Crispy Beef Bacon Wrapped Dates (Printable Version)

Medjool dates filled with creamy goat cheese and wrapped in crispy beef bacon. An easy, elegant appetizer that's naturally gluten-free.

# What You'll Need:

01 - 16 large Medjool dates, pitted

02 - 4 oz goat cheese, softened

03 - 8 slices beef bacon, cut in half

04 - 1 tablespoon honey

05 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

02 - Gently open each pitted date and fill with approximately 1 teaspoon of softened goat cheese. Press closed gently.

03 - Wrap each stuffed date with half a slice of beef bacon, securing with a toothpick if necessary.

04 - Position wrapped dates seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.

05 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, turning halfway through, until bacon is crispy and browned.

06 - Transfer to serving plate. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.

01 -

The contrast between the smoky, crispy exterior and the warm, melting cheese center creates an absolutely addictive bite that disappears faster than you can set them down.
These elegant little morsels require minimal ingredients but deliver maximum impact, making you look like a culinary genius with hardly any effort.

02 -

Turning the dates halfway through baking is absolutely critical for even browning, a lesson I learned after serving a batch that was perfectly crisp on top but sadly soft on the bottom.
Letting them rest for just two minutes after baking allows the molten cheese to set slightly, making them much easier to handle without burning fingers or having the filling ooze out completely.

03 -

The quality of your dates matters tremendously, so seek out plump, moist Medjool dates rather than the drier, smaller varieties that won't create the same luxurious mouthfeel.
If your beef bacon seems particularly lean, brushing it with a tiny bit of maple syrup before baking adds both flavor and helps achieve that perfect caramelization.