Dates Wrapped In Bacon Recipe

Preheat and prepare

Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top if available — this helps bacon crisp on all sides. If you don't have a rack, use parchment paper or foil only.

Pit the dates

Make a lengthwise slit in each date with a small paring knife and gently remove the pit. Keep the dates intact except for the slit so they hold the filling.

Toast nuts (if using)

If using whole almonds or pecan halves, warm a small skillet over medium heat and toast the nuts 3–4 minutes, shaking frequently, until fragrant and slightly darker. Let cool before using.

Fill the dates

Using a small spoon or a piping bag, pipe or spoon about 1/4 oz (roughly a teaspoon) of goat cheese or cream cheese into each pitted date. If using nuts, press one almond or pecan half into the cheese filling so it sits flush with the date opening.

Wrap with bacon

Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise to make 24 shorter strips. Wrap one bacon half around each stuffed date, with the cut edge overlapping underneath. Secure each wrapped date with a toothpick inserted through the bacon into the date to hold it closed.

Season the tops

Place the wrapped dates seam-side down on the prepared rack or baking sheet about 1/2 inch apart. Lightly sprinkle each with a pinch of brown sugar (if using), then dust with a light grind of black pepper and a tiny sprinkle of smoked paprika for color and mild smokiness (optional).

Bake until crisp

Bake in the preheated 400°F (205°C) oven for 15–20 minutes, rotating the pan once halfway through, until the bacon is browned and crisp and the cheese is warm. If bacon is browning too quickly, reduce oven to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking until done.

Rest and drain

Remove from oven and transfer dates to a paper-towel-lined plate for 1–2 minutes to absorb excess grease. If you used a rack, let them rest on the rack for a couple minutes to cool slightly.

Serve

Arrange on a serving platter. Serve warm or at room temperature. Provide extra toothpicks for guests. Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 6–8 minutes to re-crisp bacon.