Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese Recipe

Cook Time: 16 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings:

• 24 pitted dates
• 4 ounces honey-flavored goat cheese, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
• 8 slices bacon, cut into thirds crosswise
• 24 toothpicks
• 1/4 cup hot honey, or as needed

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400F (200C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Using a paring knife, make a lengthwise slit in each date, cutting through to the center.

Step 3: In a bowl, combine the goat cheese and minced rosemary until well mixed.

Step 4: Stuff each date with the goat cheese mixture, ensuring its evenly packed inside.

Step 5: Take a small piece of bacon and wrap it around each stuffed date, securing it with a toothpick to hold everything in place.

Step 6: Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.

Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, allowing the bacon to crisp up slightly.

Step 8: After 15 minutes, switch the oven to broil. Place the baking sheet 6 inches from the heat source and broil for 1-2 minutes, or until the bacon is browned and crispy.

Step 9: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the dates to a serving platter.

Step 10: Drizzle the dates with hot honey just before serving for an extra touch of sweetness and spice.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	186
Total Fat	7g (9% DV)
Saturated Fat	3g (17% DV)
Cholesterol	18mg (6% DV)
Sodium	260mg (11% DV)
Total Carbohydrate	26g (9% DV)
Dietary Fiber	2g (6% DV)
Total Sugars	23g
Protein	7g (14% DV)
Vitamin C	0mg (0% DV)
Calcium	31mg (2% DV)
Iron	1mg (4% DV)
Potassium	212mg (5% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

The Story Behind Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese

Bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese, often referred to as "Devils on Horseback," have a rich culinary history dating back to 19th century England. Originally, the term described dates or prunes wrapped in bacon, often served at festive gatherings and high-society dinners. The combination of sweet dried fruit and salty cured meat quickly became popular as an elegant appetizer. Over time, creative variations emerged, including the addition of creamy goat cheese, which adds a luxurious texture and tangy flavor, elevating the simple snack to gourmet status.

Regional Variations and Preferences

This appetizer enjoys global popularity but features slight regional twists. In Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, goat cheese and rosemary are common fillings, reflecting local ingredients and herb traditions. In Spain, similar recipes appear as part of tapas, often with a drizzle of hot honey or sherry reduction. In the United States, variations may include stuffing dates with blue cheese, almonds, or even spicy chorizo, showcasing the adaptability of this dish to local tastes while retaining its signature balance of sweet, salty, and savory.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

While "Bacon-Wrapped Dates" share similarities with "Prunes en Crote" or other bacon-wrapped fruit recipes, the addition of goat cheese sets it apart. Unlike prunes or other dried fruits that can be overly sweet, dates offer a richer, caramel-like flavor that complements the creaminess of the cheese. The rosemary infusion adds an aromatic complexity absent in simpler versions. Compared to cheese-stuffed figs or other small appetizers, these dates strike a unique balance between indulgence and bite-sized elegance.

Typical Serving Occasions

Bacon-wrapped dates with goat cheese are commonly served as appetizers at cocktail parties, holiday gatherings, or tapas-style dinners. Their small size makes them perfect finger foods, and the combination of flavors pairs well with sparkling wine, light reds, or craft beers. They are also frequently featured on buffet tables or as hors d'oeuvres at weddings and celebratory events, often garnished with fresh herbs or a drizzle of hot honey for a visually appealing presentation.

Interesting Facts

• The nickname "Devils on Horseback" is thought to refer to the spicy or bold flavor contrast created by wrapping sweet dates in salty bacon.
• Dates have been cultivated for thousands of years in the Middle East, making this dish a fusion of ancient fruit traditions with modern Western culinary creativity.
• In some gourmet variations, chefs add smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the bacon, creating subtle layers of smoky heat.
• Despite its simplicity, this appetizer consistently ranks as a crowd favorite due to the harmonious balance of flavors and textures.
• The combination of sweet, salty, and creamy elements in this recipe demonstrates a fundamental principle of flavor pairing in modern gastronomy.

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