Inspired by a favorite holiday appetizer, this goat cheese log with bacon date jam provides the same satisfaction as bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese but is so much easier. It comes together in just 20-minutes and is naturally gluten-free.
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Every December I get to indulge in bacon-wrapped goat cheese stuffed dates. And let me tell you, I look forward to it all year!!
The combination of goat cheese, bacon, and dates has got to be one of the most delectable combos in the entire existence of food. Mad props to whoever first discovered the deliciousness of this trio and decided to share it with the world.
As much as I love stuffed dates, I don’t like love the prep. Although totally worth it, it’s a bit time-consuming and monotonous. Ok, it’s not too bad, BUT….
Around the holidays, when I have a million and one other things to get done and there are nowhere near enough hours in the day shortcuts are more than welcome.
And this recipe is just that; a shortcut. This goat cheese log has the same spectacular flavor profile that you know and love but cuts the prep time in half.
This dish not only comes together quickly but easily too. Just cook up the bacon, sauté the dates in the bacon grease, blend it all up with some water, and layer it on the goat cheese log. SOOOO simple!!
In just 20-minutes you can be chowing down on this goat cheese log smothered in salty-sweet caramel-y bacon date jam. The creamy texture makes it the perfect topping for crunchy crackers or even celery sticks for those of you who are avoiding gluten.
It’s a fabulous appetizer to bring along to a Christmas or New Year’s party (or even Thanksgiving) since it can be prepped ahead of time and can be served either cold or at room temp.
Ingredients (+ notes & substitutions)
- Bacon: Typically I would recommend thick-cut bacon, but for this recipe standard cut bacon is what you want. As far as flavor goes, hickory-smoked is your best bet.
- Fresh Medjool dates: Since you’re checking out this recipe I assume you’re familiar with dates. What you might not know is that they are a fresh fruit that grow on trees belonging to the palm family. There are over 1,000 varieties of dates, but for this recipe, you’ll need Medjool dates. They typically come pre-packaged and can be found in most grocery stores in the produce section.
- Goat cheese log: You don’t have to, but I prefer to soften the goat cheese to room temp that way it’s nice and creamy and it doesn’t cool down the warm bacon date jam.
- Water
How to make this goat cheese log with bacon date jam ( + tips)
Begin by heating a medium-sized skillet over medium heat.
Once hot add the bacon and fry, stirring occasionally, for five to ten minutes until the bacon is nice and crispy.
Pour out the bacon grease into a small bowl while leaving the bacon in the skillet. Add the chopped dates, two teaspoons of the reserved bacon grease, and two tablespoons of hot water. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until the dates are nice and soft.
Transfer the mixture to a food processor, add three tablespoons of hot water, and pulse until the consistency is smooth and jam-like.
Place the goat cheese log on a platter, top with the warm bacon date jam and serve or refrigerate for later. Bring to room temp to serve or serve cold.
Storage
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to one week.
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More appetizers recipes featuring goat cheese:
- Whipped Goat Cheese Crostini with Proscuitto & Cranberry Sauce: Topped with prosciutto and cranberry sauce, these whipped goat cheese crostini are the perfect festive appetizer to serve this Thanksgiving or Christmas. With only a handful of ingredients, they are easily prepared in just 20 minutes.
- Goat Cheese Spinach Artichoke Dip with Leeks: This easy one-skillet goat cheese spinach artichoke dip with leeks is made with fresh ingredients, four kinds of cheese including cream cheese, goat cheese, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella, and takes only 20-minutes. Naturally gluten-free.
- Prosciutto Wrapped Goat Cheese Stuffed Peppadews: Goat cheese stuffed peppadews wrapped in prosciutto are a great holiday appetizer that can be prepped ahead. They come together in just 15-minutes, are simple to prepare with just three ingredients, and are gluten-free.
If you make this goat cheese log with bacon date jam I’d love your feedback. Please leave a comment and/or a rating below as I greatly value your opinion. Or snap a pic and tag me on Instagram @taoofspiceblog. Love, light, and happy cooking ya’ll ♥
Goat Cheese Log w/ Bacon Date Jam
Inspired by a favorite holiday appetizer, this goat cheese log with bacon date jam provides the same satisfaction as bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese but is so much easier. And did I mention it comes together in just 20-minutes and is naturally gluten-free?
Ingredients
- 1-10.5 ounce goat cheese log, room temperature
- 3 slices of bacon, sliced lengthwise then vertically every 1/2 inch
- 6 fresh medjool dates, pitted and roughly chopped
- 5 tablespoons hot water
Instructions
- Heat a medium-sized skillet over medium heat.
- Once hot add the bacon and fry, stirring occasionally as needed, for about 5-10 minutes until the bacon is nice and crispy.
- Pour out the bacon grease into a small bowl while leaving the bacon in the skillet. Add the chopped dates, two teaspoons of the reserved bacon grease, and two tablespoons of hot water
- Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until, until the dates are nice and soft.
- Transfer the mixture to a food processor, add three tablespoons of hot water, and pulse until the consistency is smooth and jam-like.
- Place goat cheese log on a platter, top with the warm bacon date jam, and serve or refrigerate for later. Serve warm or cold.
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to one week.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 142Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 208mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 1gSugar: 10gProtein: 7g