Description
Delicious and easy appetizer featuring sweet dates stuffed with creamy goat cheese and wrapped in crispy bacon, finished with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Perfect for entertaining or a savory snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 14 oz. dates
- 4 oz goat cheese
- 1 package bacon, cut into halves or thirds
- 4 Tbsp. honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme leaves for topping
- Fresh parsley for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the bacon-wrapped dates.
- Prepare Dates: Slice each date in half and remove any pits present to create a cavity for stuffing.
- Stuff with Goat Cheese: Fill each date with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of creamy goat cheese, distributing evenly.
- Wrap with Bacon: Wrap each stuffed date with one-third to one-half slice of bacon, then secure with a toothpick to hold it together during cooking.
- Arrange for Baking: Place each wrapped date on a baking rack set over a baking sheet, allowing fat to drain and bacon to crisp.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure bacon cooks evenly and becomes crispy.
- Add Finishing Touches: Once baked, immediately drizzle the dates with honey, then season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Allow to cool slightly, then garnish with fresh parsley and thyme leaves before serving warm.
Notes
- Use medjool dates for larger size and natural sweetness.
- If the bacon slices are thick, consider cutting them thinner for easier wrapping and crispier texture.
- Turn the bacon-wrapped dates halfway through baking to ensure even crisping.
- Can be made ahead and reheated briefly in the oven before serving.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute bacon with smoked tempeh strips.
- Adjust the amount of goat cheese based on taste preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
