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This Goat Cheese with Bacon and Dates appetizer is the perfect blend of elegance and comfort, guaranteed to elevate your holiday table.

This Goat Cheese with Bacon and Dates dish is my go-to holiday appetizer. It combines creamy, tangy, sweet, smoky, and crunchy flavours in every bite.

The base blends tangy goat cheese and smooth hung curd, creating a light yet luxurious foundation. Crispy bacon adds smoky saltiness, while dates and honey bring natural sweetness. Rosemary infuses an earthy warmth, walnuts add crunch, and caramelized shallots deepen the flavour.

Each bite delivers a festive mix of textures and tastes. The warm, inviting aromas will fill your kitchen and make this dish the star of your holiday table.

What goes into this Goat Cheese with Bacon Platter?

Goat cheese provides a tangy, creamy base that balances the richness of the bacon.
Hung Curd adds creamy tanginess, balancing the richness and sweetness.
Dates and honey bring sweetness, while the apple cider vinegar cuts through with a hint of acidity.
Toasted walnuts and crispy bacon add crunch and umami.
Rosemary and caramelized shallots add an earthy depth of flavour.

Enjoy the this Goat Cheese Platter with your favourite crackers.

Storing

Want to prepare ahead? Make the cheese mixture and topping separately a day in advance, then assemble just before serving. You might have to heat the topping a bit to loosen the cold honey. Store the leftovers in an airtight container for upto 3 days.

Goat Cheese with Bacon & Dates

Recipe by thecrumbstories

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Ingredients

For the Cheese Base
100g feta cheese or goat cheese, at room temperature and crumbled
150g Greek yogurt or hung curd
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bacon & Date topping
3–4 strips of bacon
30g walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
2 sprigs of rosemary, leaves finely chopped
2–3 shallots, finely sliced
4 dates, chopped fine
1 tbsp honey
1.5 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Directions

For The Cheese Base
In a mixing bowl, combine the goat cheese or feta, Greek yogurt, honey, and olive oil. Whip until smooth and creamy. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
For Bacon & Date topping
In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Place on a paper towel to drain excess fat and let it cool before chopping finely.
Fry the rosemary sprigs till crisp in the bacon drippings. Drain on a paper towel.
In the same pan, add the shallots, sautéing them in the bacon drippings or a splash of olive oil until fragrant and slightly caramelized.
Stir in the chopped dates, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the mixture thickens into a glossy, sweet topping. Switch off the flame.
Stir in the toasted chopped walnuts.
Assemble the Cheese Platter
Spread the creamy cheese mixture on a serving platter or bowl.
Spoon the warm, sweet, and savory topping over the cheese mixture.
Sprinkle the remaining crispy bacon for a final touch of crunch and flavour.
Serve this delectable appetizer with slices of toasted baguette, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, skip the bacon and sauté the shallots in olive oil instead. You can add smoked paprika for a touch of that smoky flavour.