Description
Delicious and easy appetizer featuring sweet dates stuffed with creamy goat cheese, wrapped in crispy bacon, and drizzled with honey. Finished with fresh herbs for a perfect bite-sized indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 14 oz dates
- 4 oz goat cheese
- 1 package bacon, cut into halves or thirds
- 4 Tbsp honey
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh thyme leaves
- Fresh parsley leaves
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the bacon-wrapped dates.
- Prepare Dates: Slice each date in half carefully and remove any pits if present to make space for the goat cheese.
- Stuff Dates: Using a spoon or knife, stuff each date half with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of goat cheese ensuring it is evenly distributed.
- Wrap with Bacon: Wrap each stuffed date with a 1/3 to 1/2 piece of bacon and secure it firmly with a toothpick to keep everything in place during baking.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the bacon-wrapped dates on a baking rack set over a baking sheet to allow even heat circulation and fat drainage while baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, turning the dates halfway through to ensure all sides of the bacon get crispy and evenly cooked.
- Add Honey and Season: Once baked, immediately drizzle the hot bacon-wrapped dates with 4 tablespoons of honey and sprinkle with salt and black pepper to taste for a perfect balance of flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Allow the stuffed dates to cool slightly, then garnish with fresh thyme leaves and parsley before serving warm as a delightful appetizer.
Notes
- Ensure the dates are pitted if not already to avoid biting into hard pits.
- You can use turkey bacon for a leaner alternative if preferred.
- Turning the bacon-wrapped dates halfway through baking helps achieve an even crispness on all sides.
- Adjust the amount of goat cheese to your preference for creaminess.
- Serve immediately after baking and garnishing for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed date
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
