Bacon Wrapped Dates
These bacon wrapped dates are the perfect blend of sweet and savory in one bite. With just three main ingredients - creamy goat cheese, sweet Medjool dates, and crispy bacon - they create pure magic. They're ridiculously easy to make, incredibly impressive to serve, and always the first appetizer to disappear at any gathering.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil For easy cleanup
- Sharp paring knife
- Small spoon or piping bag For filling dates
- Toothpicks 24 needed
Ingredients
- 24 Medjool dates Fresh and plump
- 4 oz goat cheese 113g, softened to room temperature
- 12 slices thin-cut bacon Cut in half crosswise for 24 pieces
- toothpicks 24 needed
Optional Finishing
- honey For drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove goat cheese from refrigerator to soften and cut each bacon slice in half crosswise.
- Using a sharp paring knife, make a lengthwise slit down one side of each date, gently open, and remove the pit.
- Stuff about 1/2 teaspoon of softened goat cheese into the cavity where the pit was, then press the date closed around the filling.
- Wrap one piece of halved bacon around each stuffed date in a spiral, slightly overlapping as you go, with bacon ends meeting underneath.
- Secure the bacon by inserting a toothpick through the center, piercing both ends of the bacon. Place seam-side down on prepared baking sheet, spacing 1 inch apart.
- Bake on middle rack for 15-18 minutes until bacon is crispy and golden brown. If needed, broil for the last 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness.
- Let cool on baking sheet for 2-3 minutes, transfer to serving platter, and drizzle with honey if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use thin-cut bacon instead of regular thickness for best crisping results and even cooking.
- Make sure goat cheese is softened to room temperature for easier stuffing without tearing the dates.
- Don't overstuff the dates or the cheese will ooze out during baking.
- Place dates seam-side down on the baking sheet so the bacon stays wrapped during cooking.
- For extra crispy bacon, place the baking sheet on a wire rack set inside a larger baking sheet to allow air circulation.
- Make-ahead tip: Assemble unbaked bacon wrapped dates up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze unbaked assembled dates in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 22-25 minutes.
- Variations: Try blue cheese instead of goat cheese, add a roasted almond for crunch, or use prosciutto instead of bacon for an Italian twist.
- Storage: Store cooked bacon wrapped dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes.
- If your dates are dry or hard, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then pat completely dry before stuffing.
Nutrition
Serving: 1pieceCalories: 85kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 3gFat: 4.5gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 125mgPotassium: 95mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 2IUCalcium: 2mgIron: 2mg
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