Irresistible Bacon Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Almonds
These bacon wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese and almonds are a quick, easy, and addictive party appetizer combining sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 dates (about 12 servings, 2 dates per serving) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 24 Medjool dates, pitted
- About 24 teaspoons (5g each) soft goat cheese
- 24 whole almonds (raw or roasted)
- 12 slices thin-cut bacon, cut in half crosswise
- Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or black pepper
- Optional: drizzle of honey
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each date lengthwise on one side, creating a pocket but not cutting all the way through. Remove the pit gently with your fingers or a small spoon.
- Fill each date with about 1 teaspoon (5g) of goat cheese. Press one almond into the cheese so it sits snugly inside.
- Cut bacon slices in half crosswise. Wrap each stuffed date with a half slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if needed.
- Place the wrapped dates seam side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart to allow crisping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through, flip the dates for even crisping if your bacon isn’t cooking evenly.
- Check for doneness: the bacon should be golden and crispy, and the goat cheese warm and slightly melted. If bacon isn’t crisp enough, broil for 1-2 minutes but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Remove from oven and let the dates rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
If dates are dry, soak briefly in warm water before stuffing. Avoid overstuffing with cheese to prevent oozing. Flip halfway through baking for even crisping. Broil briefly if bacon is not crispy enough. Toast almonds for extra nuttiness. Assemble ahead and refrigerate covered, bake before serving. Reheat leftovers in oven at 350°F for 10 minutes; avoid microwave to keep bacon crispy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 dates
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 5
Keywords: bacon wrapped dates, goat cheese, almonds, party appetizer, easy appetizer, sweet and salty snack, finger food