Sweet Meets Savory: The Perfect Medjool Date Appetizer for Your Summer BBQ
As Memorial Day weekend approaches, it’s time to fire up the grill, invite your favorite people over, and savor the start of summer. While burgers and hot dogs might be the main event, no gathering is complete without a standout appetizer — and we’ve got just the one.
Meet your new go-to summer bite: Bacon-Wrapped Medjool Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Almonds. This simple, crowd-pleasing appetizer hits all the right notes — salty, sweet, creamy, and crunchy — and features the star of our farm: plump, organic Medjool dates.
Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ or heading to a potluck, these little flavor bombs are quick to prepare, easy to transport, and guaranteed to disappear fast. Let's dive into what makes this appetizer a summer staple.
Why Medjool Dates?
Medjool dates are often called “nature’s candy” — and for good reason. Grown under the sun-soaked skies of Yuma County, our Desert Fruit Farms Medjool dates are soft, caramel-like, and naturally sweet. That sweetness pairs beautifully with creamy cheese, salty bacon, and the gentle crunch of a roasted almond.
Plus, they’re rich in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants — giving your summer snacks a healthy twist!
Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Medjool Dates with Goat Cheese & Almonds
Ingredients (makes 12 appetizers):
12 Desert Fruit Farms Medjool dates, pitted
6 strips of thin-cut bacon, cut in half
2 oz goat cheese (or cream cheese, if preferred)
12 whole roasted almonds (or pecans)
Toothpicks for securing
Optional: Drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze for serving
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F (or prepare your grill to medium-high heat).
Slice each date lengthwise to remove the pit (if not already pitted).
Stuff each date with a small amount of goat cheese and one roasted almond.
Wrap each date with a half strip of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
Place on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment.
Bake for 15–20 minutes or until bacon is crispy, turning halfway through.
If grilling: cook on indirect heat for about 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally.Let cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze if desired.
Tip: These can be assembled a day in advance and cooked right before serving!
Perfect for Summer Gatherings
These bacon-wrapped Medjool dates are perfect alongside an icy drink and your favorite BBQ staples. They also pair wonderfully with a chilled rosé or a crisp, citrusy beer.
Whether you're toasting the start of summer or celebrating under the stars, this appetizer brings sunshine to your table in every bite.
So stock up on fresh Medjool dates from Desert Fruit Farms, and let the flavors of the season shine.
📦 Shop our organic dates online: desertfruitfarms.com/shop
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