Bacon Wrapped Dates Recipe

Time40m

Serves12

Sweet dates filled with goat cheese, wrapped in crisp bacon, drizzled with balsamic reduction

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Ingredients

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1
Prepare the 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. Keep the dates whole but open enough to fill.
2
Make the filling
In a small bowl, mash the goat cheese with a fork until smooth. If using toasted nuts, fold them into the cheese, reserving a few for garnish. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch of black pepper.
3
Fill dates
Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each pitted date with about 1/4 ounce (roughly a teaspoon) of the goat cheese mixture. Press the cut edges of the date gently closed around the filling so it stays inside when wrapped.

4
Prepare bacon
Slice each thin bacon slice in half crosswise so you have 24 shorter strips. Partially cook the bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side until they just start to render fat but are still pliable (or microwave 4 slices at a time on a paper towel for 1.5–2 minutes). You want them flexible enough to wrap without breaking; they will finish crisping in the oven.
5
Wrap dates
Wrap one half-slice of bacon around each filled date, overlapping the ends slightly. Secure the bacon with a toothpick pushed through the center. Arrange the wrapped dates seam-side down on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil and a wire rack if available (rack helps crisping).
6
Bake
Bake in the preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 12–15 minutes, or until bacon is crisp and browned. If using a rack, check the underside for doneness; rotate the pan halfway if necessary for even browning. For extra crispness, broil 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely to avoid burning.

7
Make balsamic reduction
While the dates bake, combine 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon brown sugar (if using) in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low and simmer until the liquid thickens to a syrupy consistency and coats the back of a spoon, about 8–12 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly; it will thicken further as it cools. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
8
Plate and drizzle
When bacon-wrapped dates are done, transfer them to a serving platter. Drizzle the warm (not piping hot) balsamic reduction over the dates using a spoon or small squeeze bottle. Garnish with a sprinkle of the reserved toasted nuts (if used) and fresh thyme leaves or microgreens.
9
Serve
Serve warm or at room temperature. Provide small forks or extra toothpicks for guests. Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 6–8 minutes to re-crisp bacon.