Description
These Bacon-Wrapped Dates are a perfect appetizer combining the sweet, chewy texture of dates with the savory, crispy bacon and creamy goat cheese filling. Infused with fresh rosemary and baked to perfection, they make an irresistible bite-sized treat for any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Dates and Filling
- 12 oz. dates (about 16, pitted)
- 4 oz. goat cheese (room temperature)
- 1 tsp. fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- ¼ tsp. salt (to taste)
Bacon Wrap
- 8 oz. bacon (thin strips)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the dates evenly.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the room temperature goat cheese with finely chopped rosemary and salt. Mix thoroughly until well blended for a flavorful filling.
- Slice Dates: Make a careful incision along the side of each date to create an opening without slicing through completely, resembling a small ‘taco’ shape.
- Stuff Dates: Spoon 1 to 2 teaspoons of the goat cheese mixture into each date’s opening, filling them generously but without overstuffing.
- Wrap with Bacon: Cut bacon strips in half lengthwise. Wrap one half-strip around each stuffed date and secure with a toothpick to hold it in place during cooking.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Place a wire rack over a large baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates on the rack. If a wire rack is unavailable, line the baking sheet with parchment paper and place dates directly on it.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 24-26 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and cooked through. If using a parchment paper-lined sheet, turn the dates every 7-8 minutes to ensure even crisping of the bacon.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the bacon-wrapped dates immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Using thin bacon strips allows the bacon to cook evenly and become crispy within the baking time.
- Room temperature goat cheese mixes more easily with rosemary and salt and is easier to spoon into dates.
- If you don’t have a wire rack, turning the dates frequently is essential to avoid uneven bacon crisping.
- These make a great party appetizer and can be prepared ahead of time, then baked just before serving.
