Prepare to discover your new favorite appetizer. This Bacon Wrapped Goat Cheese recipe is the perfect blend of creamy, savory, and crispy, all in one bite-sized package. It’s an incredibly easy yet elegant dish that will disappear from the plate in minutes at any gathering. Whether you need a last-minute party food idea or a sophisticated starter for a dinner party, this recipe is a guaranteed showstopper.
We combine tangy, creamy goat cheese with rich, smoky bacon, baked until the bacon is perfectly crisp and the cheese is warm and soft. A final drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of fresh herbs elevates this simple concept into a gourmet experience that tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant kitchen.
Why This Bacon Wrapped Goat Cheese Recipe is a Must-Try
This isn’t just another appetizer; it’s a culinary experience. The beauty of this Bacon Wrapped Goat Cheese lies in its simplicity and the incredible depth of flavor it delivers. The saltiness of the crispy bacon cuts through the rich, tangy goat cheese, creating a perfectly balanced bite. It’s a versatile dish that feels special enough for the holidays but is quick enough to make for a casual weekend treat.
Unlike other complicated appetizers, this recipe requires minimal ingredients and fuss. The result is consistently delicious and always impresses guests. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll memorize and make again and again.
The Perfect Harmony of Ingredients
The magic of this dish comes from using simple, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the final, delicious product.
Choosing Your Goat Cheese
For this recipe, you’ll want a log of plain, firm goat cheese (chèvre). The firmness is key, as it helps the cheese hold its shape while baking. Look for a brand with a clean, tangy flavor that will complement the smokiness of the bacon. Avoid crumbly goat cheese or flavored varieties, as they can alter the texture and intended taste profile.
The Best Bacon for Wrapping
Standard-cut bacon is the ideal choice. Thick-cut bacon takes too long to get crispy, which can result in overcooked cheese. On the other hand, thin-cut bacon might burn before the cheese is properly warmed. A good quality, standard-cut smoked bacon will provide the best flavor and texture, crisping up perfectly in the oven.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Goat Cheese (Step-by-Step)
This elegant appetizer comes together in just a few simple steps. Follow this guide for flawless results every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper or Wire Rack
- Sharp Knife
- Toothpicks
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Slice the Goat Cheese: Carefully slice the goat cheese log into 1/2-inch thick rounds. If the cheese is too soft, place it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to firm it up for easier cutting.
- Wrap with Bacon: Cut your bacon strips in half. Wrap one half-strip of bacon around the edge of each goat cheese round. Secure the bacon in place by inserting a toothpick through the overlapping ends and into the cheese.
- Bake to Perfection: Arrange the wrapped goat cheese rounds on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. For extra crispy bacon, you can flip them halfway through the cooking time.
- Serve Warm: Let them cool for just a minute or two before serving. Drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze and garnish with fresh thyme or chopped chives.
Pro-Tips for Perfect Results Every Time
Want to ensure your Bacon Wrapped Goat Cheese is absolutely perfect? Here are a few expert tips:
- Chill the Cheese: As mentioned, chilling the goat cheese log before slicing makes it much easier to get clean, even rounds.
- Don’t Overlap the Bacon Too Much: A small overlap secured with a toothpick is all you need. Too much overlap will create a section of bacon that struggles to get crispy.
- Use a Wire Rack: For supremely crispy bacon all around, place the wrapped cheese bites on a wire rack set inside your baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate underneath, rendering the bacon fat and crisping it up evenly. For another amazing bacon-wrapped appetizer, check out these Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts.
Flavor Variations to Elevate Your Appetizer
While the classic version is fantastic, you can easily customize these bites to your liking. Here are a few ideas:
Sweet & Savory Additions
- Fig Jam or Apricot Preserves: Before wrapping in bacon, spread a small amount of fig jam or apricot preserves on top of the goat cheese slice.
- Dates: Press a small, pitted date into the center of the goat cheese before wrapping. The sweetness is a perfect match for the bacon and cheese. If you enjoy dates, you might also like these Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates.
- Pecans: Press finely chopped pecans onto the top of the cheese before serving for a delightful crunch.
Herb Infusions
Before baking, roll the bacon-wrapped cheese in finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. This adds another layer of aromatic flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
Serving Suggestions: What Pairs Well
These Bacon Wrapped Goat Cheese bites are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with other foods and drinks. Serve them on a platter with crackers, crostini, or apple slices. The combination of creamy, crispy, and crunchy is simply divine. For a truly memorable appetizer spread, consider serving them alongside this incredible Cranberry Jalapeno Dip (coming soon).
For drink pairings, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling wine like Prosecco cuts through the richness beautifully. A light-bodied Pinot Noir also works well, as its red fruit notes complement the smoky bacon.
Storing and Making Ahead
Wondering if you can prep these in advance? Absolutely!
- To Make Ahead: You can assemble the bacon-wrapped goat cheese rounds up to 24 hours in advance. Arrange them on your baking sheet, cover tightly, and store in the refrigerator. When you’re ready, just pop them into the preheated oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or an air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! To make these in an air fryer, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the wrapped goat cheese bites in the basket in a single layer and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the bacon is golden and crisp.
Absolutely. You can assemble them up to 24 hours in advance. Arrange the uncooked, wrapped cheese on a baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake straight from the fridge, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
The key is to use firm, cold goat cheese. Chilling the log in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before slicing helps it hold its shape. Also, ensure the bacon is wrapped snugly around the sides to act as a wall during baking.
Standard-cut bacon is best. It gets crispy in the same amount of time it takes to perfectly warm the cheese. Avoid thick-cut bacon, as it requires a longer cooking time which can cause the cheese to melt completely.
These are fantastic served with crackers, toasted crostini, or apple slices for dipping. They are also great on their own with a drizzle of honey, balsamic glaze, or a dollop of fig jam.
More Amazing Recipes To Try
If you loved this recipe, you are sure to love some of our other popular dishes. For a main course, our Marry Me Chicken is always a crowd-pleaser. And for dessert, you can’t go wrong with our decadent Caramel Brownie Cheesecake.
We Want to Hear From You!
We hope you love this incredible Bacon Wrapped Goat Cheese appetizer as much as we do. It’s a simple recipe with a huge flavor payoff that’s perfect for any occasion. If you make this recipe, please leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out! For more delicious recipe inspiration, be sure to follow us on Pinterest.
Bacon Wrapped Goat Cheese Recipe
Bacon Wrapped Goat Cheese: The Ultimate Irresistible Appetizer
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the chilled goat cheese log into 12 1/2-inch thick rounds.
- Wrap one half-strip of bacon around the edge of each goat cheese round. Secure the bacon with a toothpick.
- Arrange the wrapped goat cheese on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
- Let cool slightly. Drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
Make-Ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. Add a few minutes to the baking time.
