goat cheese stuffed bacon wrapped dates

Pork

Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates

These bacon-wrapped dates are stuffed with creamy goat cheese for the perfect salty-sweet appetizer bite. Deglet Noor dates are smaller than Medjool dates and work best for this recipe. Center-cut bacon has had fat removed from either side of the strip, making it a leaner choice. If you’re having trouble keeping the bacon in place, secure it with a wooden pick before baking.

Ingredients

2 ounces soft goat cheese
1 tablespoon warm water
1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme, plus more leaves for garnish
32 small dates, such as deglet noor
11 slices center-cut bacon, cut into 2 1/2-inch pieces

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix goat cheese, water and thyme in a medium bowl until well blended and smooth.
Using a paring knife, cut a slit lengthwise down one side of each date; remove pit. Place the dates on the prepared baking sheet.
Fill each date with about 1/2 teaspoon of the cheese mixture. Press the date closed. Wrap each date tightly with 1 bacon piece (reserve any remaining bacon pieces for another use); place the dates seam-sides down on the baking sheet, 1 1/2 inches apart. (If the bacon pieces are loose, use wooden picks to secure them.)
Bake for 15 minutes. Flip the dates and bake until the bacon is crispy, 12 to 13 minutes more. Transfer to a platter. Garnish with thyme leaves, if desired.