Save Sweet Medjool dates filled with tangy goat cheese, wrapped in crispy bacon—a perfect sweet-salty appetizer for any occasion.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes Category: Appetizer Difficulty: Easy Cuisine: Mediterranean Yield: 16 pieces (serves 4–6 as an appetizer) Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 16 large Medjool dates: pitted
- 4 oz (115 g) fresh goat cheese (chèvre):
- 8 slices thin-cut bacon: halved crosswise
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- With a small knife, make a lengthwise slit in each date and remove the pit if not already pitted.
- Step 3:
- Fill each date with about 1 teaspoon of goat cheese, pressing gently to close the date around the filling.
- Step 4:
- Wrap each stuffed date with a half-slice of bacon, securing the ends underneath or with a toothpick if needed.
- Step 5:
- Arrange the wrapped dates seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 6:
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, turning once halfway through, until bacon is crisp and browned.
- Step 7:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Save Bacon-Wrapped Dates offer a delicious sweet and salty experience perfect for gatherings and family moments.
Required Tools
Baking sheet, parchment paper, small knife, spoon or small spatula, toothpicks (optional)
Allergen Information
Contains milk (goat cheese). Bacon may contain traces of other allergens depending on processing check labels if sensitive.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 85 Total Fat: 4.5 g Carbohydrates: 8 g Protein: 3 g per piece
Save This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser combining flavors and textures in every bite.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of dates works best for this dish?
Large Medjool dates are ideal due to their softness and natural sweetness, making them easy to stuff and complement the salty bacon.
- → Can I substitute goat cheese with other cheeses?
Blue cheese or cream cheese can be used as alternatives, offering different flavor profiles while maintaining a creamy filling.
- → How do I ensure the bacon stays crisp after cooking?
Baking on parchment paper and turning once during cooking helps bacon crisp evenly. Allow cooling slightly to retain texture.
- → Are there suggestions to enhance the flavor further?
Adding a toasted almond inside each date or drizzling with honey or balsamic glaze before serving introduces complementary flavors.
- → Can these bites be prepared ahead of time?
They can be assembled in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving to maintain crispness and freshness.