Matador's Gold

Chef George Professional Series

Bacon-Wrapped Medjool Dates Stuffed with Feta, Sausage & Mediterranean Herbs,
Finished with Hottzspice Honey

Yield: 24 appetizers

Ingredients

  • 24 Medjool dates, pitted
  • 8 oz breakfast sausage (mild or hot), cooked and cooled
  • 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 oz cream cheese, softened (optional but recommended)
  • 1 tsp Mediterranean All Blend
  • ½ tsp Tobias Garlic Salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 12 slices bacon, cut in half
  • Optional: pinch red pepper flakes
  • Optional: 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley

Optional Finish — Choose One

  • Warmed Hottzspice Honey
  • OR honey with a few drops of fresh lemon juice
Matador's Gold — Bacon-Wrapped Medjool Dates

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
  2. Brown sausage and allow to cool.
  3. Combine sausage, feta, cream cheese, Mediterranean All Blend, Tobias Garlic Salt, black pepper, parsley, and red pepper flakes.
  4. Slice dates lengthwise and remove pits.
  5. Fill each date with approximately 1 tablespoon of filling.
  6. Wrap with one-half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
  7. Place on a wire rack over a sheet pan.
  8. Bake 18–22 minutes, turning once halfway through, until bacon is crisp and dates are caramelized.
  9. Rest 3–5 minutes.
  10. Lightly drizzle with warmed Hottzspice Honey before serving.

Flavor Profile:

Sweet
Smoky
Salty
Savory
Spicy

Chef Notes:

– Use a wire rack over the sheet pan — it allows the bacon to crisp on all sides and prevents the bottoms from steaming.

– Turning halfway through is essential for even caramelization and bacon crispness.

– The cream cheese is optional but highly recommended — it binds the filling and adds a creamy contrast to the feta.

– Hottzspice Honey should be warmed, not hot — it should drizzle easily and coat the dates without pooling.

– Toothpicks are non-negotiable. The bacon will unravel without them during the bake.

– Rest 3–5 minutes before serving. The filling is extremely hot directly out of the oven.

"Matador's Gold delivers the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, salty, savory and spicy flavors. The rich feta and sausage filling contrasts beautifully with the natural caramel sweetness of Medjool dates, while crisp bacon and a touch of Hottzspice Honey elevate this appetizer into a memorable steakhouse-quality bite."

— Chef George

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© Day of the Dead Food Products  •  Crafted by Chef George  •  Cook with intent.