Description
Delicious bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with creamy goat cheese and brushed with a flavorful maple syrup glaze infused with red pepper flakes, rosemary, and black pepper. This appetizer combines sweet, savory, and spicy elements perfect for entertaining or a tasty snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Dates and Filling
- 24 large Medjool dates, pitted
- 4 oz. crumbled goat cheese
Bacon and Glaze
- 12 slices bacon, halved
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 3/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp. finely chopped rosemary
- 3/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top; set aside. This setup allows the bacon to crisp evenly.
- Prepare Dates: Carefully halve each date lengthwise without cutting all the way through to create a pocket. Spoon a small amount of crumbled goat cheese into the center of each date to fill.
- Wrap with Bacon: Wrap each stuffed date with a halved slice of bacon, ensuring the bacon ends meet and secure underneath the date. This holds the bacon in place during cooking.
- Initial Baking: Place the bacon-wrapped dates seam side down on the wire rack-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 15 minutes until the bacon fat begins to render and the bacon starts to release its grease.
- Prepare Glaze: While the dates are baking, in a small bowl combine maple syrup, crushed red pepper flakes, chopped rosemary, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to incorporate flavors.
- Glaze and Continue Baking: Remove the dates from oven and brush each with the maple syrup glaze generously. Return them to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized.
Notes
- Use Medjool dates for their large size and natural sweetness, ideal for stuffing.
- To prevent bacon from unwrapping, you can secure with a toothpick if desired.
- If you prefer a milder spice, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Allow dates to cool slightly before serving to let the glaze set and bacon crisp fully.
- Serve warm as an elegant appetizer or cocktail party bite.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 dates (approx. 50g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
