Quick and easy Bacon Wrapped Dates recipe is always a party favorite. The crispy bacon, creamy goat cheese, and sweet homemade glaze compliment the date perfectly.
Why I love this recipe:
I’m so often inspired to create recipes after trying soemthing fun and delicious at a restaurant, and these Bacon Wrapped Dates came about in that way. They’re inspired by the “Devils on Horseback” appetizer I had at The Pearl restaurant in Dublin, OH. I added goat cheese in the center because, why not?! You can omit the cheese or replace it with an almond instead. Not only are they delicious, but they’re simple, fast and impressive, which is what we all want from an appetizer party!
Ingredients Needed:
- Bacon – choose regular thin sliced, and not thick cut bacon.
- Medjool Dates – fresh, high quality, pitted dates are important!
- Goat Cheese – I like to use plain flavor but herb would also taste great.
- Glaze: pure maple syrup, cilantro, sweet onion, and red pepper flakes (optional).
How to make Bacon Wrapped Dates:
Make Glaze: Stir maple syrup, cilantro, sweet onion, and red pepper flakes together. Set aside.
Stuff and Wrap Dates: Cut a slit in the center of the dates, lengthwise. Remove pit, if needed. Stuff the opening with a teaspoon of cheese. Slice bacon strips in half and wrap the bacon around each date, securing it with a toothpick.
Add Glaze: Place on a metal cooling rack on top of a baking sheet with aluminum or parchment. Brush a light coating of maple syrup glaze over each (reserve the extra).
Bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes, or until bacon is crisp. Remove from oven and drizzle with any remaining glaze.
Serve warm or at room temperature (refrigerate after 2 hours sitting out). Leftovers will keep for 2-3 days in the fridge.
Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions:
To Make Ahead: Assemble the dates, wrapping the bacon around them, and store them in the fridge for up to 48 hours ahead of time (depending on the freshness of your bacon). Leftovers will keep for 2-3 days in the fridge.
To Freeze: Fill the dates with cheese, wrap with bacon and secure with a toothpick. Place in a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before adding glaze and baking.
Recipe Variations:
- Cheese: Swap in your favorite soft cheese, like bleu cheese, boursin, cream cheese, or omit cheese altogether.
- Nuts: Replace the cheese with a crunchy almond inside the dates instead.
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