Bacon Wrapped Dates Recipe

Prepare dates

Rinse dates and pat dry. Using a sharp paring knife, make a lengthwise slit in each date and remove the pit, keeping the date mostly intact (do not split fully). Set pitted dates on a work surface.

Make filling

In a small bowl, combine the soft goat cheese and optional cream cheese. Stir until smooth and spreadable. Fold in the chopped toasted almonds (or pistachios) and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning; the filling should be slightly tangy and spreadable but not runny.

Stuff dates

Using a teaspoon or a small piping bag (or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped), fill each pitted date with about 1/2 tablespoon of the goat cheese mixture. Press gently to close the date around the filling so it stays inside.

Prep bacon

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut each slice of Michigan bacon in half crosswise so you have 24 shorter strips. If the bacon is very thick, consider par-cooking on a sheet pan for 4–6 minutes to render some fat but keep it pliable; drain on paper towels.

Wrap dates

Wrap one half-slice of bacon around each stuffed date, bacon seam-side down, overlapping the ends slightly. Secure with a toothpick pushed through the top and out the bottom. Place each wrapped date seam-side down on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack set over a sheet pan (rack yields crisper bacon).

Bake

Bake in the preheated 400°F oven for 15–20 minutes until the bacon is crisp and browned, rotating the pan once about halfway through for even cooking. If using a wire rack the bacon will crisp faster; check at 12 minutes to avoid over-browning. Remove from oven when bacon reaches desired crispness.

Drain

Transfer finished bacon-wrapped dates to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess fat for 2 minutes, then move to a serving platter.

Make aleppo honey

While the dates bake (or briefly afterward), whisk together the honey, Aleppo pepper, and lemon juice in a small bowl until combined. Warm the honey mixture for 10–15 seconds in the microwave or in a small saucepan over low heat just until pourable (do not boil). Taste and add more Aleppo pepper if you want more heat.

Finish & serve

Drizzle about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of the warm aleppo honey over each bacon-wrapped date, or drizzle over the whole platter and let guests serve themselves. Sprinkle the flaky sea salt lightly over the platter to finish. Serve warm or at room temperature.