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Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Blue Cheese and Spices

These bacon-wrapped dates are a flavorful holiday appetizer that combines sweet, chewy dates with crispy bacon and a tangy blue cheese or crunchy almonds filling. The dish involves stuffing, wrapping, and baking, resulting in a savory-sweet bite with a crispy exterior and gooey interior. The balance of textures and spices makes them an irresistible party favorite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Holiday
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 16 pieces Medjool dates pitted
  • 8 strips bacon thick-cut, sliced into thirds
  • 4 oz blue cheese or substitute with almonds
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika optional for spice
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper optional for heat
  • fresh thyme or parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Baking sheet with parchment paper
  • Sharp knife
  • Toothpicks
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Slice each bacon strip into thirds, making 24 pieces that are about 10 inches long each.
  3. Pit the dates if they aren’t already pitted, then gently stuff each with a small piece of blue cheese or an almond for crunch. This adds a flavorful surprise inside.
  4. Wrap each stuffed date with a bacon piece, making sure to cover the filling completely, and secure it with a toothpick to hold it in place.
  5. Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly so they cook uniformly.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown, and the dates look caramelized and soft inside.
  7. Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and let the dates cool on a cooling rack for about 5 minutes to allow the bacon to set and become crispy.
  8. Sprinkle freshly chopped thyme or parsley over the top for a burst of herbal freshness and vibrant color.
  9. Serve the bacon-wrapped dates warm or at room temperature as a savory-sweet appetizer that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.

Notes

For extra smoky flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the cheese filling. To prevent bacon from becoming too greasy, bake on a wire rack or drain excess fat if needed.