Bacon-Wrapped Cheese-Stuffed Dates
Bacon-Wrapped Cheese-Stuffed Dates
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Dates
- 16 Medjool dates, pitted
- 4 ounces goat cheese, softened
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup pecan halves, finely chopped
- 8 slices thin-cut bacon, cut in half crosswise
For the Balsamic Glaze (Optional)
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
⏱️ 5 min•🌡️ 375
- 2
Prepare the dates: If your Medjool dates are not already pitted, carefully slice them lengthwise down one side and remove the pit. Be careful not to cut all the way through, creating a pocket for the filling.
⏱️ 5 min
- 3
Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, cream cheese, and chopped pecans. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
⏱️ 3 min
- 4
Stuff the dates: Carefully spoon or use a small knife to fill each date with approximately 1 teaspoon of the cheese mixture. Gently press the date closed around the filling.
⏱️ 5 min
- 5
Wrap the dates: Take one half-slice of bacon and wrap it snugly around each stuffed date. Secure the bacon with a toothpick if desired, though often the bacon will stay in place during baking. Place the wrapped dates seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
⏱️ 7 min
- 6
Bake the dates: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. The cheese inside should be warm and slightly gooey.
⏱️ 25 min•🌡️ 375
- 7
While the dates are baking, prepare the balsamic glaze (if using): In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-12 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. Be careful not to over-reduce, as it will thicken further as it cools.
⏱️ 10 min
- 8
Serve: Remove the bacon-wrapped dates from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. If using, drizzle with the balsamic glaze just before serving. These are best served warm.
⏱️ 5 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Bacon-Wrapped Cheese-Stuffed Dates
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Dates
- 16 Medjool dates, pitted
- 4 ounces goat cheese, softened
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup pecan halves, finely chopped
- 8 slices thin-cut bacon, cut in half crosswise
For the Balsamic Glaze (Optional)
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
⏱️ 5 min•🌡️ 375 - 2
Prepare the dates: If your Medjool dates are not already pitted, carefully slice them lengthwise down one side and remove the pit. Be careful not to cut all the way through, creating a pocket for the filling.
⏱️ 5 min - 3
Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, cream cheese, and chopped pecans. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
⏱️ 3 min - 4
Stuff the dates: Carefully spoon or use a small knife to fill each date with approximately 1 teaspoon of the cheese mixture. Gently press the date closed around the filling.
⏱️ 5 min - 5
Wrap the dates: Take one half-slice of bacon and wrap it snugly around each stuffed date. Secure the bacon with a toothpick if desired, though often the bacon will stay in place during baking. Place the wrapped dates seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
⏱️ 7 min - 6
Bake the dates: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. The cheese inside should be warm and slightly gooey.
⏱️ 25 min•🌡️ 375 - 7
While the dates are baking, prepare the balsamic glaze (if using): In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-12 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. Be careful not to over-reduce, as it will thicken further as it cools.
⏱️ 10 min - 8
Serve: Remove the bacon-wrapped dates from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. If using, drizzle with the balsamic glaze just before serving. These are best served warm.
⏱️ 5 min