Irresistible Bacon-Wrapped Goat Cheese Stuffed Apricots: The Ultimate Easy Make-Ahead Appetizer
Discover one of the easiest and most delicious warm appetizers perfect for any gathering: succulent bacon-wrapped apricots, generously stuffed with creamy goat cheese. This delightful combination of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors creates an unforgettable bite-sized snack. Its incredible flavor and impressive ease of preparation make it an absolute must-have in your recipe collection, especially since you can prepare it in advance and simply pop it in the oven for a quick 5-minute bake when your guests arrive.
There’s nothing quite like the joy of hosting, and every memorable gathering deserves an array of appetizers and snacks that are not only delicious but also simple to prepare, ideally with most of the work done ahead of time. After all, as a host, you want to relax and enjoy the company of your guests, not be stuck in the kitchen!
This philosophy is precisely what inspired the creation of this fantastic finger food recipe. It’s a warm, inviting snack that only requires a brief 5-minute bake in the oven, allowing you to serve it fresh and hot without missing out on the fun. The magic truly lies in the harmonious blend of flavors: the savory crispness of the bacon, the juicy sweetness of the apricot, and the smooth, creamy tang of the goat cheese. This appetizer has been a consistent crowd-pleaser and a staple at countless parties, proving its universal appeal time and again.
If you appreciate effortless yet elegant snacks, you’re in for a treat! Beyond these delicious apricot bites, I have several other fantastic suggestions that are equally simple and can be prepared ahead, ensuring your entertaining is always stress-free and delicious. Explore these goat cheese ball appetizers, dates with cheese and bacon, and unique tea eggs – all designed to make your hosting duties a breeze.
Essential Ingredients for Baked Goat Cheese Filled Apricots with Bacon
Crafting these delectable bites requires just a few key ingredients, each playing a crucial role in the symphony of flavors. A full list with precise measurements can be found in the detailed recipe card at the end of this blog post, but here’s a closer look at what makes this appetizer so special.
- Apricot: For this recipe, dried apricots are key. However, a crucial step is to soak them in hot water for about 10 minutes before use. This rehydrates them slightly, preventing them from drying out or burning during their quick bake in the oven. For a delightful twist, consider replacing apricots with dried figs or dried plums; their natural sweetness and texture also pair beautifully with goat cheese and bacon.
- Goat Cheese: Opt for a soft, creamy goat cheese. Its pliable texture makes the stuffing process significantly easier, allowing you to neatly fill each apricot. The creamy consistency also melts wonderfully in the oven, creating that irresistible silky interior that contrasts so well with the outer crispness.
- Bacon: Standard slices of bacon work perfectly. You’ll want to halve each strip to ensure it wraps snugly around the apricot without being too bulky. As an alternative, you can experiment with other salted dried hams like Prosciutto or Parma ham for a slightly different, perhaps more delicate, flavor profile and texture. Just ensure it’s thinly sliced enough to wrap easily.
Simple Preparation Steps for Easy Goat Cheese and Apricots Wrapped Bacon Snacks
The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its taste but also in its straightforward preparation. You’ll be amazed at how quickly these gourmet-looking appetizers come together, making them ideal for last-minute entertaining or batch prepping for future events. Find the full printable recipe at the bottom of this blog.
- Rehydrate the Apricots: Begin by soaking your dried apricots in hot water for approximately 10 minutes. This essential step ensures they become plump and tender, preventing them from becoming overly tough or burning during the baking process. After soaking, drain them thoroughly and gently pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
- Prepare the Goat Cheese: While the apricots are rehydrating, take this time to prepare your goat cheese. Slice it into small, manageable cubes. Precision isn’t necessary here; the goal is simply to create pieces that are easy to handle and fit snugly into the apricots.
- Stuff the Apricots: Carefully make a small incision on one side of each apricot, creating a pocket or “envelope.” Be mindful not to cut all the way through. Gently open this pocket and fill it generously with a cube of your prepared goat cheese.
- Wrap with Bacon: Take a halved slice of bacon and artfully wrap it around the stuffed apricot. Ensure the bacon is secure. Arrange these delightful packages in a casserole dish. Preheat your oven to 390°F (200°C) and bake for just 5 minutes, or until the bacon is slightly crisp and the goat cheese is wonderfully gooey. If you’re preparing them in advance, simply cover the unbaked appetizers with foil and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake and serve.
Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings
These warm bacon-wrapped goat cheese apricots are best served immediately, straight from the oven, when the bacon is crispy and the cheese is still warm and melty. For elegant presentation, arrange them on a platter and provide toothpicks for easy handling – a thoughtful touch for your guests. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or parsley just before serving can elevate both their appearance and flavor profile. These bites pair wonderfully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, a light-bodied red, or even a sparkling brut.
Creative Variations to Explore
While the classic combination is undeniably delicious, feel free to get creative with these appetizers:
- Fruit Swaps: As mentioned, dried figs or prunes are excellent substitutes for apricots, offering their own unique sweetness.
- Cheese Alternatives: If goat cheese isn’t your preference, try cream cheese, a small cube of brie, or even a smoked gouda for a different cheesy dimension.
- Bacon Alternatives: Beyond Parma ham or Prosciutto, thin slices of speck or even a vegetarian alternative like smoked tempeh strips could work for those avoiding pork.
- Flavor Boosters: Before wrapping, consider adding a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes to the goat cheese for a subtle kick, or a hint of fresh thyme or rosemary for an aromatic touch. A crushed pecan or walnut inside with the cheese can add a delightful texture contrast.
- Sweet Glaze: After baking, a quick brush of honey or maple syrup can enhance the sweetness and add a beautiful sheen.
Make-Ahead & Storage Mastery
The make-ahead nature of these appetizers is one of their biggest advantages, making them perfect for stress-free entertaining. You can assemble them completely, ready for baking, several hours or even days in advance.
- Refrigerator Storage: Once assembled but not baked, arrange the apricot bites in a single layer in an airtight container or on a baking sheet covered tightly with plastic wrap. They can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply transfer them to a baking dish and bake as directed.
- Freezer Storage: For longer storage, these appetizers freeze beautifully. After assembly, spread the unbaked snacks on a baking plate or tray and freeze for about 30 minutes, or until firm. This prevents them from sticking together. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time, or preferably, allow them to defrost in the refrigerator overnight before baking for the original 5 minutes.
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📖 Recipe
VIDEO
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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casserole pan 13 x 9 inch
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De temperatuur is aangegeven voor onder- en bovenwarmte. Gebruik je een hetelucht oven, verlaag de temperatuur met 20 °C.
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knife
Ingredients
- 20 apricots , dried
- 2 oz. goat cheese , soft
- 10 slices bacon
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 390 °F / 200 °C.
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Boil water and take off the heat.
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Put the apricots in the water for 10 minutes and get them out with a slotted spoon.
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Cool them slightly.
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With a sharp knife make a cut in the apricot (not through and through only about ¾ deep).
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Fill it with a small cube of goat cheese.
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Cut the bacon in half and wrap the apricot.
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Put the apricot in a baking dish.
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Put the baking dish in the oven for 5 minutes and eat while they are still warm.
Notes
- Apricot – Always use dried apricots for this recipe and soak them in hot water for 10 minutes before use. This crucial step prevents them from burning and drying out when baked in the oven, ensuring a tender and juicy bite. You can also replace it with dried figs or dried plums for a delightful variation.
2. Bacon – For best results, take a standard slice of bacon and halve it lengthwise. This allows it to wrap perfectly around the apricot without excess bulk. Alternatively, you could use thin slices of Parma ham, Prosciutto, or any other salted dried ham for a different flavor profile.
3. Serving Tip – These appetizers come out of the oven deliciously warm, so they can be quite hot to handle initially. For a safer and more elegant presentation, serve them with small wooden or cocktail sticks. This will protect your fingertips and make them easier for guests to enjoy.
4. Storage – Make-Ahead & Refrigerator:
Make-ahead / Refrigerator – You can fully assemble these bacon-wrapped goat cheese apricots up to three days in advance. Store them in a single layer in an airtight container or on a baking sheet covered tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Freezer – To freeze, prepare the recipe through step 7 (wrapping the apricots with bacon), but do not bake them. Spread the assembled snacks on a baking plate, ensuring they don’t touch, and freeze for at least 30 minutes until they are solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can store them for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to serve, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking, or bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cook time.
6 – Nutritional Values:
The nutritional values provided are calculated per individual appetizer, offering a clear overview for dietary planning.
Nutrition
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