Ingredients:

  • 24 large Medjool dates, pitted (approx. 340g / 12 oz)
  • 115g (4 oz) plain goat cheese, softened at room temperature
  • 1/2 tsp (1g) cracked black pepper
  • 12 strips thin-cut bacon, cut in half crosswise (approx. 340g / 12 oz)
  • 60ml (1/4 cup) pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp (1g) smoked paprika

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a large rimmed baking sheet with a wire cooling rack set inside.
  2. If not already pitted, slice a lengthwise slit into each Medjool date and remove the pit. Season the softened goat cheese with cracked black pepper.
  3. Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill the cavity of each date with approximately 1 teaspoon of goat cheese. Gently press the sides of the date back together to seal the cheese inside.
  4. Wrap one half-strip of bacon tightly around each stuffed date, ensuring the seam is on the bottom. Secure the bacon by piercing a water-soaked toothpick through the center.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup and smoked paprika. Use a pastry brush to coat the exterior of the bacon on each date generously.
  6. Arrange the dates on the wire rack. Bake for 15–20 minutes, turning once halfway through the cooking time, until the bacon is golden-brown and crispy.
  7. Remove from the oven and allow the appetizers to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the cheese stabilize.