Bacon Wrapped Dates: A Sweet and Savory Symphony

I can still remember the first time I tried bacon-wrapped dates. It was at a bustling holiday party, the kind where everyone seemed to be vying for the most elaborate appetizer. But amidst the towering cheese boards and miniature quiches, these little morsels, glistening with honey and subtly smoky, completely stole the show. It was a revelation: the perfect marriage of sweet, salty, and savory, all in one delightful bite. From that moment on, bacon-wrapped dates became my go-to appetizer for any occasion, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to make.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 32
• Yield: 32 appetizers
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Free (depending on bacon), Dairy-Free (if cream cheese is omitted)

Ingredients

• 32 pitted dates
• 1/3 cup blue cheese or 1/3 cup cream cheese
• 32 blanched almonds
• 1 (65 g) box fully cooked bacon, 50% less salt
• 32 wood cocktail sticks
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Small knife
• Small bowl (optional, for honey)
• Pastry brush or spoon (optional, for honey)

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing the dates. Slice each date lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. Open the date up like a book, creating a small cavity for the filling.
2. Prepare the filling. Scoop approximately 1/2 teaspoon of blue cheese or cream cheese into each date. Then, nestle one blanched almond on top of the cheese. Close the date tightly, ensuring the filling is securely enclosed.
3. Wrap each filled date with a slice of bacon. Depending on the size of your dates, you may need to slice the bacon in half or thirds to ensure it wraps neatly around the date without being overly bulky. Trim any excess bacon as needed.
4. Secure the bacon to the date using a wood cocktail stick. Insert the pick through the bacon and into the date to hold everything in place during baking.
5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the bacon from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Place the bacon-wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet, arranging them in a single layer.
6. At this stage, you can prepare the dates ahead of time. Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This is a great way to get ahead when entertaining!
7. When you are ready to serve, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
8. Brush the bacon-wrapped dates with honey. You can warm the honey slightly in a small bowl to make it easier to brush. Alternatively, you can simply drizzle the honey over the dates using a spoon.
9. Bake for approximately 5 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as the baking time can vary depending on your oven. You want the bacon to be cooked through but not burnt.
10. Once the bacon is cooked to your liking, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Season the bacon-wrapped dates with pepper. Salt is usually not needed due to the saltiness of the bacon, especially if you’re using regular bacon instead of the 50% less salt variety.
11. Transfer the bacon-wrapped dates to a serving platter and serve immediately. Be careful, as the filling will be hot!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For a smoother, more evenly cooked bacon, consider partially cooking the bacon in a skillet before wrapping the dates. This will reduce the baking time and prevent the bacon from being undercooked.
• If you’re using particularly thick-cut bacon, you may need to increase the baking time slightly.
• To prevent the dates from sticking to the baking sheet, make sure to use good quality parchment paper. You can also lightly grease the parchment paper with cooking spray.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dates before wrapping them in bacon.
• If you don’t have cocktail sticks, you can use toothpicks instead. Just make sure to remove them before serving.
• If the bacon starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent the baking sheet with foil to prevent burning.
• Consider broiling the dates for the last minute or two of cooking time for extra crispy bacon, but watch them carefully to avoid burning.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the bacon-wrapped dates immediately while they are still warm and the bacon is crispy. They make an excellent appetizer for parties, holidays, or any special occasion. You can also serve them as a side dish or as part of a larger grazing board.

Leftover bacon-wrapped dates can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the bacon will not be as crispy.

While technically you could freeze them, the texture of the date and the bacon tends to suffer. It’s best to make only what you’ll consume within a few days.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	41.7 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	12 g	29%
Total Fat	1.4 g	2%
Saturated Fat	0.6 g	2%
Cholesterol	2.4 mg	0%
Sodium	36.7 mg	1%
Total Carbohydrate	7.4 g	2%
Dietary Fiber	0.7 g	2%
Sugars	6.3 g	25%
Protein	0.7 g	1%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• For a vegetarian option, replace the bacon with a vegetarian bacon substitute.
• For a vegan option, use a vegan bacon substitute and a vegan cream cheese alternative.
• Instead of blue cheese or cream cheese, try goat cheese or mascarpone cheese.
• Experiment with different nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, or macadamia nuts.
• Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking for a tangy twist.
• For a spicy version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling or brush the dates with a spicy honey.
• Try different types of honey, such as wildflower, clover, or buckwheat honey, for unique flavor profiles.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the dates and refrigerate them (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: Can I use regular bacon instead of 50% less salt bacon?
A: Absolutely, but be mindful of the saltiness. You may want to omit the pepper or use a very small amount.

Q: What if I don’t have blanched almonds?
A: You can use raw almonds, but blanching them removes the skin and gives them a more delicate flavor. You can blanch them yourself by boiling them for a minute and then shocking them in ice water to easily slip off the skins.

Q: My bacon is burning before the dates are heated through. What should I do?
A: Tent the baking sheet loosely with aluminum foil to protect the bacon from over-browning while the dates finish cooking.

Q: Can I use Medjool dates or are other types better?
A: Medjool dates are fantastic because they are large and naturally sweet. Other types of dates will work, but you might need to adjust the amount of filling accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Bacon-wrapped dates are more than just an appetizer; they’re a flavor adventure waiting to happen. The interplay of sweet dates, creamy cheese, crunchy almonds, and smoky bacon is a combination that’s hard to resist. So, go ahead, gather your ingredients, and prepare to impress your friends and family with these delectable bites. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a satisfying snack, bacon-wrapped dates are sure to be a hit. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and flavor combinations to create your own signature version. Enjoy! They pair perfectly with a crisp glass of Prosecco or a robust red wine.