Description
Delightfully sweet and savory bacon wrapped dates stuffed with creamy goat cheese and drizzled with maple syrup, baked to crispy perfection. These bite-sized appetizers combine the richness of bacon and goat cheese with the natural sweetness of Medjool dates, making them a perfect party snack or elegant starter.
Ingredients
Scale
Dates and Filling
- 20 Medjool dates, pits removed
- 6 ounces goat cheese, softened
Wrapping and Glaze
- 10 slices bacon, cut in half
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- Cooking spray
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly coat a sheet pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Stuff the Dates: Using a small spoon or a piping bag, stuff each pitted date with about 1 teaspoon of softened goat cheese. Press each date gently to close and seal the filling inside.
- Wrap with Bacon: Wrap each stuffed date tightly with a half slice of bacon. Secure the bacon in place by inserting a toothpick through each wrapped date.
- Glaze with Maple Syrup: Brush the maple syrup evenly over all the bacon-wrapped dates, ensuring they are well-coated for a glossy, flavorful finish.
- Bake: Place the prepared dates on the sheet pan and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Turn the dates occasionally to ensure even cooking until the bacon is browned and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: After baking, sprinkle the crispy dates with chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful touch. Serve immediately, either with the toothpicks intact or removed for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Use a small spoon or a piping bag fitted with a plain tip for easier and cleaner stuffing of goat cheese.
- Avoid thick-cut bacon as it takes longer to cook and may not crisp up properly within the baking time.
- You can serve the dates with toothpicks for easy grabbing, or remove them for a more elegant appetizer presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
