If you’re looking for an appetizer that’s guaranteed to impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds, Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese are the answer. This crowd-pleasing dish combines the natural sweetness of Medjool dates with the creamy tang of goat cheese, all wrapped in savory, crispy bacon. When grilled to perfection, these bites deliver a burst of flavor in every mouthful. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making this simple yet sophisticated appetizer, from ingredients and preparation to serving suggestions and variations.

Why Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese Are So Popular

This dish is a classic for good reason. The combination of flavors and textures creates a perfect balance that satisfies a wide range of palates:

  1. Sweetness from the Dates: Medjool dates are naturally sweet and have a caramel-like flavor that pairs beautifully with salty and savory ingredients.
  2. Creaminess from the Goat Cheese: The goat cheese filling adds a rich, tangy element that cuts through the sweetness of the dates and complements the bacon.
  3. Savory Bacon: Bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor and a crispy texture that contrasts with the soft, chewy dates.
  4. Easy to Prepare: This appetizer looks and tastes impressive, but it’s incredibly easy to make, making it ideal for entertaining or even a simple snack.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these delicious bites, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:

  • Medjool Dates: These large, sweet dates are perfect for stuffing and grilling. Their natural sweetness balances the savory elements of the dish.
  • Goat Cheese: Softened goat cheese makes it easy to fill the dates and adds a creamy, tangy flavor.
  • Bacon: Use regular or thin-cut bacon for easy wrapping and quicker cooking. Thick-cut bacon may not crisp up as well.
  • Toothpicks: Soak the toothpicks in water for 15 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
  • Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: Adds a touch of spice and enhances the savory flavors.
  • Fresh Thyme Leaves: Used as a garnish, thyme adds a fresh, herbal note that complements the other ingredients.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Dates

If your dates aren’t already pitted, carefully slice each one lengthwise to remove the pit. Make a small pocket in each date for the goat cheese filling. Be gentle, as the dates can be delicate.

Step 2: Stuff the Dates

Using a small spoon or a piping bag, fill each date with a small amount of softened goat cheese. Be careful not to overfill, as the dates should still close around the cheese. The goat cheese should be creamy and easy to spread.

Step 3: Wrap with Bacon

Take a half slice of bacon and wrap it tightly around each stuffed date. Secure the bacon in place with a toothpick. Make sure the bacon overlaps slightly to ensure it stays in place while grilling.

Step 4: Grill the Dates

Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the bacon-wrapped dates on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the bacon is crispy and fully cooked. Turn the dates frequently to ensure even cooking and to prevent burning. If you don’t have a grill, you can also bake the dates in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy.

Step 5: Season and Garnish

Once the dates are grilled to perfection, remove them from the heat and let them cool slightly. Sprinkle with freshly cracked black pepper and garnish with fresh thyme leaves for an extra burst of flavor and a touch of color.

Tips for Making the Best Bacon-Wrapped Dates

  1. Choose the Right Bacon: Use regular or thin-cut bacon for best results. Thick-cut bacon takes longer to cook and may not crisp up properly.
  2. Don’t Overfill the Dates: A small amount of goat cheese is all you need. Overfilling can cause the cheese to ooze out too much while cooking.
  3. Soak the Toothpicks: Soaking the toothpicks in water for 15 minutes helps prevent them from burning on the grill. It’s a simple step that ensures the dates stay securely wrapped.
  4. Keep an Eye on the Grill: Bacon can go from perfectly crispy to burnt quickly, so monitor the grill closely and turn the dates frequently.

Variations to Try

While the classic combination of dates, goat cheese, and bacon is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to customize this dish to suit your taste:

  1. Stuff with Different Cheeses: If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, try stuffing the dates with cream cheese, blue cheese, or even Brie for a different flavor profile.
  2. Add Nuts: For an extra crunch, stuff a whole almond or pecan inside each date along with the goat cheese.
  3. Drizzle with Honey or Balsamic Glaze: A drizzle of honey or a balsamic reduction adds a touch of sweetness and complexity to the dish.
  4. Use Prosciutto Instead of Bacon: For a lighter option, wrap the dates in prosciutto. The cooking time will be shorter, as prosciutto crisps up quickly.

Serving Suggestions

Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:

  • As an Appetizer: Arrange the dates on a serving platter and garnish with extra thyme or chopped fresh herbs. They’re perfect for cocktail parties, holiday gatherings, or any special occasion.
  • With a Charcuterie Board: Add these savory-sweet bites to a charcuterie board alongside cured meats, cheeses, fresh fruits, and nuts for an impressive spread.
  • As a Snack: Enjoy them on their own as a delicious, satisfying snack. They pair wonderfully with a glass of wine or a cold beer.

Pairing Suggestions

The rich and complex flavors of these bacon-wrapped dates pair well with a variety of drinks:

  • Wine: A crisp, slightly sweet white wine, such as Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc, balances the richness of the bacon and goat cheese. If you prefer red wine, try a light-bodied Pinot Noir.
  • Beer: A hoppy IPA or a malty brown ale complements the smoky bacon and sweet dates beautifully.
  • Cocktails: A classic Old Fashioned or a smoky Mezcal cocktail pairs wonderfully with the savory-sweet flavors of this appetizer.

Why These Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Dates Are a Must-Try

This dish is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. The combination of sweet, savory, creamy, and crispy elements makes each bite a flavor explosion. Plus, these bites are incredibly easy to make and require minimal prep, making them ideal for entertaining or satisfying a craving for something indulgent.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, bringing an appetizer to a potluck, or just treating yourself to a gourmet snack, Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese are sure to impress. Give this recipe a try and watch as these delicious bites disappear from the platter in no time. Enjoy!