Gluten-Free JOC Appetizer - Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Dates

Ingredients:

12 large Medjool dates, pitted
6 slices gluten-free bacon, cut in half
1/4 cup gluten-free goat cheese or cream cheese
1/4 cup gluten-free almonds, whole or slivered
1/4 teaspoon gluten-free black pepper
Toothpicks, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Gluten-free honey for drizzling (optional)
Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Balsamic glaze for drizzling (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Carefully make a small slit in each pitted date.

Stuff each date with a small amount of gluten-free goat cheese or cream cheese and a gluten-free almond. Press the date closed around the filling.

Wrap each stuffed date with a half-slice of gluten-free bacon. Secure the bacon with a soaked toothpick.

Place the wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the dates are caramelized.

Remove from the oven and let the Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Dates cool slightly. They will become firmer as they cool.

Optionally, drizzle with gluten-free honey or balsamic glaze for added sweetness or garnish with fresh thyme leaves for extra flavor.

Serve these gluten-free Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Dates hot as an irresistible appetizer.

Enjoy these sweet and savory gluten-free Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Dates as a delectable appetizer!