~Amanda~
Whenever I am invited to (or hosting) any kind of party and I’m in charge of the appetizer, 9 times out of 10 I will be making Bacon Wrapped Dates. I don’t think there is anything in the world quite like them; they are sweet, savory, salty, creamy and so tasty that you might catch yourself asking if they’re actually an appetizer or dessert?! They are also guaranteed to impress pretty much everyone at your gathering – they are always such a big crowd pleaser and everyone will be so awestruck with you and your amazing culinary skills because they’re so decadent (they do taste like heaven after all). Something this good must be difficult to make, right? Nope! They’re very easy and quick to prepare which makes them perfect for a party – in this case a SUPER BOWL PARTY!
For the last few years, I have always made my bacon wrapped dates very simple with just bacon and dates, as the name would suggest. The flavors are incredible and with just two ingredients and they are ready to go in no time. So if you’re wanting to save a little time, or just don’t like goat cheese and/or almonds, I would definitely suggest making them like that. However, I was recently exposed to Bacon Wrapped Dates stuffed with Goat Cheese and Almonds and I haven’t been able to make them without goat cheese and almonds since. They were sooooo delicious – not only to you get the sweet and savory flavors from the dates and bacon, but the goat cheese brings in a creamy and tangy element and the almonds add a nice little crunch for texture. AHHHH-Mazing!
So how easy is it to actually make these? First, pit your dates if they’re not already pitted (if they are just make sure there is a little opening to insert the goat cheese and almonds through). Next, place one almond inside of each date. Then fill a pastry bag, or plastic sandwich bag, with the goat cheese and pipe that into the center of each date. Finally, wrap each date with a half of a piece of bacon and secure it with a toothpick. Place seam side down on a baking sheet and bake for about 15-18 minutes until crisp and golden brown. Let rest for a few minutes and then serve warm to your drooling guests (yes, they’ll definitely be drooling because your house will smell like sweet dates and savory bacon)! Hopefully you enjoy these as much as me and they will become your new go-to appetizer too!
- 24 large dates (medjool)
- 12 slices of bacon, cut in half
- ¼ cup goat cheese, room temperature
- 24 whole almonds
- Toothpicks
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- If your dates aren’t already pitted, pit them by cutting open one side, as little as possible, and take the pit out. If they are pitted, make sure there is an opening to insert the goat cheese and almond.
- Stuff each date with one almond.
- Put the goat cheese in a piping back or plastic sandwich bag and cut about ¼“ tip in the corner then pipe the goat cheese through the opening of each date.
- Wrap each date with a half piece of bacon and secure by sticking a toothpick through it. Then place seam side down on a baking sheet 1” apart from each other.
- Bake about 15-18 minutes until the bacon is crisp and just browned.
- Remove from oven and let cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
- *To make these even more simple (but still just as delicious), omit the almonds and goat cheese and simply wrap the dates with the bacon and bake as directed above.
