How To Make Bacon-Wrapped Dates

 

 

How To Make Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Makes 20 to 24 bites

What You Need

Ingredients
20 to 24 Medjool dates (12 to 16 ounces)
4 ounces goat cheese or blue cheese
12 to 16 ounces bacon, preferably of medium thickness
20 to 24 toasted almonds, optional
Equipment
Baking sheet
Parchment or nonstick baking liner
Paring knife
Soup spoon
Toothpicks
Paper towels

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or a baking liner and set aside.
2. Cut open the dates: Use a paring knife to cut a slit in the side of the date. Use your thumbs to open the date slightly. Remove the pits if your dates still have them inside.
3. Stuff with goat cheese: Use a spoon to stuff a little goat cheese or blue cheese into each date. Use the back of the spoon to press the cheese into the date. If you're adding almonds, press an almond or two into the cheese. Press the date closed.
4. Wrap the dates with bacon: Cut the strips of bacon in half. Wrap each date with a half-strip of bacon. Secure the end of the bacon with a toothpick.
5. Arrange the dates on the baking sheet: Space the dates a little apart and lay them on one side.
6. Bake for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, flip the dates to the other side.
7. Continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes: Keep an eye on the dates and remove from the oven as soon as the bacon is as crispy as you like it.
8. Transfer the dates to a plate with a paper towel to drain. If the dates seem greasy, blot the sides as well as the bottoms.
9. Serve warm or room temperature.

Recipe Notes

• The dates can be prepped and refrigerated for up to a day before baking. Keep covered.
• Recipe can be doubled or tripled as needed.