Description

Sweet, smoky, and creamy bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with tangy goat cheese and glazed with maple syrup, perfect for easy entertaining and crowd-pleasing appetizers.

Ingredients

Scale

20 large Medjool dates, pitted
4 ounces (115g) goat cheese, soft log or crumbled
10 slices thick-cut bacon, cut in half crosswise
1/4 cup (60ml) pure maple syrup
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Toothpicks for securing bacon

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cut each slice of bacon in half crosswise to make 20 strips.
If dates are not pitted, slice down one side and remove pits carefully.
Stuff each date with about 1 teaspoon of goat cheese, being careful not to overfill.
Wrap each stuffed date with a half slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick through the middle. Place on a baking sheet seam side down.
In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, freshly ground black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using) to make the glaze.
Brush or drizzle the maple glaze generously over each bacon-wrapped date.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning the tray halfway through, until bacon is crispy and glaze is caramelized but not burnt.
Let cool for a few minutes and serve warm.

Notes

Use thick-cut bacon for best crispiness. Watch the bacon closely around 18 minutes to avoid burning. You can prep dates and glaze a day ahead and bake just before serving. Alternatives to goat cheese include cream cheese or blue cheese. For a spicy twist, add cayenne pepper to the glaze. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days and reheat gently in the oven.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 dates
Calories: 200
Sugar: 13
Sodium: 400
Fat: 12
Saturated Fat: 5
Carbohydrates: 18
Fiber: 2
Protein: 6

Keywords: bacon wrapped dates, maple glazed dates, goat cheese appetizer, easy entertaining recipe, party appetizer, sweet and salty appetizer