Indulge in the irresistible sweet-and-savory allure of "Hot Dates," a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. This quick and easy recipe features plump Medjool dates stuffed with creamy goat cheese, wrapped in crispy bacon, and finished with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of black pepper for a touch of sweet heat. Ready in just 30 minutes, these bite-sized delights are baked to perfection, creating a tantalizing balance of flavors and textures in every bite. Whether you're hosting a holiday party, planning a cozy dinner, or looking for a unique finger food, these bacon-wrapped dates are guaranteed to be a hit. Serve them warm and watch your guests come back for more!
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Using a sharp knife, carefully make a small lengthwise slit in each Medjool date and remove the pit, taking care not to cut the date entirely in half.
Fill each date with about 1 teaspoon of goat cheese, ensuring the cheese is level with the opening.
Cut each slice of bacon in half crosswise, resulting in 20 pieces. Wrap one piece of bacon around each stuffed date and secure it with a toothpick.
Place the bacon-wrapped dates seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced slightly apart to allow for even cooking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden, turning them over once halfway through cooking for even browning.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the dates cool for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a serving platter.
Drizzle the dates with honey and sprinkle with a pinch of black pepper for added flavor.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Calories |
2277 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 71.9 g | 92% | |
| Saturated Fat | 36.4 g | 182% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 179 mg | 60% | |
| Sodium | 2359 mg | 103% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 396.4 g | 144% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 32.1 g | 115% | |
| Total Sugars | 354.8 g | ||
| Protein | 55.1 g | 110% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 472 mg | 36% | |
| Iron | 7.7 mg | 43% | |
| Potassium | 3857 mg | 82% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.