Appetizers

Small bites, big flavor. Explore easy, delicious appetizer recipes perfect for entertaining, holidays, or everyday snacking. Each recipe is crafted to showcase how a simple drizzle of infused olive oil or balsamic can transform your favorite starters.

 

 

Bacon-Wrapped Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates

with Balsamic Drizzle

Recipe adapted from a customer recommendation

Sweet, savory, and perfectly balanced, these bacon-wrapped dates are stuffed with creamy goat cheese and finished with a rich balsamic drizzle. An elegant appetizer ideal for entertaining, holiday gatherings, or wine nights.

Perfect for: Entertaining, holiday boards, wine nights

Best Balsamics: Fig, 5 Star Traditional Dark, Maple Bourbon, or Dark Chocolate

Serve with: Mixed olives, almonds, crostinis. Excellent for elevating your charcuterie boards!

Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
Cook Time: 18–22 minutes
Servings: 6–8 people (assuming 2–3 dates per person as an appetizer)

Ingredients

  • 18–20 Medjool dates, pitted
  • 4 oz goat cheese, softened
  • 9–10 slices bacon, cut in half
  • 2–3 tbsp The Olive Shoppe's Fig Aged Dark Balsamic Vinegar 
  • Fresh thyme (optional)
  • Cracked black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Slice dates open (if needed) and fill each with about 1 teaspoon of goat cheese.
  3. Wrap each stuffed date with half a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
  4. Place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. Bake 18–22 minutes, turning halfway, until bacon is crisp.
  6. Warm balsamic gently in a saucepan for 3–5 minutes to slightly thicken.
  7. Drizzle over warm dates before serving.
  8. Garnish with thyme and cracked pepper.