Bacon Wrapped Dates Stuffed With Balsamic Goat Cheese* Recipe

Pit dates

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Using a small paring knife, make a lengthwise slit in each Medjool date and remove the pit, keeping the date mostly intact. Set pitted dates on a plate.

Make balsamic goat cheese filling

In a small bowl, combine the soft goat cheese with 2 tablespoons balsamic reduction, freshly ground black pepper, and thyme leaves (if using). Mix with a spoon until smooth and uniform. Taste and adjust balsamic or pepper as desired.

Stuff dates

Using a small spoon or a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped), fill each pitted date with approximately 1 teaspoon of the balsamic goat cheese mixture. Do not overfill — the date should close around the filling.

Prepare bacon

Cut each slice of bacon in half crosswise to yield 24 shorter strips. If bacon is very thick, you can partially cook it in a skillet or microwave for 2–3 minutes until it starts to render fat but is not crisp; this helps ensure the bacon finishes cooking at the same time as the date. Pat bacon strips dry with paper towel if needed.

Wrap dates

Wrap one bacon half-strip around each stuffed date so bacon overlaps slightly. Secure with a soaked toothpick through the bacon into the date. Place wrapped dates seam-side down on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil or parchment. Lightly brush or spray the baking sheet with 1 teaspoon oil if not using nonstick lining.

Bake

Bake in the preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 15–20 minutes, rotating the pan once at 10 minutes, until bacon is crisp at the edges and cooked through and the goat cheese is warmed. If using partially cooked bacon, total bake time will be 10–12 minutes. For extra caramelization, broil 1–2 minutes at the end — watch closely to avoid burning.

Drain and rest

Remove from oven and transfer dates to a paper towel–lined plate to drain briefly and cool for 2–3 minutes. Carefully remove toothpicks before serving, or leave them in for easy pick-up.

Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates on a serving platter. Drizzle additional balsamic reduction (about 1 tablespoon) over the top. Sprinkle with chopped toasted walnuts or pistachios and a few microgreens or parsley if using. Serve warm or at room temperature.