Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 large Medjool dates, pitted
- 4 oz soft, spreadable goat cheese
- 6 strips of thin-cut bacon
- 12 toothpicks
Optional Extras
- Fresh herbs (parsley or thyme), chopped, for garnish
- Drizzle of honey
- Drizzle of balsamic glaze
- Almonds or walnuts (for stuffing inside dates)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dates: Begin by carefully pitting the Medjool dates, making a small slit along one side to remove the pit without splitting the date apart completely.
- Stuff the Dates: Take a spoonful of soft goat cheese and gently fill each date. Be generous but careful to avoid overstuffing and tearing the date.
- Wrap with Bacon: Cut bacon slices in half if needed, then wrap each stuffed date tightly with a piece of bacon, securing it with a toothpick.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the wrapped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until the bacon is crispy and golden.
- Serve Warm: Remove from oven, allow to cool slightly, then serve warm for the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Notes
- Choose high-quality Medjool dates for optimal sweetness and texture.
- Thin-cut bacon crisps better and wraps neatly around the dates.
- Do not overstuff the dates to prevent cheese from leaking out during baking.
- Use toothpicks to secure bacon and keep the dates intact while baking.
- Watch the oven closely starting at 15 minutes to avoid burning the bacon.
- Reheat leftovers in a conventional oven (350°F/175°C) to retain crispiness; avoid microwaving.
- Make ahead by assembling the dates a few hours before baking and keep refrigerated.
- Freeze unbaked, bacon-wrapped dates individually on a tray, then store in a freezer bag for up to 1 month; add a few extra minutes to baking time when cooking from frozen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed date wrapped with bacon
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Bacon Wrapped Dates, Goat Cheese Appetizer, Sweet and Savory Snack, Party Appetizer, Gluten Free Appetizer