Description
A quick and easy appetizer combining smoky bacon, creamy goat cheese, and sweet Medjool dates, perfect for entertaining and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 20 Medjool dates, pitted
- 4 ounces goat cheese, softened
- 10 slices thin-cut bacon, cut in half (applewood-smoked recommended)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- A few sprigs fresh thyme (optional)
- Toothpicks
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise.
- Whip the softened goat cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth and spreadable. Stir in a teaspoon of honey if desired.
- Fill each pitted date with about a teaspoon of whipped goat cheese using a small spoon or piping bag.
- Wrap each stuffed date with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Place the bacon-wrapped dates seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until bacon is crispy and browned. Optionally, turn halfway through baking.
- Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves and drizzle with honey if using, once out of the oven.
- Serve warm. Reheat leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes.
Notes
Use thin-cut bacon for faster crisping and easier wrapping. Whip goat cheese smooth to prevent spilling during baking. Secure bacon with toothpicks and place dates seam side down to avoid unraveling. Watch baking time closely to prevent burning. Leftovers reheat best in the oven, not microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 4 dates per se
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Protein: 6
Keywords: bacon-wrapped dates, goat cheese appetizer, easy party snacks, sweet and salty appetizer, Medjool dates recipe