Bacon Wrapped Figs Stuffed with Goat Cheese and topped with Balsamic Reduction

These Bacon Wrapped Figs Stuffed with Goat Cheese and topped with Balsamic Reduction are a knock-off from a local restaurant here in the Snoqualmie valley called the Iron Duck. It is a favorite one for girls night out, and we always get the “figlets” as they are called there. One of my favorite things to when I find a dish I love at a restaurant is to re-create an even healthier version if possible. This recipe uses pastured bacon and organic sun-dried figs and balsamic to up the nutrition profile.

Bacon Wrapped Figs are a great summer bbq appetizer. They go perfectly with some of my other favorite bbq recipes like Probiotic Potato Salad, Dutch Oven Baked Beans with Maple and Bacon, Sourdough Skillet Cornbread (or Tiger Nut “Corn” Bread if you are grain-free), or a giant green salad topped with Apple Cider Vinaigrette.  They also reheat well, so you can take them along to a potluck!

Ingredients for Bacon Wrapped Figs Stuffed with Goat Cheese and topped with Balsamic Reduction:

• 24 pieces of thick-cut pastured bacon
• 24 Dried figs (I use Calimyrnia organic sundried figs)
• Good organic Balsamic Vinegar
• Goat cheese

Directions for Bacon Wrapped Figs Stuffed with Goat Cheese and topped with Balsamic Reduction:

1. First, par cook the bacon. I do this in the oven at 400 for 15 minutes on the same baking sheet that I use for the figs.
2. Next, place 3/4 cup of balsamic vinegar into a sauce pan and cook over medium heat until reduced by half.
3. While the balsamic is reducing, cut the bacon. I find about 2/3 of a piece wraps the fig completely, but you could also just use half a strip. It is still a good bacon to fig ratio.
4. Next, cut a slit into the side of each fig.
5. Stuff each fig with goat cheese. I find a spoon actually works best for this.
6. Wrap the stuffed figs with the par-cooked (and cooled) bacon and secure with a toothpick. Place on your baking sheet.
7. Finally, broil the wrapped figs on high on the top rack in the oven for 6-9 minutes, but keep a close eye on them! A little char tastes good, but it is a fine line and then they are burnt!
8. After you plate the figs, drizzle the balsamic reduction over them. Enjoy warm!