Bacon Wrapped Dates
User Reviews
5
Bacon Wrapped Dates
Description
This recipe wraps pitted Medjool dates filled with smooth goat cheese in halves of thin-cut bacon, securing them with toothpicks. The dates are coated lightly with a maple syrup-based glaze that includes minced sweet onion, chopped cilantro, and optional crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat. Baking the bacon-wrapped dates on a rack set over a foil-lined tray ensures even cooking and crispiness as hot air circulates under the dates.
The combination of sweet dates, creamy cheese, and smoky bacon creates a harmonious flavor and texture profile. The glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness with herbal and spicy notes that complement the richness of the bacon and cheese. These appetizers can be served warm or at room temperature, making them convenient for gatherings.
The recipe yields 24 pieces, with a serving size of two dates. Leftovers can be refrigerated for a few days or frozen for up to one month when wrapped properly. Alternatively, these can be cooked in an air fryer for a crisp finish. Variations include using different soft cheeses or substituting an almond for cheese for additional texture.
Ingredients
- 12 lices Bacon , thin cut
- 24 Medjool dates , fresh, pitted
- 4 oz goat cheese , chèvre, plain
Glaze:
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 Tablespoon cilantro finely chopped, fresh
- 1 Tablespoon sweet onion , minced
- pinch red pepper flakes if desired, crushed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place a metal cooling rack on top of a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment. (I like to cook the dates on a baking tray, to allow air to circulate under them, for crispy bacon).
- Make glaze by stirring the glaze ingredients together. Set aside.
- Fill dates: Cut a slit in the center of the dates, lengthwise. Remove pit, if needed. Stuff the opening with a teaspoon of cheese.
- Wrap in bacon: Cut bacon strips in half and wrap the bacon around each date, securing it with a toothpick. Place on prepared baking sheet. Brush a light coating of maple syrup glaze over each (reserve the extra).
- Bake at 400 degrees for 15-25 minutes, or until bacon is crisp. Remove from oven and drizzle with any remaining glaze.
- Serve warm or at room temperature (refrigerate after 2 hours sitting out). Leftovers will keep for 2-3 days in the fridge.
Notes
- Yield is 24 bacon wrapped dates, with a recommended serving size of 2 dates per person.
- Plain goat cheese is standard, but herb-flavored varieties or other soft cheeses like Boursin, cream cheese, or blue cheese can be used instead.
- For a crunchy alternative, replace the cheese with a whole almond inside each date.
- Air fryer cooking instructions: Preheat to 390°F, air fry assembled dates for 7-8 minutes, flip, then continue for 3-5 minutes until bacon crisps.
- Assemble and refrigerate the wrapped dates up to 48 hours before baking, depending on bacon freshness.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Freeze assembled but unbaked dates in freezer-safe containers for up to one month; thaw in the refrigerator before glazing and baking.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 177 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 177kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 41g | 14% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 2g | 3% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.05g | 0% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.5g | 3% |
| Cholesterol | 4mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 56mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 353mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 36g | 72% |
| Vitamin A | 169IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 0.04mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 51mg | 5% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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