Pin it Sweet Medjool dates filled with tangy goat cheese, wrapped in crispy bacon—a perfect sweet-salty appetizer for any occasion.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes Category: Appetizer Difficulty: Easy Cuisine: Mediterranean Yield: 16 pieces (serves 4–6 as an appetizer) Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 16 large Medjool dates: pitted
- 4 oz (115 g) fresh goat cheese (chèvère):
- 8 slices thin-cut bacon: halved crosswise
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- With a small knife, make a lengthwise slit in each date and remove the pit if not already pitted.
- Step 3:
- Fill each date with about 1 teaspoon of goat cheese, pressing gently to close the date around the filling.
- Step 4:
- Wrap each stuffed date with a half-slice of bacon, securing the ends underneath or with a toothpick if needed.
- Step 5:
- Arrange the wrapped dates seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 6:
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, turning once halfway through, until bacon is crisp and browned.
- Step 7:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Pin it Contains milk (goat cheese). Bacon may contain traces of other allergens depending on processing& check labels if sensitive.
Required Tools
Baking sheet Parchment paper Small knife Spoon or small spatula Toothpicks (optional)
Nutritional Information
Calories: 85 Total Fat: 4.5 g Carbohydrates: 8 g Protein: 3 g
Additional Tips
Swap goat cheese for blue cheese if desired.
Pin it This appetizer is perfect for impressing guests with minimal effort.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of dates works best for this dish?
Large Medjool dates are preferred due to their soft texture and natural sweetness, which complements the savory bacon and tangy cheese.
- → Can I substitute goat cheese with another type of cheese?
Yes, blue cheese or cream cheese can be used as alternatives depending on your taste preference.
- → How do I ensure the bacon stays crispy after baking?
Bake at 400°F and turn the wrapped dates halfway through cooking to achieve an even crispiness on the bacon.
- → Is it necessary to use toothpicks to secure the bacon?
Toothpicks can help keep the bacon wrapped securely, but tucking the ends underneath often works well too.
- → Can these be prepared ahead of time?
They can be assembled ahead and refrigerated, but bake just before serving for optimal texture and flavor.