Bacon Wrapped Dates
These Bacon Wrapped Dates combine sweet Medjool dates, creamy garlic herb cheese, and crisp bacon for an appetizer that hits sweet, salty, and savory in every bite.
Ingredients
- 12 bacon slices, halfed
- 24 medijool dates, pitted
- 4 ounces garlic herb cheese
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place a wire rack on top (optional, for crispier bacon).
- Slice each pitted date open lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. Fill each date with about ½–1 teaspoon of garlic herb cheese. Gently press closed.
- Wrap each stuffed date with a half slice of bacon and place seam-side down on the baking sheet. Lightly brush the tops of each bacon-wrapped date with the honey glaze.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until bacon is crisp and caramelized.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, brush with a little extra glaze just before serving for added shine and flavor.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use a wire rack if possible: It helps the bacon crisp up evenly all around and prevents sogginess on the bottom.
- Don’t overfill the dates: A small amount of cheese goes a long way, overstuffing can cause them to burst while baking.
- Secure with toothpicks if needed: If your bacon doesn’t stay wrapped, insert a toothpick through each date before baking (just remember to remove before serving).
- Bake until deeply golden: The bacon should be fully rendered and slightly crisp, if it needs more time, bake in 2-minute increments until done.
- Double the batch: These go fast at parties, consider making extra!
- Make ahead tip: Assemble and brush with glaze up to 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
Please leave a comment and star rating on this post!