Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates

This simple 3 ingredient appetizer with Natural Delights Medjool Dates is a go-to for #datenight or entertaining! Everyone loves the salty/sweet combination. They’re gluten free and very easy to make. Plus, dates provide a caramelized flavor profile to this appetizer (and are fiber rich)!

The key to this recipe is to use toothpicks and don’t over wrap the dates!

First time I attempted these, I didn’t use toothpicks and they unraveled and/or didn’t cook evenly. They were still delicious but I like my bacon crisp! Toothpicks are key for two reasons: (1) to secure while they’re cooking and (2) so that you can easily turn the date for even cooking. This is important, for the bacon to be crispy but still slightly soft on all sides.

My shortcut: use pitted dates because they’re ready to stuff with your fave fillings (one less step)!

We usually make three different options: almond, cashew, and goat cheese. You can also use nut butters but they are messier to work with. Experiment with other nut and cheese fillings to find your favorite!

Ingredients

(Quantity is totally up to you…make four or make 40!)

Dates
Bacon ( I like sugar free Pedersons or Nature’s Rancher)
Whole Cashews or Almonds
Goat Cheese

Directions

Preheat oven to 350
Cut bacon slices in half. You want the bacon the wrap around the date 1.5 times so that it fully wraps around and cooks evenly. Too much bacon and it will be too chewy.
Stuff a pitted date with filling of your choice. Use enough to fill the date cavity but it will still close.
Wrap the date with 1/3 slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick
Add to a parchment paper lined baking sheet leaving a few inches between each date
Bake for 10 minutes then remove and turn each date using the toothpick to brown the other side
Bake for 5-8 more minutes. Remove and repeat the turning and bake for another 5-8 mins.
Keep an eye on the dates during the last baking time, and pull them out when they’ve reached the level of “doneness” you want. Remove from oven and transfer to a paper towel lined plate. Wait about 5 mins, then serve.

Recipe note: To make these Whole30 friendly, use sugar free compliant bacon and omit cheese.