Description
A quick and easy appetizer featuring sweet Medjool dates stuffed with creamy goat cheese and wrapped in smoky, thick-cut bacon. Perfect for entertaining and crowd-pleasing at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 20 large Medjool dates, pitted
- 4 ounces goat cheese, softened
- 10 slices thick-cut applewood-smoked bacon, cut in half
- Toothpicks (optional, for securing bacon)
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)
- Freshly cracked black pepper (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Slice each pitted date lengthwise on one side, creating a pocket without cutting all the way through.
- Soften the goat cheese in a mixing bowl for 1-2 minutes if needed. Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each date with about 1 teaspoon (approximately 5 grams) of goat cheese.
- Wrap each stuffed date snugly with half a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick if necessary.
- Place the bacon-wrapped dates seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through with tongs or a fork for even crispiness. For crispier bacon, bake an additional 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle with freshly cracked black pepper and garnish with thyme leaves if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
Use thick-cut applewood-smoked bacon for best flavor and crispiness. Turn the dates halfway through baking to ensure even cooking. If bacon is very fatty, place a wire rack on the baking sheet to allow fat to drip away. Letting the dates sit for a few hours after baking enhances flavor. Avoid microwaving leftovers to maintain bacon crispiness; reheat in oven at 350°F for 8 minutes instead.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bacon-wrapped date
- Calories: 90110
- Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 56
- Protein: 4
Keywords: bacon-wrapped dates, goat cheese appetizer, easy appetizer, party snack, Medjool dates, bacon appetizer, crowd-pleaser