You can never go wrong with bacon, whether it’s bacon mac and cheese, bacon deviled eggs, or these sweet and savory bacon wrapped dates.
Bacon Wrapped Dates Ingredients
To make bacon wrapped dates you will need Medjool dates, goat cheese, bacon, maple syrup and parsley. These dates are one of my favorite appetizers for parties along with crockpot little smokies, grape jelly meatballs and crab stuffed mushrooms. Make your party a hit with these classic and delicious appetizers!
How Do You Make Bacon Wrapped Dates?
This bacon wrapped dates recipe starts with large Medjool dates. Cut each date open and remove the pit. Fill the dates with creamy goat cheese, then wrap each date in a slice of bacon and secure the bacon with a toothpick. Brush the dates with maple syrup. Place the dates on a baking sheet or sheet pan. Bake them until the bacon turns golden brown. Sprinkle with parsley, then serve immediately and enjoy.
Tips For The Perfect Dates
Do not use thick cut bacon for this recipe, it will take much longer to cook. You can serve your dates with the toothpicks intact, or remove the toothpicks for a more elegant presentation. Be sure to turn your bacon wrapped dates occasionally as they cook so that the bacon will crisp up on all sides. If you don’t want to turn the dates, you can bake them an oven safe wire rack on a sheet pan. A wire rack allows heat and air to reach the underside of the dates. You can place a sheet of parchment paper on your sheet pan if you want to prevent the dates from sticking to the sheet pan. You can usually find Medjool dates near the produce section of your grocery store. Feel free to assemble your dates up to 8 hours before you plan to bake them.
Flavor Variations
This is an easy and simple way to do bacon wrapped dates, but there are many different ways to customize the flavors to your tastes.
Coating: Try wrapping your dates in prosciutto or pancetta. If you use prosciutto, just know that the cook time will be reduced. Cheese: Instead of goat cheese, use cream cheese, blue cheese or a mixture of cheeses. Fillings: It is very common to add nuts to stuffed dates. Add a whole almond or a pecan half for a bit of added crunch. Spices: You can mix spices into your goat cheese such as Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, garlic powder or onion powder. Fresh herbs such as minced chives are also a nice touch. Honey: Try brushing the dates with honey for a sweet flavor.
Impress your friends by bringing this fun snack to your next gathering. That sweet and salty combination just can’t be beat!
Bacon Wrapped Dates Video
