Blackberry Balsamic Bacon Wrapped Dates
Bacon Wrapped Dates with Blackberry Balsamic
Description
Sweet Medjool dates are filled with creamy goat cheese or blue cheese, wrapped in smoky bacon, baked until crisp, and finished with Blackberry Dark Balsamic. These sweet-savory appetizer bites are simple, elegant, and perfect for entertaining.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20–24 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Serves: 18 appetizer bites
Ingredients
18 Medjool dates, pitted
9 slices thin-cut bacon, cut in half crosswise
3 ounces goat cheese or blue cheese, softened, optional
¼ cup Blackberry Dark Balsamic, divided
¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Optional: flaky sea salt
Toothpicks for securing
Instructions
• Preheat oven to 400°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Cut a small slit in each date and remove the pit if needed.
• If using cheese, fill each date with about 1 teaspoon softened goat cheese or blue cheese, then gently press the date closed.
• Wrap each date with half a slice of thin-cut bacon and secure with a toothpick.
• Arrange the wrapped dates seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
• Bake for 10–12 minutes, then carefully turn each date using the toothpick.
• Continue baking for 8–12 minutes more, until the bacon is browned, crisp, and fully cooked.
• Transfer the dates to a serving platter and let cool for 2–3 minutes.
• Drizzle the warm dates with 2 tablespoons Blackberry Dark Balsamic.
• Finish with freshly cracked black pepper and a small pinch of flaky sea salt if desired.
• Serve warm with the remaining 2 tablespoons Blackberry Dark Balsamic available for guests who would like an additional light drizzle.
Chef’s Tip
Use thin-cut bacon and avoid overlapping it heavily around the dates. A single snug layer gives the bacon a better chance to render and crisp while the dates stay tender and the cheese remains creamy. Turn the dates partway through baking so the bacon browns more evenly.
Flavor Variations
• Fig: Replace Blackberry Dark Balsamic with Fig Dark Balsamic for a deeper, richer sweet-savory finish.
• Pomegranate: Replace Blackberry Dark Balsamic with Pomegranate Dark Balsamic for a brighter, tangier contrast.
• Espresso: Replace Blackberry Dark Balsamic with Espresso Dark Balsamic for darker roasted depth against the bacon and dates.
• Cheese: Try goat cheese, blue cheese, smoked gouda, or another flavorful cheese that can stand up to the sweet dates and smoky bacon.
• Nut-Stuffed: Skip the cheese and tuck a toasted walnut or pecan half inside each date before wrapping with bacon.
Pairings
Serve with aged or creamy cheeses, roasted nuts, fresh pears or apples, olives, crackers, and other small bites for an easy appetizer spread. These sweet-savory dates also pair well with sparkling wine, Pinot Noir, Syrah, or a citrus-forward sparkling water.
Build Your Appetizer
Turn these bacon wrapped dates into an appetizer spread
Start with the warm bacon wrapped dates, add cheeses, fruit, nuts, and other simple accompaniments, then carry the Blackberry Dark Balsamic through the finished platter.
Finished Appetizer
Bacon Wrapped Dates with Blackberry Dark Balsamic, creamy cheese, roasted nuts, fresh pear, and olives
Main Ingredient
Medjool dates wrapped in crisp bacon, with optional goat cheese or blue cheese filling
Accompaniments
Goat cheese, blue cheese or aged cheese, roasted walnuts or pecans, fresh pears or apples, olives, and crackers
Flavor Pairing
Blackberry Dark Balsamic with sweet dates, smoky bacon, and creamy or tangy cheese
Recipe Notes
These are best served warm shortly after baking. To prepare ahead, stuff and wrap the dates, cover and refrigerate them, then bake just before serving.
Use thin-cut bacon rather than thick-cut bacon so it can render and crisp in the time it takes the dates to heat through.
Drizzle the Blackberry Dark Balsamic over the dates only after baking. Keeping the balsamic out of the oven preserves its bright blackberry character and gives the finished appetizer a glossy sweet-tart contrast to the smoky bacon.
