Dates Filled with Goat Cheese in Bacon Brown Butter
- Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 4 to 6 portions
- Nutrition Per Serving (1 of 6 servings): Calories 441, Total Fat 28 g, Saturated Fat 14 g, Carbohydrates 40 g, Dietary Fiber 4 g, Sugar 35 g, Protein 12 g, Cholesterol 58 mg, Sodium 418 mg
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Active Time: 25 minutes
Indulge in the irresistible sweet-salty harmony of dates stuffed with creamy goat cheese, wrapped in crispy bacon, and drizzled with rich brown butter saucefire up your grill and create this showstopping appetizer that will wow your guests in just 25 minutes!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Zest and juice of 1 orange
- 8 ounces thick-cut smoky bacon, diced
- 4 tablespoons ( stick) unsalted butter
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 6 ounces goat cheese
- 12 pitted dates
Instructions
- Preheat the grill by arranging offset coals with dampers half open until the temperature reaches 350F. Place a small cast-iron skillet on the grill to heat up.
- Combine the balsamic vinegar, parsley, orange zest, and juice in a bowl. Set aside.
- Put the bacon into the hot skillet and cook until crisp, about 5 to 8 minutes. Add the butter and allow it to melt and brown in the bacon fat for approximately 2 minutes. Pour this bacon and brown butter mixture into the balsamic blend and stir gently. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Distribute the goat cheese evenly among the dates, stuffing them as fully as possible. Place another small cast-iron pan off the heat, arrange the dates slit side up inside, then close the lid. Warm until the dates become soft and the cheese is heated and slightly melted, around 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer the dates to a serving dish, then spoon the warm bacon-balsamic sauce over them before serving.
