Bacon Wrapped Dates

This has got to be one of my favorite appetizer recipes! I love trying new foods and am often inspired by restaurants, which is what happened with these Bacon Wrapped Dates. They are inspired by the “Devils on Horseback” appetizer I enjoyed at The Pearl restaurant in Dublin, OH. I personally love the goat cheese center, but you can leave it out if you want or replace it with an almond. They simple but sure to impress, and I can’t wait for you to try them.

Prep Dates: Use a knife to make a lengthwise slit in the center of the date and remove pit (if needed).

Assemble: Slice bacon strips in half. Scoop a teaspoon of goat cheese inside the date and wrap a piece of bacon around each date, securing with a toothpick. Arrange on a metal cooling rack on top of an aluminum lined baking sheet. Lightly brush a coating of the glaze over each date (save the rest).

Bake at 400 degrees F for 15-25 minutes, until bacon is crispy. Remove from oven and drizzle with remaining glaze. Serve warm or at room temperature. Refrigerate after 2 hours of sitting out. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

To Make Ahead: fully assemble the dates with the goat cheese and bacon wrapped around them, cover and refrigerate for up to 48 hours (depending on how fresh the bacon is).

Store: leftovers covered in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

To Freeze: Follow the steps to assemble the bacon wrapped dates with the goat cheese and securing the wrapped bacon with a toothpick. Arrange in a freezer safe container and keep in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before continuing the recipe with brushing on the glaze and baking.