Roasted Dates with Smoked Bacon and Goat Cheese

By NicoleS

Ingredients

• 4 slices applewood-smoked bacon
• 3 ounces fresh goat cheese
• 16 Medjool dates

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil; set a rack over the baking sheet.

Lay the bacon out on the rack. Transfer to the oven and bake until cooked but not crispy, 12 to 15 minutes. Let the bacon cool for about 5 minutes before cutting into 1/2-inch pieces.

Lower the oven to 350 degrees F. Remove the rack from the baking sheet; replace the aluminum with parchment paper.

Cut a lengthwise slit in the dates, just long enough to remove the pits. Carefully remove the pits. Fill each date with a scant teaspoon of the goat cheese. Carefully insert a piece of bacon into the cheese in each date. Bake the stuffed dates for about 15 minutes. Serve warm.