Bacon Wrapped Dates

🧂 Ingredients

• 24 Medjool dates(Ensure they are large and plump for easy stuffing.)
• 4 oz Goat cheese or blue cheese(Softened goat cheese is easiest to work with. Blue cheese offers a sharper flavor.)
• 12 strips Bacon(Regular cut bacon works best. Thin cut may cook too quickly, thick cut may not crisp evenly.)
• 24 Toothpicks(Wooden toothpicks, soaked in water for 10 minutes to prevent burning.)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easier cleanup. If using wooden toothpicks, soak them in a small bowl of water while you prepare the dates.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
2. 2

   Prepare the dates: Using a small, sharp knife, make a lengthwise slit along one side of each Medjool date. Carefully remove the pit. If the date is very plump, you may need to gently widen the opening slightly.

   ⏱️ 10 minutes
3. 3

   Stuff the dates: Spoon or pipe about 1-2 teaspoons of softened goat cheese (or crumbled blue cheese) into the cavity of each pitted date. Don't overstuff, but ensure a good amount of cheese is inside.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
4. 4

   Wrap with bacon: Cut each strip of bacon in half crosswise. Wrap one half-strip of bacon tightly around each stuffed date, ensuring the cheese is fully enclosed. The bacon should overlap slightly.

   ⏱️ 10 minutes
5. 5

   Secure and arrange: Thread a soaked toothpick through the bacon and date to hold it in place. Place the wrapped dates seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other to allow for even cooking and crisping.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
6. 6

   Bake until golden and crisp: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is rendered, golden brown, and crispy. The exact time will depend on your oven and the thickness of the bacon. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even cooking.

💡 Pro Tips

• ✓The combination of sweet dates, creamy cheese, and salty, crispy bacon is irresistible.
• ✓These can be assembled a few hours ahead of time and refrigerated. Bake just before serving for the best texture.
• ✓A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for parties and gatherings.

🔄 Variations

• For added crunch, insert a whole blanched almond into the date before stuffing with cheese.
• Experiment with different cheeses like cream cheese, brie, or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese for a hint of spice.

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving