Name: Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 24 pieces Medjool dates, pitted; 4 ounces Goat cheese, softened; 24 pieces Whole smoked almonds; 12 strips Bacon, strips cut in half; 2 tablespoons Maple syrup; 1 teaspoon Fresh rosemary, finely chopped

"These irresistible bacon-wrapped dates are the ultimate balance of sweet, salty, and creamy textures. Stuffed with tangy goat cheese and a toasted almond, then baked until the bacon is perfectly crisp, they are a guaranteed hit for any party or holiday gathering."

Ingredients

Qty	Item
24 pieces 24 pieces	Medjool dates, pitted
4 ounces 113 g	Goat cheese, softened
24 pieces 24 pieces	Whole smoked almonds
12 strips 12 strips	Bacon, strips cut in half
2 tablespoons 30 ml	Maple syrup
1 teaspoon 1 g	Fresh rosemary, finely chopped

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack for extra crispiness.

Use a small knife to slice a slit lengthwise into each date to remove the pit, if not already pitted. Be careful not to cut all the way through.

Stuff each date with approximately 1 teaspoon of softened goat cheese and press one whole almond into the center.

Wrap each stuffed date with a half-slice of bacon, ensuring the seam is on the bottom. Secure with a toothpick if necessary.

Place the dates on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through, until the bacon is golden and crispy.

Remove from the oven and lightly brush the tops with maple syrup and a sprinkle of fresh rosemary.

Let them cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set and the bacon to crisp further.

·
Use Medjool dates rather than Deglet Noor for a larger, caramel-like texture.
·
For extra spicy flavor, add a small slice of jalapeño inside the date with the cheese.
·
If you want the bacon extra crispy, use a wire rack set over your baking sheet to allow air circulation.
·
Make-ahead tip: You can assemble these 24 hours in advance and keep them refrigerated until ready to bake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different cheese?

Yes, blue cheese, feta, or even a small cube of sharp white cheddar work beautifully as substitutes for goat cheese.

How do I prevent the dates from sticking?

Using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat is the best way to prevent the sugars in the dates from sticking to the pan.

Can these be made in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, checking halfway through until the bacon is crisp.

What bacon works best?

Standard cut bacon is best. Thick-cut bacon takes too long to render and may result in mushy dates.

Video Tutorials

Anne Burrell's Bacon Wrapped Dates | Secrets of a Restaurant Chef | Food Network

Bacon Wrapped Dates

Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Dates [Easy Appetizer]

How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Dates – It's Easy AF!

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