Description
Delicious dates stuffed with creamy goat cheese, wrapped in crispy bacon, and drizzled with honey, topped with fresh thyme and parsley. This appetizer combines sweet, savory, and creamy flavors perfect for parties or a tasty snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 14 oz. dates
- 4 oz goat cheese
- 1 package bacon (cut into halves or thirds depending on date size)
- 4 Tbsp. honey
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh thyme leaves
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the wrapped dates.
- Prepare Dates: Slice each date in half and remove any pits that remain, although most dates are already pitted.
- Stuff Dates: Fill each date with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of goat cheese to add creamy flavor inside.
- Wrap Dates: Wrap each stuffed date with 1/3 to 1/2 piece of bacon and secure it with a toothpick to hold everything in place while cooking.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the bacon-wrapped dates on a baking rack set over a baking sheet to allow even cooking and fat drainage.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy. Turn the dates halfway through baking to ensure all sides crisp evenly.
- Add Final Touches: Remove from oven and immediately drizzle the dates with honey, then sprinkle salt and pepper to taste while still hot.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the dates cool slightly before garnishing with fresh parsley and thyme leaves, then serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- If goat cheese is unavailable, cream cheese can be used as a substitute for a similar creamy texture.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the goat cheese before stuffing.
- Use thick-cut bacon for a meatier bite or thinner bacon for crisper results.
- Soaking toothpicks in water for a few minutes before using can prevent them from burning during baking.
- Serve alongside a light salad or as part of an appetizer platter for parties.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 date wrapped in bacon
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
