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Stuffed dates wrapped in bacon might be the ultimate appetizer. The only question is: what’s the best thing to stuff them with? Sweet ripe dates are a perfect vehicle for cheese–they taste great with almost any kind, from cream cheese, to goat cheese, to blue cheese. Inspired by my travels in Spain, I kicked it up a notch in this recipe with nutty Manchego and crispy, savory bacon. It’s the perfect bite of salty and sweet!
For other appetizer ideas, check out my Caprese Skewers, Panzanella Salad, and Pumpkin Cheese Ball, plus all of my Dips and Crostini recipes!
Bacon Wrapped Dates Recipe
- 8 slices bacon, halved
- 16 pitted Medjool dates
- 2 ounces Manchego cheese, cut into 1½- x ½-inch pieces
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
How To Make Bacon Wrapped Dates
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the dates lengthwise on one side to form a pocket. Fill each date with a piece of Manchego cheese, then wrap it in a slice of bacon so that the seam is on the unopened side of the date.
- Place each bacon-wrapped date seam-side down on the prepared sheet about an inch apart. Bake for 20 minutes, turning half way through, or until the bacon is browned and crispy.
- Sprinkle dates with parsley and serve warm.
What Are Dates?
Dates are a super sweet stone fruit that are most typically served dried. You’ll find them in a lot of baking recipes since a lot of people use them in place of sugar since they are so naturally sweet–I love them in smoothies! There are also multiple varieties of dates, but I recommend medjool because they tend to be softer and bigger than the rest. Dates are native to North Africa and the Middle East, where they grow on date palms. And they’ve been featured in the cuisines of those areas for as long as they’ve had cuisines.
Other Ways to Stuff Dates
The reason I chose manchego is that it holds its form really well and it’s a mild, pleasantly nutty cheese. That being said, if there’s a flavor you prefer, the world is your oyster–err, date!
Try:
- Cheese (swap the manchego for goat cheese, blue cheese, cream cheese, feta, gouda)
- Nuts (Lactose intolerant? Swap in walnuts, cashews, and almonds for the cheese)
- Meat (Want a little extra kick? Try skipping the bacon and swapping out the cheese for Spanish chorizo! You would just cut it into the same 1½- x ½-inch pieces)
- Nut butters (make a dessert version stuffed with almond butter, peanut butter, or tahini and swap the bacon for melted chocolate–and try my date bark!)
- Straight up butter and salt (this amazing combo tastes just like a sea-salt caramel chew)
Bacon Wrapped Dates in the Air Fryer
Follow all the same steps, but skip the oven! Instead, preheat your airfryer to 400°F. Air fry the dates in batches for about 7 minutes, or until the bacon is browned and crispy.
The Best Bacon Wrapped Dates Wine Pairing?
This board is from my new deck: The Wine & Cheese Board Deck! It’s all about wine & cheese pairings. For each recipe, you’ll find the perfect wine pairing to accompany with an education on why and alternative options as well. Here’s a little taste:
Choose a full-bodied red like Syrah, which has characteristics that echo all these flavors, plus has good acidity to cut through the richness. (FYI: Syrah and Shiraz are made from the same grape, but Syrah tends to be less fruit-forward–it’s the better pick here, but either will work.
For alternatives, try any number of full-bodied reds like Carménère, malbec, and cabernet sauvignon.
For the full details on how to pair cheese and wine with 50 perfect pairings, grab a copy of The Wine & Cheese Board Deck, out now and the perfect holiday gift!
Show Me Your Dates
I hope this post inspires you to make this recipe. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the snacks and apps you create from my tips. If you make something inspired by this post, please tag me at @ainttooproudtomeg so I can see and share!
And, If you liked this recipe, please rate and review.
Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates
Description
Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon halved
- 16 pitted Medjool dates
- 2 oz Manchego cheese cut into 1½- x ½-inch pieces
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the dates lengthwise on one side to form a pocket. Fill each date with a piece of Manchego cheese, then wrap it in a slice of bacon so that the seam is on the unopened side of the date.
- Place each bacon-wrapped date seam-side down on the prepared sheet about an inch apart. Bake for 20 minutes, turning half way through, or until the bacon is browned and crispy.
- Sprinkle dates with parsley and serve warm.
Photos by Haley Hunt Davis of Salt Worth Creative. Food styling with Ryan Norton.
