Bacon-wrapped goat cheese

Bacon-wrapped goat cheese is a little bundle of flavor explosions. This versatile dish is perfect as a warm appetizer or a light summer lunch. The combination of creamy, melted goat cheese and crispy, salty bacon creates a delicious contrast. Honey adds a subtle, caramelized sweetness, while rosemary brings an aromatic depth. Serve it with a fresh salad of peppery arugula for the perfect balance between savory and refreshing.

How to make bacon-wrapped goat cheese?

Not in the mood for an elaborate meal? Or are you preparing an extensive feast and looking for a simple appetizer that can be made ahead of time? Then this bacon-wrapped goat cheese is your perfect solution.

We start with a 150-gram roll of goat cheese, which we cut into eight pieces to create eight bacon-wrapped parcels.

The only other preparation needed is chopping the rosemary. Strip the leaves from the stems, then finely chop them.

Next, cut the bacon slices in half and arrange them in a cross shape. Place a piece of goat cheese on top of each. Drizzle a little honey over the cheese and sprinkle it with chopped rosemary. Finally, fold the bacon around the goat cheese. Thanks to the honey, the bacon will stick securely around the cheese.

Place the parcels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Optionally, you can place them on a slice of baguette. Bake them in the oven at 180°C (356°F) for 15 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the goat cheese is soft. For an extra crunchy version, extend the baking time to 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare the salad. Cut the arugula into medium-sized pieces. Mix the olive oil with balsamic vinegar and toss it into the salad, ensuring everything is well combined. You can also add some pepper if desired.

Finally, halve the cherry tomatoes.

Arrange the salad with the tomatoes on the plates. Take the crispy bacon-wrapped goat cheese parcels out of the oven and place them on the plates. Serve warm with a piece of baguette.

Why does this combination work so well?

Bacon-wrapped goat cheese is a stunning appetizer that blends simplicity with sophistication. The following elements make it such a winning formula:

• Contrasting textures: the goat cheese becomes soft and creamy in the oven, while the bacon crisps up on the outside.
• Balance between salty and sweet - The salty bacon contrasts beautifully with the mild, slightly sweet goat cheese. Honey or balsamic can further deepen the flavors.
• Herbal nuances - Fresh rosemary or thyme adds an aromatic dimension, refining the dish even more.
• The fresh arugula salad provides contrast and a light touch.
  A piece of (toasted) baguette adds extra crunch and absorbs the rich flavors.

The secret add-on: a piece of baguette

The baguette plays an unexpected but brilliant role in this crispy goat cheese package. As the parcels bake, the bread absorbs the melting honey and the savory bacon fat, soaking up deep, rich flavors. Nothing goes to waste, and in the process, you get a beautifully crisp piece of bread-bursting with flavor and perfect for scooping up the last delicious bites.

More surprising.goatcheese

Goat cheese is delicious and can be used in many different ways. Just like regular cheese, you have both soft, creamy goat cheese and firmer, more aged varieties, like the one we use here. Find more tasty recipes with goat cheese here:

• Dates filled with goat cheese and walnuts.
• Goat cheese salad with mango and saffron syrup.

If you speak Dutch, you can find the Dutch version of this recipe on gerechtenweb.blog.