Description
12 Medjool dates, pitted
4 oz goat cheese, softened
12 whole almonds
6 slices bacon, cut in half
1 tbsp honey (optional, for drizzling)
Toothpicks
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Carefully open each pitted date and stuff with about 1 teaspoon of goat cheese.
Press a whole almond into the center of the goat cheese, then close the date around the filling.
Wrap each stuffed date with half a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
Arrange the wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before drizzling with honey if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 18 minutes Total Time: 28 minutes Kcal: 120 per serving Servings: 12 stuffed dates
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect bacon-wrapped dates every time.
- Prep Ingredients: Ensure your goat cheese is softened at room temperature for easy stuffing. Pit the Medjool dates if they aren’t already. Cut the six bacon slices in half crosswise.
- Stuff the Dates: Gently pry open each date along its natural seam. Using a small spoon or knife, fill the cavity with approximately one teaspoon of softened goat cheese.
- Add the Almond: Press one whole almond firmly into the center of the goat cheese in each date. Gently squeeze the date closed around the filling, ensuring it’s fully enclosed.
- Wrap with Bacon: Take one half-slice of bacon and wrap it snugly around the stuffed date. The bacon should overlap slightly. Secure the end of the bacon strip by piercing through it and the date with a toothpick.
- Bake to Perfection: Arrange the wrapped dates on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they aren’t touching. Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes. Bake until the bacon is fully cooked and crispy to your liking.
- Final Touch: Let the dates cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet. This allows the cheese to set slightly. Drizzle with honey just before serving for a sweet and savory finish.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile bites are perfect for various occasions. Serve them warm on a platter as a standout appetizer at parties or holiday gatherings. They pair wonderfully with a glass of dry sparkling wine, a crisp white wine, or a bold red. For a fuller spread, accompany them with other finger foods like marinated olives, spiced nuts, or a simple green salad to cut through the richness.
How-to Summary
In summary, create this elegant appetizer by stuffing pitted dates with goat cheese and an almond, wrapping them in half a slice of bacon, and securing with a toothpick. Bake at 375°F for 15-18 minutes until the bacon is crispy. A final drizzle of honey optional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the stuffed and wrapped dates up to a day in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
Can I use a different cheese? Absolutely. Cream cheese, blue cheese, or a soft feta are excellent substitutes for goat cheese, each offering a distinct flavor profile.
What can I use instead of almonds? Pecans, walnuts, or even a small piece of spicy chorizo make great alternatives for the center filling.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F until warm to restore crispiness.
My bacon isn’t getting crispy. What can I do? Ensure your oven is fully preheated. If bacon is still limp, try broiling for the final 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. Using thin-cut bacon also helps.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overstuffing the Dates: Using too much cheese can cause it to ooze out during baking. Stick to about a teaspoon per date.
- Using Thick-Cut Bacon: Thick-cut bacon may not crisp up fully in the given baking time and can overwhelm the date. Standard-cut is ideal.
- Skipping the Toothpick: The toothpick is crucial for keeping the bacon wrapped tightly during cooking. Don’t omit it.
- Crowding the Pan: Placing dates too close together steams them instead of roasting. Leave space for air circulation.
Conclusion
These Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Dates are the ultimate combination of sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy. With minimal ingredients and effort, they deliver maximum flavor and are guaranteed to impress your guests. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can master this classic, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
