Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 Medjool dates, pitted
- 4 oz creamy goat cheese
- 6–8 thin-cut bacon slices (halved if large)
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- Toothpicks for securing
Optional Spices
- Pinch of smoked paprika
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Dates: Carefully slice each date lengthwise to remove the pit while keeping the date mostly intact, creating a perfect pocket for the goat cheese filling.
- Stuff the Dates: Fill each pitted date generously with soft goat cheese, ensuring the creamy filling stays nestled inside when wrapped.
- Wrap with Bacon: Wrap each stuffed date with a half or full slice of bacon depending on size, securing it with a toothpick to hold everything together during cooking.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the bacon-wrapped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through for even crisping.
- Drizzle with Maple Glaze: Shortly before removing from the oven, brush the dates generously with pure maple syrup and return to the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize beautifully.
Notes
- Choose fresh, soft Medjool dates for best flavor and texture.
- Do not overstuff the dates with goat cheese to keep wrapping neat.
- Use thin-cut bacon for even cooking and crispiness.
- Apply maple glaze near the end of baking to prevent burning.
- Allow the dates to rest a few minutes before serving to avoid burning tongues and let flavors settle.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed date wrapped in bacon
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Bacon Wrapped Dates, Goat Cheese Appetizer, Maple Glazed Dates, Sweet and Savory Bites, Party Appetizers, Gluten Free Snacks