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Crispy bacon wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese, drizzled with maple syrup and sprinkled with thyme, served on a white platter with toothpicks

Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates

Medjool dates stuffed with goat cheese and almonds, wrapped in bacon and baked until crisp with a light maple glaze.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Servings: 24 dates
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 110

Ingredients
  

  • 24 Medjool dates pitted
  • 4 ounces soft goat cheese slightly softened (115 g)
  • 24 whole roasted almonds
  • 12 slices regular-cut bacon cut in half crosswise
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper optional
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves for garnish

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top.
  2. Slit each date lengthwise and remove the pit.
  3. Fill each date with about 1 teaspoon of goat cheese and press in an almond. Gently squeeze closed.
  4. Wrap a half slice of bacon around each date and secure with a toothpick. Arrange seam side down on the rack.
  5. Bake for 10 minutes, flip and bake 8 to 12 minutes more, until the bacon is browned and crisp.
  6. Brush the bacon with maple syrup, sprinkle with a pinch of cayenne and bake for 2 minutes more.
  7. Cool for 5 minutes, sprinkle with thyme and serve warm.

Notes

Make ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add 2 to 3 minutes to the baking time.
Bacon: Use regular-cut bacon. Thick-cut needs 5 minutes of par-baking first.
Nutrition is an estimate per stuffed date.