Bacon Wrapped Date and Goat Cheese Pastry Twists.

These Bacon Wrapped Date and Goat Cheese Pastry Twists are quick and easy. Everyone loves these salty-sweet and savory twists. Flaky puff pastry is twisted together with creamy goat cheese and sweet dates, wrapped in salty bacon, then tossed in a spicy rosemary brown sugar. Bake these twists in the oven until the bacon is crisp and “candied.” There never seems to be enough of these fun holiday twists. They’re addictive, festive, and perfect for holiday entertaining.

Two of my favorite holiday appetizers are goat cheese-stuffed bacon-wrapped dates and my whipped goat cheese with candied bacon and dates. I love the sweet and spicy flavors each offer. And even though dates are not always the most popular, they’re delicious anytime you pair them with salty bacon and creamy goat cheese.

I make the bacon-wrapped dates every Thanksgiving. I usually pair them alongside my turkey cheese board. They’re one of the first appetizers to disappear every Thanksgiving.

I really wanted to take the yummy flavors of the bacon-wrapped dates and create something new. So, I came up with the idea for these bacon twists.

These are so fun and delicious! I took easy-to-use store-bought puff pastry and twisted it with goat cheese, then wrapped each piece up in bacon. The salty flavor of the bacon is mixed with the creaminess of the cheese and sweet dates, too!

The flaky pastry just adds to the deliciousness! Stopping at just one twist is nearly impossible. The salty-sweet and savory flavors make them addicting.

The Details

Ingredients

• organic dark brown sugar
• fresh rosemary
• chipotle powder
• cayenne pepper
• salt and black pepper
• sheets of frozen, thawed puff pastry
• goat cheese
• Medjool dates
• thin slices of bacon
• fresh thyme

Special Tools

This recipe requires a couple of sheet pans and wire cooling racks.

Steps

Step 1: mix the spicy sugar

Organic dark brown sugar has become my secret. Something about the sugar is just better—the flavor, the texture, and it even looks prettier!

Mix the sugar with rosemary, chipotle chile powder, and cayenne. Then add some salt and pepper.

Step two: form the twists

Unwrap the pastry, spread it with goat cheese, and scatter on the chopped dates. Use Medjool dates. They’re juicy and plump, and they’re great for cooking and baking.

Fold the pastry in half, then cut it into thin strips. Give each strip a twist.

Step 3: wrap the bacon

Take the bacon and wrap it around each twist.

Dredge each twist through the brown sugar, then place the twist on a wire rack lined baking sheet.

Step 4: bake

Bake until the bacon starts to caramelize all over. The pastry should be flaky, but watch it closely – it can burn fast.

Step 5: serve

I serve these warm with extra sea salt and some fresh thyme. They’re just perfect.

If you loved my original bacon twists, I’m pretty sure you’ll love these too. They’re a little different, but still SO GOOD. I adore the goat cheese and the dates. They’re so scrumptious together!

Looking for other easy last-minute appetizers? Here are my favorites: 

Mini Pastry Wrapped Cranberry Baked Brie Bites

Mom’s Secret Chex Mix

Sweet and Savory Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Puff Pastry Twists

Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates

Pull Apart Roasted Garlic Pizza Dip Sliders

Crispy Prosciutto and Cheese Sliders

Lastly, if you make these Bacon Wrapped Date and Goat Cheese Pastry Twists, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And, of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!