Ingredients

The following ingredients have 4 Servings
  • 24 whole dried dates
  • 12 slices bacon (cut in half)
  • 24 whole almonds
  • 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
  • 4 ounces blue cheese
  • 4 ounces goat cheese

Instruction

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Place an oven-safe baking rack on top of a rimmed baking sheet that has been lined with foil.
  • While the oven is preheating, soak toothpicks in a shallow dish of water for 20 minutes and then drain from the water.
  • Slice the dates lengthwise on one side to create an opening. Remove the pit if needed. If desired, fill the cavity with either 1 almond, or 1 teaspoon each of either goat cheese, cream cheese, or blue cheese. Use a spoon or your fingers to be sure filling is inserted fully into the date and not oozing out the sides.
  • Cut each strip of bacon in half. Wrap one piece of cut bacon around each date. Secure with a pre-soaked toothpick and place onto the prepared baking dish. Alternatively, you can place the wrapped date seam side down onto the prepared baking dish.
  • Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until bacon is crispy. Keep in mind if you are using a broiler pan instead of a baking rack on top of a sheet pan, you will want to flip your dates halfway through cooking to ensure even browning of the bacon.
  • Place the bacon-wrapped dates onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease. Once cooled, serve.