A Decadent Combination of Salty Crispy Bacon, Luxurious Medjool Dates and Creamy Goat’s Cheese
These irresistible Brandy Soaked Dates in Bacon are the perfect appetiser to make for any dinner party or gathering during the festive season. Filled with creamy goat’s cheese and served alongside the leftover brandy, these little bites of pleasure will certainly keep your guests brimming with joy.
How to Make Brandy Soaked Dates in Bacon
Preparing bacon-wrapped dates can be a fun process, whether doing it alone or with friends. With an element of art and craft, they can be assembled immediately or preferably in advance and refrigerated until ready to roast in the oven. Keep reading below for simple instructions on how to get started.
Start by Soaking Dates in Brandy
Try to find large, juicy, soft Medjool dates — they will soak in the brandy nicely and be easier to fill with cheese. Place the dates in a bowl, cover with brandy, and leave to soak for 2–24 hours, depending on how boozy you want them to taste.
Choose the Serving Size
As medjool dates can be very large and plump, combining a whole one with brandy, goat’s cheese and bacon can be a little intense. Try cutting them in half for a smaller more balanced bite.
Fill the Dates with Cheese
Creamy goat’s cheese pairs perfectly with dates and bacon, creating an intense flavour explosion. If you’re not a fan of goat’s cheese, try substituting it with regular cream cheese. Simply pipe or spoon the cheese into the centre of a whole or half date and smooth it down.
Start Wrapping the Dates in Bacon
Streaky bacon works best for this recipe as it’s flexible and easy to work with and has marbled fat through the meat, making it perfect for basting the dates whilst cooking. Wrap the bacon around the date, then transfer to an oven tray and roast for approximately 15 – 20 minutes.
How to Serve Brandy Soaked Dates in Bacon
The best way to eat these little morsels is served alongside a small glass or shot of leftover brandy used for soaking the dates. Place a toothpick into each date, then arrange the dates on a plate or serving tray for guests to help themselves. Then pick one up, put it in your mouth and follow up with a tipple of brandy.
Recipe: Brandy Soaked Dates in Bacon
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Brandy Soaked Dates in Bacon
Ingredients
- 10 large medjool dates
- 10 pieces to streak bacon
- 100 g goats cheese
- Brandy for soaking
Instructions
- Slice open the dates and remove the pit from the inside. Cut the dates in half lengthways.
- Transfer to a bowl and pour brandy over the top until the dates are submerged. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit for 2 hours, or up to 24 hours, depending on how boozy you want them the taste.
- Preheat oven to 200°C. Line an oven tray with baking paper.
- Drain dates from the brandy and pat dry. Keep the brandy on the side for serving later on.
- Using a spoon, whip the goat’s cheese a little to soften and make it easier to work with. Spoon goat cheese into the center of each date ensuring not to over fill or let it spill over the edges of the date.
- Cut the bacon strips in half. Place a bacon strip on a flat surface. Place a date on the end and roll the bacon around the dates. The cheese side should be facing up and the ends of the bacon underneath.
- Bake for 15 – 20 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp. Let cool slightly then place a toothpick in each date and transfer to a serving platter.
- Divide the leftover brandy into small glasses or shot glasses and serve alongside the dates.
