Bacon Wrapped Medjool Dates are an easy make ahead appetizer, perfect for any party from tailgating to elegant dinner parties.

Bacon Wrapped Medjool Dates are an amazing combination of flavors and textures: crispy salty bacon, soft sweet dates, creamy goat cheese and crunchy almonds. You might want to double or triple the recipe because these will go fast.

Medjool dates with goat cheese and almonds on a plate

Bacon makes everything better.

Okay, too much bacon is bad for your health. But, an occasional bite here and there can be a boost to your emotional health (it's on the internet now so it must be true!)

These Bacon Wrapped Dates are so easy to make ahead for a party, just fill and wrap the dates then store in the fridge until party time. Heat them up just before guests begin arriving and they will be a wonderful welcome to your gathering.

Medjool Dates versus Other Dates

This recipe calls for Medjool dates. They are not the same as regular pitted dates found with the dried fruit in your grocery store.

fresh not dried: Medjool dates are harvested and sold fresh and should be in the produce aisle and are better stored in the fridge.
consistency: because they are fresh they are softer than the dried varieties
taste: Medjool are sweeter
size: Medjool dates are significantly larger

That last reason is one of the main reasons to go out of your way to get the Medjool for this instance.

If you can only find the dried pitted dates, fear not; you can still use them. But, you probably want to cut your bacon into three pieces instead of in half and make more smaller sized appetizers.

More Finger Food Recipes from #OurFamilyTable

When it is time to party it is time to break out the finger foods. Here are some delicious recipes perfect for everything from tailgating to elegant dinner parties.

Favorite Finger Foods for New Years

Bacon Wrapped Dates from That Recipe
Baked Cheese and Jam Phyllo Cups from The Spiffy Cookie
Champagne Truffles from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
Cheeseburger Pie Bites from Cindy's Recipes and Writings
Keto Scotch Eggs from Art of Natural Living
Mexican Mollettes Bites from Magical Ingredients
Rosemary Pesto and Steak Crostini from Pandemonium Noshery
Thai Lime & Chili Cashews (DIY Trader Joe's) from Palatable Pastime

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Bacon Wrapped Medjool Dates

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Ingredients

24 large whole Medjool dates (see note)
6 ounces goat cheese (room temperature)
½ cup slivered blanched almonds
3 tablespoons honey (divided use)
12 slices bacon (cut in half)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley leaves (finely chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat..
Pit the dates by carefully cutting a slit down one side with a sharp knife. Remove pits and discard.
In a medium bowl combine goat cheese, almonds, and two tablespoons honey.
Fill each pitted date with some of the goat cheese mixture and gently squeeze closed.
Roll each date in half a slice of bacon and secure closed with a toothpick.
Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake until the bacon is evenly cooked, and the dates are heated through, flipping the dates two or three times with tongs while cooking to ensure even results. About 20-25 minutes.
Remove from oven, place on a serving plate, drizzle with remaining honey and garnish with the fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

This recipe was created using larger fresh Medjool dates found in the produce aisle of the grocery store.

To use pitted dates, use a new package so the dates are their softest. Cut the bacon in thirds and make 36 smaller appetizers instead of the 24 larger ones. Cooking time may vary.