Description
Whipped Goat Cheese with Warm Candied Bacon and Dates delivers creamy texture with a sweet-savory balance. It is perfect as a cracker topping or an elegant dip option.
Ingredients
- Goat cheese, 8 oz (225 g), softened
- Cream cheese, 4 oz (115 g) — optional
- Bacon, 4 slices, candied with maple or brown sugar
- Dates, pitted, 8–10
- Maple syrup or honey, 1–2 teaspoons
- Olive oil or butter, 1–2 teaspoons
- Fresh herbs (chives, parsley, or thyme), 1 pinch
- Bread slices, crostini, or crackers, for serving, as needed
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: balsamic glaze for drizzle, to taste
Instructions
- Whip the goat cheese (and cream cheese, if using) in a mixer or with a sturdy whisk until the mixture is pale, airy, and smooth, about 2–3 minutes on medium speed.
- Prepare the candied bacon on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with maple syrup and brown sugar, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes. Let cool to crisp.
- Warm the dates in a small skillet with olive oil or butter and a splash of water with maple syrup for 2–3 minutes until plump.
- Spread a generous dollop of the whipped goat cheese onto a serving dish. Nestle the warm dates alongside and crumble the bacon over the top.
- Drizzle a little maple glaze from the bacon pan over everything, then finish with salt, black pepper, and fresh herbs.
- Serve with crusty bread slices or crackers arranged neatly for a visually appealing presentation.
Notes
- This dish is great for parties and gatherings.
- Feel free to add additional herbs for flavor.
- Use balsamic glaze for added visual appeal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking and Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: Whipped Goat Cheese, Candied Bacon, Dates, Appetizer