Bacon Wrapped Dates Recipe

Bacon-Wrapped Dates

1. 1

   Preheat and prepare

   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top if available; the rack helps bacon crisp on all sides. If you don't have a rack, place dates directly on the foil-lined sheet.

2. 2

   Prepare the dates

   If your dates are not already pitted, make a lengthwise slit and remove the pit. Pat each date dry with a paper towel if they are sticky. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of goat cheese into each date's cavity (alternatively, use cream cheese). If using chopped nuts, press a small pinch into the cheese in each date.

3. 3

   Cut and assemble bacon

   Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise to make 24 shorter pieces. Take one stuffed date and wrap it with a half-slice of bacon, overlapping the ends slightly. Secure the bacon with a toothpick pushed through the middle (insert through the side so it holds the bacon under tension). Repeat until all 24 dates are wrapped.

4. 4

   Season and sugar coat

   Place wrapped dates seam-side down on the prepared rack or baking sheet about 1/2 inch apart. Sprinkle the top of each piece lightly with brown sugar (about 1/8 teaspoon each) and grind a small amount of black pepper over them (a light dusting from the 1 tsp total). If you want a sweeter glaze, brush each piece very lightly with maple syrup or honey.

5. 5

   Bake

   Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, rotating the pan once halfway through, until the bacon is crisped and browned to your liking. If using a rack, bacon will crisp faster; watch closely after 12 minutes to avoid burning. For extra crispness, broil 1-2 minutes at the end, watching constantly.

6. 6

   Finish and serve

   Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the dates rest for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter. If desired, drizzle a tiny amount of additional maple syrup or honey over the top and sprinkle any remaining chopped nuts. Serve warm or at room temperature.