Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 Medjool Dates (large, pitted)
- 1/2 cup Goat Cheese (creamy and tangy)
- 6 Bacon Slices (thinly sliced, cut into halves or thirds)
- 1/4 cup Pure Maple Syrup
- Toothpicks (for securing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dates: Slice each date lengthwise along one side and gently remove the pit without cutting fully through, creating a pocket for the filling.
- Stuff with Goat Cheese: Spoon about one teaspoon of goat cheese into the cavity of each date, filling it evenly but avoiding overstuffing to prevent cheese from spilling during cooking.
- Wrap with Bacon: Cut bacon slices into halves or thirds depending on size. Wrap each stuffed date snugly with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick to hold in place while baking.
- Arrange for Baking: Place all wrapped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack to allow bacon fat to drip away and crisp evenly.
- Apply Maple Glaze and Bake: Brush each bacon-wrapped date with pure maple syrup. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until bacon is crispy and caramelized, turning halfway through baking for even cooking. Optionally, brush with maple syrup again halfway through for deeper caramelization.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the dates to cool slightly before serving, letting the cheese settle and glaze thicken, ensuring a gooey, flavorful bite.
Notes
- Choose Medjool dates for their large size and softness, making stuffing easier.
- Don’t overstuff with goat cheese to ensure even cooking and to prevent leaks.
- Use thin bacon slices for faster crisping and easier wrapping.
- Brush with maple syrup twice—before baking and halfway through—for a richer glaze.
- Flip the dates once halfway during baking to crisp bacon evenly on all sides.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed date wrapped in bacon
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
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