Whipped Goat Cheese with Warm Candied Bacon and Dates
Whipped Goat Cheese with Warm Candied Bacon and Dates is a show-stopping appetizer that marries creamy, tangy goat cheese with the sweet crunch of candied bacon and chewy dates. This simple yet elegant dish is perfect for gatherings or intimate dinners, offering an explosion of flavors that will leave your guests asking for seconds. With just a handful of ingredients and easy preparation steps, you can impress everyone in no time!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz fresh goat cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 8 pitted Medjool dates, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the bacon slices on the baking sheet and evenly sprinkle brown sugar over them.
- Bake for about 20 minutes or until crispy, monitoring closely to avoid burning.
- In a mixing bowl, combine goat cheese and heavy cream; whisk until smooth and fluffy.
- Once the bacon cools slightly, chop it into pieces and gently fold it into the whipped goat cheese along with the chopped dates.
- Serve on a platter garnished with fresh thyme leaves and drizzle any leftover bacon grease over the top for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (approximately 120g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: For a twist, substitute prosciutto for bacon or incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary. A balsamic reduction drizzle can enhance the flavor profile beautifully.