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Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Bacon-wrapped dates are a savory-sweet snack featuring sticky, caramel-like dates encased in crispy, smoky bacon. Often stuffed with tangy cheese, these bites are baked until the bacon crisps and the flavors meld, resulting in bite-sized morsels with a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

  • 16 pieces pitted dates preferably Medjool for sweetness
  • 4 slices bacon thin-cut works best
  • 2 oz blue cheese or goat cheese optional, for stuffing
  • 1 tablespoon honey optional, for drizzling
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs chopped, optional garnish

Equipment

  • Baking sheet with parchment paper
  • Sharp paring knife
  • Toothpicks

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Using the sharp paring knife, carefully slice each date lengthwise, removing the pit while keeping the fruit intact for easy stuffing.
  3. If using cheese, cut a small piece and stuff it into the cavity of each date, pressing gently to fill.
  4. Cut the bacon slices in half crosswise to create smaller strips that are easier to wrap around each date.
  5. Wrap each stuffed date with a strip of bacon, securing it with a toothpick to hold everything in place.
  6. Place the bacon-wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet, arranging them so they don’t touch to ensure even crisping.
  7. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until the bacon is golden brown and crispy, and the dates are caramelized and soft.
  8. Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and let the bites rest for about 5 minutes; the bacon will crisp up further as they cool slightly.
  9. If desired, drizzle the dates with honey for a glossy finish and sprinkle with chopped herbs for a burst of freshness.
  10. Serve the bacon-wrapped dates warm, enjoying the crispy bacon with the sweet, tender interior filled with gooey cheese and caramelized fruit.

Notes

Ensure bacon is thin-cut for quick crisping. Watch the last few minutes to prevent burning. Adjust baking time based on bacon thickness for perfect crunch.