Description
Delicious and savory Bacon-Wrapped Dates filled with creamy goat cheese, kissed with a sweet and spicy maple syrup glaze, and baked to crispy perfection. This appetizer perfectly balances sweet, salty, and spicy flavors for an irresistible bite-sized treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dates and Filling
- 24 large Medjool dates, pitted
- 4 oz. crumbled goat cheese
Wrapping and Glaze
- 12 slices bacon, halved
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 3/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp. finely chopped rosemary
- 3/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top; this setup helps the bacon cook evenly by allowing air circulation.
- Prepare Dates: Carefully halve each Medjool date lengthwise, making sure not to cut all the way through so they remain hinged. Spoon a small amount of crumbled goat cheese into the center of each date.
- Wrap Dates with Bacon: Take a halved slice of bacon and wrap it snugly around each stuffed date, ensuring the ends meet and seal underneath to hold the bacon in place.
- Initial Bake: Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates seam side down on the prepared wire rack. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes until the bacon fat starts to render and the bacon begins to cook.
- Prepare Glaze: While the dates bake, whisk together the maple syrup, crushed red pepper flakes, finely chopped rosemary, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl to create a flavorful glaze.
- Brush with Glaze: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and generously brush each date with the maple syrup mixture, coating them well for a sweet and spicy finish.
- Final Bake: Return the dates to the oven and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized from the glaze.
- Serve: Let the bacon-wrapped dates cool slightly, then serve warm as an elegant appetizer or party snack that’s both sweet and savory.
Notes
- Use Medjool dates for their large size and natural sweetness, which pairs perfectly with bacon and goat cheese.
- Ensure not to cut dates completely in half to keep the cheese neatly inside during baking.
- Wire rack elevates the dates to allow bacon fat to drip away and promote even crisping.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to preferred spice level; omit for no heat.
- These can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving for convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 dates (approx. 60g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
