These bacon-wrapped dates are stuffed with creamy goat cheese for the perfect salty-sweet appetizer bite.
Deglet Noor dates are smaller than Medjool dates and work best for this recipe.
Center-cut bacon has had fat removed from either side of the strip, making it a leaner choice.
Photo:Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
If youre having trouble keeping the bacon in place, secure it with a wooden pick before baking.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix goat cheese, water and thyme in a medium bowl until well blended and smooth.
Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
Using a paring knife, cut a slit lengthwise down one side of each date; remove pit.
Place the dates on the prepared baking sheet.
Fill each date with about 1/2 teaspoon of the cheese mixture.
Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
Press the date closed.
(If the bacon pieces are loose, use wooden picks to secure them.)
Bake for 15 minutes.
Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
Flip the dates and bake until the bacon is crispy, 12 to 13 minutes more.
Transfer to a platter.
Garnish with thyme leaves, if desired.
Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
Of note, how you store your dates can influence their antioxidant content.
Like cows-milk cheese,goat cheeseoffers a variety of nutrients, including being an excellent source of vitamin A.
Yes, you’re free to!
Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
Feel free to use any key in of soft cheese, such as blue cheese or feta cheese.
Deglet Noor dates have a narrow, elongated oval shape and are golden amber in color.
Center-cut bacon has had fat removed from either side of the strip, making it leaner than regular bacon.
The thinner strips are also the perfect width because theyre easier to wrap around each date.
you’ve got the option to substitute it with regular bacon with the fatty edges trimmed off.
Additional reporting byCarrie MyersandJan Valdez
EatingWell.com, November 2023
