If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s bursting with flavor, this Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese and Maple Glaze Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to. I absolutely love how the sweet, salty, and savory elements come together in this bite-sized delight — every single time I make it, my family goes crazy for the combo of creamy goat cheese, smoky bacon, and that hint of maple glaze with a touch of heat. It’s the perfect fancy-but-easy dish to bring to parties or cozy weekend gatherings.
What makes this Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese and Maple Glaze Recipe so worth trying is how effortlessly it turns pantry staples into something pretty spectacular. You’ll find that it’s surprisingly simple to prepare, yet the flavors feel incredibly sophisticated. When you serve these up, get ready for compliments — trust me, these sticky, crispy, cheesy bites are a total crowd-pleaser and an amazing conversation starter!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Sweet and Savory Balance: The combination of dates, goat cheese, and bacon hits all the right flavor notes without feeling overwhelming.
- Simple Prep, Big Impact: You only need a few ingredients, but the end result looks and tastes gourmet.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a party or making an elegant snack at home, these bites fit the bill.
- Customizable Heat Level: The crushed red pepper flakes make it easy to adjust the spice to your liking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You probably know a few of these ingredients already, but what I love here is how well they play together — sweet, smoky, creamy, and just a hint of spice. When shopping, picking out plump Medjool dates and good-quality bacon really makes a difference in the final taste.
- Medjool dates: Choose large, soft, and plump ones for the best texture and sweetness.
- Goat cheese: A creamy, tangy cheese adds richness and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Bacon slices: Thinner slices work best so they crisp up nicely without overpowering the date.
- Maple syrup: Provides a natural sweetness and helps create that glossy glaze.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Adds just the right hint of heat that you can easily increase or reduce.
- Fresh rosemary: Fresh is key here — it brings a lovely herbal depth that complements the other flavors.
- Freshly ground black pepper: For a subtle spiciness that ties it all together.
Variations
I like to keep things classic, but sometimes I experiment with different fillings or toppings depending on the mood or guest preferences. Feel free to personalize this Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese and Maple Glaze Recipe to make it truly yours.
- Cheese Swap: I once tried cream cheese instead of goat cheese for a milder taste, and it still turned out delicious — just a bit creamier!
- Nuts Inside: Adding a toasted almond or pecan inside the date before wrapping it ups the crunch factor, which some guests absolutely adore.
- Spice Variations: If you like smoky heat, try smoked paprika instead of crushed red pepper flakes for a different kick.
- Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based bacon alternatives for a vegan-friendly take without losing that savory bite.
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese and Maple Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dates
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (about 200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper, then place a wire rack on top to allow air to circulate around the dates for even crisping. When halving the dates, be gentle — you want to create a pocket without slicing all the way through so the goat cheese stays nestled inside perfectly.
Step 2: Fill and Wrap the Dates
Next, spoon a small amount of crumbled goat cheese into each halved date — I like to keep it on the smaller side to avoid overpowering the delicate dates. Then, wrap each date with half a slice of bacon, making sure the ends meet underneath to keep everything snug during baking. The bacon acts like a little jacket, crisping up beautifully and locking in all that delicious filling.
Step 3: Bake Until Bacon Fat Renders
Place your wrapped dates on the wire rack, seam side down, so they don’t unravel while cooking. Bake for about 15 minutes until you see the bacon fat starting to melt and sizzle — this is when the magic begins. Keep an eye on things so the bacon doesn’t burn, but you do want some fat rendered out for that perfect crisp.
Step 4: Brush with Maple Glaze
While the dates are baking, whisk together your maple syrup, crushed red pepper flakes, finely chopped rosemary, and black pepper in a small bowl. When the initial bake is done, brush each date generously with this vibrant glaze — this mouthwatering layer adds sweetness, spice, and fragrant herbaceous notes that make these dates unforgettable.
Step 5: Final Bake for Crispy Perfection
Return the glazed dates to the oven and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the bacon is perfectly crispy and caramelized. This last step is key — it melts the glaze into the bacon and cheese, creating that irresistibly sticky, crunchy bite. Once done, let the dates cool for a few minutes before serving so the glaze sets nicely.
Pro Tips for Making Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese and Maple Glaze Recipe
- Choose Pitted Medjool Dates: I learned that reducing prep time by buying pitted dates makes assembly faster, but if you buy whole, just carefully pit them without breaking the date apart.
- Use a Wire Rack: Baking on a rack is a game changer — it helps the bacon crisp evenly instead of sitting in grease.
- Apply Maple Glaze Midway: Brushing the glaze halfway through baking ensures it caramelizes properly without burning, giving you that perfect glossy finish.
- Avoid Overstuffing: Too much goat cheese can ooze out and make wrapping tricky, so stick to about a teaspoon or less per date for easy handling.
How to Serve Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese and Maple Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
I like to finish these with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh rosemary or a pinch of flaky sea salt right after they come out of the oven. It adds a fresh herbal aroma and a little crunch that makes every bite feel extra special. Sometimes I’ll add a touch of cracked black pepper on top to amp up the flavor even more.
Side Dishes
This recipe is fantastic as an appetizer on its own, but I often serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to balance out the richness. It also pairs wonderfully with sparkling wine or a light white wine, making a great combo for celebrations or weekend get-togethers.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I love arranging these on a rustic wooden board with edible flowers or fresh herbs scattered around for a beautiful, inviting display. If you want to get fancy, try skewering them with toothpicks for easy grab-and-go snacks. Serving them warm with a small side bowl of extra maple glaze for dipping always gets rave reviews!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When properly cooled, these bites hold their shape well and keep their flavors intact — just cover them tightly to avoid the bacon losing its crisp.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, these also freeze pretty well after baking completely and cooling. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat to enjoy almost like fresh!
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, I find reheating in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes works best to crisp the bacon again without drying out the dates. Skip the microwave if you want to keep that wonderful crispy texture!
FAQs
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Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! To make this Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese and Maple Glaze Recipe vegetarian or vegan, use a plant-based bacon substitute and swap the goat cheese for a vegan cheese option or creamy nut-based spread. Keep the maple glaze as is for that sweet and spicy vibe.
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What type of dates work best?
I recommend using large Medjool dates because they’re softer, bigger, and sweeter, making them easier to stuff and wrap. They also provide a nice texture contrast with the bacon and goat cheese.
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How spicy is this recipe?
The crushed red pepper flakes add just a gentle kick to offset the sweetness. If you prefer more or less heat, simply adjust the amount to suit your taste — it’s very flexible!
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Can I prepare these ahead of time before baking?
Yes! You can assemble the bacon-wrapped dates a few hours in advance and refrigerate them on the baking tray, covered tightly in plastic wrap. Just take them out of the fridge about 10-15 minutes before baking so they come closer to room temperature for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese and Maple Glaze Recipe really feels like a little party on your palate — sweet, smoky, creamy, and just a bit spicy all in one bite. I keep coming back to it because it’s both simple and impressive, perfect for when you want to wow your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Honestly, I can’t wait for you to try it—it’s one of those recipes that once you master, you’ll find yourself making it again and again!
Print
Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese and Maple Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 55 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
- Yield: 24 pieces (2 dozen)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with creamy goat cheese and brushed with a flavorful maple syrup glaze infused with red pepper flakes, rosemary, and black pepper. This appetizer combines sweet, savory, and spicy elements perfect for entertaining or a tasty snack.
Ingredients
Dates and Filling
- 24 large Medjool dates, pitted
- 4 oz. crumbled goat cheese
Bacon and Glaze
- 12 slices bacon, halved
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 3/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp. finely chopped rosemary
- 3/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top; set aside. This setup allows the bacon to crisp evenly.
- Prepare Dates: Carefully halve each date lengthwise without cutting all the way through to create a pocket. Spoon a small amount of crumbled goat cheese into the center of each date to fill.
- Wrap with Bacon: Wrap each stuffed date with a halved slice of bacon, ensuring the bacon ends meet and secure underneath the date. This holds the bacon in place during cooking.
- Initial Baking: Place the bacon-wrapped dates seam side down on the wire rack-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 15 minutes until the bacon fat begins to render and the bacon starts to release its grease.
- Prepare Glaze: While the dates are baking, in a small bowl combine maple syrup, crushed red pepper flakes, chopped rosemary, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to incorporate flavors.
- Glaze and Continue Baking: Remove the dates from oven and brush each with the maple syrup glaze generously. Return them to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized.
Notes
- Use Medjool dates for their large size and natural sweetness, ideal for stuffing.
- To prevent bacon from unwrapping, you can secure with a toothpick if desired.
- If you prefer a milder spice, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Allow dates to cool slightly before serving to let the glaze set and bacon crisp fully.
- Serve warm as an elegant appetizer or cocktail party bite.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 dates (approx. 50g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
