Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a delightful fusion of sweet and savory in this irresistible Turkish-inspired appetizer: Turkish Apricots Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Wrapped in Bacon! Imagine the succulent sweetness of dried apricots, perfectly complemented by creamy goat cheese, all enveloped in crispy, smoky bacon. This dish is not just a treat for the palate; it's a showstopper that will impress your guests at any gathering. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a unique snack, these stuffed apricots are sure to steal the spotlight. Ready to elevate your culinary game? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Turkish
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 dried apricots
- 100g goats cheese
- 12 slices of bacon
- Honey (for drizzling)
- Fresh thyme (for garnish)
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). This will ensure that your bacon gets crispy and your apricots warm through during cooking.
- While the oven is preheating, prepare the dried apricots. If they are very hard, you can soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften them slightly. Drain and pat dry before proceeding.
- In a mixing bowl, crumble the 100g of goat cheese until it's smooth and creamy. You can use a fork for this. If desired, you can add a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavor, but this is optional as goat cheese can be quite flavorful on its own.
- Take each dried apricot and carefully stuff it with a generous amount of the goat cheese mixture. You want to fill the apricot enough so that the cheese is slightly overflowing, but not so much that it spills out completely.
- Once all the apricots are stuffed, take a slice of bacon and wrap it around each apricot, ensuring the cheese is fully enclosed. You can secure the bacon with a toothpick if needed, but the bacon should hold its shape during cooking.
- Place the wrapped apricots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure they are spaced out to allow for even cooking and crisping of the bacon.
- Once the oven has reached the desired temperature, place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- While the apricots are baking, prepare a serving platter. Once the apricots are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes.
- Drizzle the warm apricots with honey for a touch of sweetness that complements the savory bacon and tangy goat cheese. This step is crucial for balancing the flavors.
- Garnish the dish with fresh thyme leaves for an aromatic finish. This not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Serve the stuffed apricots warm as an appetizer or a delightful snack. Enjoy the rich combination of flavors and textures!
Tips
- Soaking Dried Apricots: If your dried apricots are particularly hard, soaking them in warm water for about 10 minutes can help soften them, making them easier to stuff and enhancing their flavor.
- Cheese Consistency: For a smoother filling, ensure your goat cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This will make it easier to crumble and stuff into the apricots.
- Bacon Wrapping: When wrapping the bacon around the apricots, try to overlap the edges slightly to ensure the cheese is fully enclosed. This will help prevent any cheese from leaking out during cooking.
- Baking Sheet Prep: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to make cleanup a breeze. This also allows for even cooking and crisping of the bacon.
- Watch the Oven: Keep a close eye on the apricots as they bake. Ovens can vary, so check for that perfect golden brown bacon around the 15-minute mark to avoid burning.
- Honey Drizzle: Drizzling honey over the warm apricots just before serving adds a wonderful touch of sweetness that balances the savory flavors. Don’t skip this step!
- Serving Suggestion: These stuffed apricots are best served warm, so consider preparing them just before your guests arrive for the freshest taste experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 35mg
