Imagine a culinary masterpiece that combines the creamy richness of goat cheese, the sweet decadence of dates, and the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon, all wrapped in a golden, flaky puff pastry. These Goat Cheese Date and Bacon Strudels are not just a recipe – they're a gourmet experience that will transform your appetizer game from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or looking to impress your family with a show-stopping dish, these strudels promise to be the star of any meal.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 4 oz goat cheese
- 8 oz bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup chopped dates
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden brown. Drain on paper towels and crumble into small pieces.
- Thaw the puff pastry sheet at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes pliable but still cool.
- In a medium bowl, mix the crumbled bacon, chopped dates, and goat cheese until well combined.
- Carefully unfold the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and roll it out slightly to smooth any creases.
- Spread the goat cheese, bacon, and date mixture evenly across the center of the pastry sheet, leaving about 1 inch of border on all sides.
- Carefully roll the pastry from one long side to the other, encasing the filling and creating a log-like strudel.
- Seal the edges by pressing them together and tucking the ends under to prevent filling from leaking.
- Transfer the strudel to the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down.
- Brush the entire surface of the pastry with beaten egg to create a golden, glossy finish.
- Using a sharp knife, make 3-4 diagonal slits across the top of the strudel to allow steam to escape.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing into serving portions.
- Serve warm and enjoy the crispy, savory-sweet strudels as an appetizer or light meal.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your puff pastry is thawed but still cool to the touch. This helps create those beautiful, flaky layers.
- Bacon Perfection: Cook your bacon until it's crisp but not burnt. Pat it dry thoroughly to prevent excess grease from making the pastry soggy.
- Even Distribution: When spreading the filling, aim for an even layer to ensure every bite is perfectly balanced.
- Sealing Technique: Press the edges of the pastry firmly and tuck the ends under to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- Egg Wash Magic: Don't skip the egg wash – it's the secret to that gorgeous golden-brown, glossy exterior.
- Resting Time: Allow the strudel to cool for a few minutes after baking. This helps the filling set and makes slicing easier.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve these strudels slightly warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 55mg
