Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Almonds
Sweet Medjool dates stuffed with marcona almonds, wrapped in smoky bacon and roasted until crisp
Ingredients
- 24Medjool dates(pitted)
- 4 ozgoat cheese(or blue cheese)
- 12 slicesbacon(cut in half)
- 24toothpicks
📝 Make Ahead
Can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated. Bake just before serving. Do not freeze.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F
- Make a small slit in each date and stuff with about 1 tsp goat cheese
- Wrap each date with half slice of bacon and secure with toothpick
- Place on wire rack over baking sheet
- Bake 15-18 minutes until bacon is crispy
- Let cool slightly before serving
💡 Pro Tips
Use thin-cut bacon - thick-cut won't crisp properly before dates burn. Medjool dates are essential for their caramel-like sweetness and soft texture. The wire rack is crucial for crispy bacon all around. For a blue cheese variation, stuff with Gorgonzola instead of almonds.
📜 History
This Spanish-influenced tapa became an American cocktail party sensation in the 2000s, likely introduced through tapas bars and subsequently appearing on countless appetizer menus. The combination of sweet dates, crunchy nuts, and salty bacon exemplifies the sweet-savory pairing that defines modern entertaining.