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Tray of bacon wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese and almonds.
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4.70 from 20 votes

Bacon Wrapped Dates

Bacon-Wrapped Dates are a simple sweet and salty appetizer made with dried dates, bacon, and an optional filling of cheese or almonds.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free
Servings: 24
Author: Kristen Chidsey

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 24 whole Medjool dates
  • 12 slices bacon cut in half

Filling Options for Bacon Wrapped Dates (optional)

  • 24 whole almonds
  • 4 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 4 ounces blue cheese
  • 4 ounces goat cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400℉ (200℃). Place an oven-safe baking rack on top of a rimmed baking sheet that has been lined with foil.
  • While the oven is preheating, soak toothpicks in a shallow dish of water for 20 minutes and then drain from the water.
    Toothpicks soaking in small dish of water next to whole dates.
  • Slice the dates lengthwise on one side to create an opening. Remove the pit if needed. If desired, fill the cavity with either 1 almond, or 1 teaspoon each of either goat cheese, cream cheese, or blue cheese. Use a spoon or your fingers to be sure filling is inserted fully into the date and not oozing out the sides.
    Dates stuffed with goat cheese, almonds, and blue cheese on cutting board next to bacon cut in half.
  • Cut each strip of bacon in half. Wrap one piece of cut bacon around each date. Secure with a pre-soaked toothpick and place onto the prepared baking dish. Alternatively, you can place the wrapped date seam side down onto the prepared baking dish.
    Prepared bacon wrapped dates on sheet pan.
  • Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until bacon is crispy. Keep in mind if you are using a broiler pan instead of a baking rack on top of a sheet pan, you will want to flip your dates halfway through cooking to ensure even browning of the bacon.
    Baked bacon wrapped dates on sheet pan.
  • Place the bacon-wrapped dates onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease. Once cooled, serve.
    Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates on platter.

Video

Notes

Dates: Dried medjool dates are best. If using Deglet Noor dates, soak in hot water for 20 minutes prior to stuffing. 
Serving: You can keep this appetizer at room temperature for up to 2 hours safely.
Leftovers:  Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat at 400°F for about 5 minutes, just enough to warm them through and re-crisp the bacon.
To Prepare in Advance: Assemble the dates up to baking and refrigerate for up to 48 hours or until ready to bake. Bake right before serving.
Note on Pan: In place of a rimmed baking sheet with a rack, use a broiler pan and flip mid-way through baking. 

Nutrition

Calories: 71kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 72mg | Potassium: 74mg | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 0.2mg
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