Savory-Sweet Bacon-Wrapped Almond-Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese
Indulge in a deliciously sweet and savory appetizer that brings together the rich flavors of crispy bacon, creamy goat cheese, and nutty almonds. Inspired by culinary masters, these medjool dates are pitted and generously stuffed before being enveloped in smoky bacon. Perfect for entertaining or as a delightful snack, these irresistible bites will surely impress your friends and family with their unique blend of flavors and textures.
24
Servings
50
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Large Medjool dates
24 (pitted)
Bacon
12 (slices, cut in half crosswise)
Goat cheese
4 (ounces, softened)
Unsalted almonds
24 (toasted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 500°F, positioning the rack in the upper third.
2
Take each pitted date and carefully stuff it with a toasted almond, followed by filling the remaining cavity with softened goat cheese using a pastry bag or a spoon.
3
Wrap each date in half a slice of bacon, ensuring the ends are secured with a toothpick to hold everything together.
4
Arrange the wrapped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
5
Bake the dates in the preheated oven for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the bacon is golden brown and crispy, rotating the tray halfway through if necessary for even cooking.
6
Once done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.
7
For a beautiful presentation, insert decorative picks into each date and serve on a half pineapple, sliced lengthwise, adding a tropical touch to your platter.
Nutrition Information
1.75g
Protein
58.3mg
Sodium
6.5mg
Cholesterol
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flavor profile of these stuffed dates?
These dates offer a unique savory-sweet blend, featuring smoky bacon, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy toasted almonds.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 24 individual bacon-wrapped stuffed dates.
What type of dates should be used for this recipe?
Large Medjool dates are recommended because they are sweet and have enough space to be pitted and stuffed.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 500°F for optimal crispiness of the bacon.
Where should I position the oven rack?
Position the oven rack in the upper third of the oven for the best results.
How do I prepare the bacon for wrapping?
Take 12 slices of bacon and cut them in half crosswise to create 24 pieces for wrapping.
What type of almonds should I use?
Use 24 unsalted almonds that have been toasted for a nutty crunch.
How do I fill the dates with goat cheese?
You can use a pastry bag or a simple spoon to fill the date cavity after inserting the almond.
How do I keep the bacon from falling off during baking?
Secure the ends of the bacon with a toothpick to hold everything together while it cooks.
What should I line the baking sheet with?
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the dates from sticking.
How long do the dates need to bake?
Bake the dates for 6 to 8 minutes until the bacon is golden brown and crispy.
Should I rotate the baking sheet?
Yes, rotating the tray halfway through the cooking time helps ensure even browning.
How long should the dates cool before serving?
Allow the dates to cool for a few minutes after taking them out of the oven.
What is a creative way to serve this appetizer?
You can serve the dates on a half pineapple sliced lengthwise for a tropical and impressive presentation.
How many calories are in one stuffed date?
Each stuffed date contains approximately 50 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides about 1.75g of protein.
How much sodium is in each date?
There is approximately 58.3mg of sodium in one stuffed date.
How much cholesterol is in a serving?
One stuffed date contains approximately 6.5mg of cholesterol.
Do I need to soften the goat cheese first?
Yes, using 4 ounces of softened goat cheese makes it much easier to stuff into the dates.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe requires 4 main ingredients: Medjool dates, bacon, goat cheese, and unsalted almonds.
Is this a good recipe for entertaining?
Absolutely, it is categorized as a party food and appetizer that is sure to impress guests.
Can I use decorative picks for serving?
Yes, inserting decorative picks into each date makes them easier for guests to grab and improves presentation.
What should the bacon look like when done?
The bacon should be golden brown and have a crispy texture.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a simple snack to prepare.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 500°F and position the rack in the upper third.
Do I need to pit the dates myself?
The recipe specifies using pitted Medjool dates; if they have pits, you must remove them before stuffing.
What is the texture of the goat cheese in this dish?
The goat cheese becomes creamy and soft, contrasting with the crispy bacon and crunchy almond.
Can these be eaten as a snack?
Yes, they are suitable both as a formal appetizer and a delightful personal snack.
How many almonds go into each date?
One toasted almond is tucked into each pitted date.
Does the recipe include fiber or sugar information?
No, the nutritional data for fiber and sugar is not specified in this recipe.