any gathering.
- Versatile and Fancy: Whether it’s a casual get-together or a special occasion, these bites fit right in and look gorgeous on the platter.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Drizzled with Maple Syrup Recipe plays a starring role. When you pick fresh Medjool dates and creamy goat cheese, you’ll see how these flavors marry beautifully. Plus, grabbing thin-sliced bacon makes the cooking process way easier and gives you that perfect crispiness.
- Medjool Dates: Soft and naturally sweet, these dates are perfect for stuffing and wrap beautifully with bacon.
- Goat Cheese: Creamy and tangy, goat cheese adds a lovely contrast to the sweetness of dates and maple syrup.
- Bacon (thin slices): Thin bacon crisps nicely without overcooking the dates; avoid thick-cut to keep cooking times reasonable.
- Maple Syrup: A drizzle of pure maple syrup adds sweet, caramel notes that complement the salty bacon perfectly.
- Cooking Spray: Helps keep your baking sheet clean and prevents sticking, making cleanup easier.
- Chopped Parsley: Adds a fresh pop of color and brightness once the bites come out of the oven.
Variations
I love encouraging folks to make this Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Drizzled with Maple Syrup Recipe their own! Over time, I’ve tried swapping out a few things based on what I had on hand, and it never disappoints. Don’t hesitate to experiment.
- Add Nuts: I sometimes stuff the dates with a toasted pecan or almond along with the goat cheese for extra crunch and nuttiness.
- Swap Cheese: Feta or cream cheese makes a great alternative if you want a milder or different creamy flavor.
- Use Honey Instead: If you don’t have maple syrup, a drizzle of honey works beautifully and adds a slightly different sweetness.
- Spice It Up: Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika on the bacon before baking to add a little kick.
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Drizzled with Maple Syrup Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Dates and Goat Cheese
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and spraying a sheet pan with cooking spray to keep things from sticking. Then, carefully pit the dates if they aren’t already pitted (Medjool dates are usually soft and easy to slice open). Use a small spoon or even a piping bag fitted with a plain tip to stuff each date with about 1 teaspoon of softened goat cheese. I find that using a piping bag makes it cleaner and quicker—less mess on your fingers, which is always a win!
Step 2: Wrap Them in Bacon
Once stuffed, gently press the date closed to keep the goat cheese inside. Then take a slice of thin-cut bacon (cut in half if the slices are long) and wrap it snugly around each date. Secure your handiwork with a toothpick to make sure the bacon stays put while baking. This step can feel a bit fiddly at first, but don’t rush it—getting a tight wrap will help the bacon crisp evenly. I remember the first time I didn’t secure them, and half the bacon unraveled in the oven—lesson learned!
Step 3: Maple Syrup Magic and Bake
Brush each bacon-wrapped date generously with maple syrup—you’re building layers of flavor here, so don’t skimp on that sticky sweetness. Then pop them in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, turning occasionally to brown the bacon evenly on all sides. Keep an eye on them as oven temps can vary; you want the bacon crispy but not burnt. The aroma at this point is guaranteed to make your mouth water! When done, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color.
Pro Tips for Making Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Drizzled with Maple Syrup Recipe
- Softening the Goat Cheese: Leave the goat cheese out at room temperature for at least 30 minutes for easier stuffing and smoother texture.
- Choosing the Right Bacon: Thin-cut bacon crisps quickly and evenly, preventing overcooked dates—a total game-changer from my earlier thick-cut attempts.
- Turn During Baking: Gently turn the dates halfway through baking to ensure bacon crisps uniformly on all sides.
- Don’t Skip Securing Each Date: Using a toothpick really keeps the bacon from unwrapping and keeps your presentation neat.
How to Serve Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Drizzled with Maple Syrup Recipe
Garnishes
I love to finish these bites with a sprinkle of fresh parsley—it adds such a nice visual contrast and a touch of brightness against the richness. Sometimes I’ll also add a pinch of flaky sea salt for a little pop that elevates the whole dish. If I’m feeling fancy, a few finely chopped toasted nuts scattered on top bring in a wonderful crunch.
Side Dishes
These bacon-wrapped dates shine as appetizers but can also be part of a larger spread. I often serve them with a crisp, peppery arugula salad or alongside charcuterie boards filled with cheeses, olives, and crusty bread. They’re also great paired with a glass of crisp white wine or bubbly, which balances the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like to skew three or four dates on decorative cocktail picks—this makes for easy sharing and a beautiful presentation. Placing them on a bed of fresh herbs like rosemary sprigs elevates the look. I’ve even served them in small individual appetizer cups with a drizzle of extra maple syrup on top for a touch of elegance and less mess.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually line the container with parchment paper to keep the bacon from getting soggy as it cools. The goat cheese and dates hold their texture well overnight, so you won’t lose that deliciousness.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these a few times successfully: just wrap each date individually in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze well for up to a month. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time so the bacon crisps properly.
Reheating
For reheating, I like popping these in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to re-crisp the bacon and warm the filling without drying it out. Microwaving usually leaves the bacon rubbery, so the oven method is best to bring them back to life.
FAQs
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Can I use cream cheese instead of goat cheese?
Absolutely! Cream cheese offers a milder, smoother flavor that still pairs wonderfully with the sweet dates and salty bacon. It’s a great substitute if you or your guests prefer something less tangy.
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Should I soak the bacon before wrapping?
No need to soak the bacon. Using thin-sliced bacon that crisps up quickly is key. Just wrap it tightly around the stuffed dates, secure with a toothpick, and bake for 15–20 minutes. Soaking would make them soggy and harder to crisp.
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Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
You can assemble the stuffed and bacon-wrapped dates a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated, but wait to brush on the maple syrup and bake just before serving. This helps keep the bacon crispy and the dates fresh.
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What type of dates works best?
Medjool dates are the best because they’re large, tender, and naturally sweet—ideal for stuffing. Other dates tend to be smaller and less soft, making stuffing difficult.
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Is maple syrup necessary?
Maple syrup adds a lovely caramelized sweetness that complements the salty bacon perfectly. However, if you don’t have any, honey or even a sprinkle of brown sugar on top before baking can work as an alternative.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Drizzled with Maple Syrup Recipe holds a special place in my heart—and on my appetizer menu. It’s one of those dishes I swear by for impressing guests with minimal fuss. The rich, gooey, crispy, and sweet flavor combo truly turns casual get-togethers into memorable celebrations. I so recommend you give it a try at home—you’ll have everyone asking for the recipe, just like my family and friends do!
Print
Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Drizzled with Maple Syrup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20 pieces
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Bacon Wrapped Dates are a deliciously sweet and savory appetizer perfect for any gathering. Medjool dates are stuffed with creamy goat cheese, wrapped in crispy bacon, and glazed with maple syrup for a perfect balance of flavors. Easy to prepare and quick to bake, they make an elegant finger food that impresses without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Dates and Cheese
- 20 Medjool dates, pits removed
- 6 ounces goat cheese, softened
Bacon and Glaze
- 10 slices bacon, cut in half
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- Cooking spray
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and lightly coat a sheet pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Stuff Dates: Using a small spoon or a piping bag, fill each date with about 1 teaspoon of softened goat cheese. Press the dates gently to close them.
- Wrap with Bacon: Wrap each stuffed date with a half slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick to keep the bacon in place during baking.
- Glaze: Brush the maple syrup all over the bacon-wrapped dates to add a sweet glaze that caramelizes in the oven.
- Bake: Place the dates on the prepared sheet pan and bake for 15-20 minutes. Turn them occasionally to ensure the bacon crisps evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the bacon is browned and crispy, sprinkle the wrapped dates with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can use a small spoon or a piping bag fitted with a plain tip to fill the dates with goat cheese.
- Avoid thick-cut bacon, as it will take longer to cook and may not crisp as well.
- Serve with toothpicks intact for easy eating or remove them for a more elegant presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bacon wrapped date
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
