Ah, the allure of sweet meets savory—it’s like a dance of flavors that tickles your taste buds. Imagine biting into a warm, crisp bacon-wrapped date, oozing with creamy cheese, a culinary embrace that makes you wonder if bacon and dates were always meant to be together. It’s a party favorite, or maybe just a treat for a Tuesday night, transporting you to a world where every bite is a mini celebration.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Slice each date lengthwise on one side to remove the pit and create an opening.
- Spoon a small amount of goat cheese into each date’s cavity, pressing the sides together to close them.
- Cut the bacon slices in half. Wrap each date with a half slice of bacon, ensuring it wraps around about 1.5 times, and secure with a toothpick.
- Place the bacon-wrapped dates on a baking sheet with raised edges to catch any grease. Bake for 10 minutes, then turn each date using the toothpick to ensure even cooking.
- Continue baking for an additional 5-8 minutes until the bacon is browned to your liking. Turn the dates again to cook all sides as needed.
- Remove from the oven, place the dates on a paper towel-lined plate, and let them stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Ingredients
- 8 slices of thin bacon
- 16 Medjool dates
- 4 ounces of goat cheese
- Toothpicks
FAQ
- How can I make the bacon extra crispy on my bacon-wrapped dates?
- Use the toothpick method to rotate the dates while baking for even cooking. Also, consider baking at 375 degrees for a crispier finish, and ensure the bacon wraps around the date only about 1.5 times to prevent uneven cooking.
- Why didn’t my bacon cook properly?
- If your bacon is wrapping more than twice around the dates, it could be too thick to cook through. Trim the bacon slices shorter to ensure even cooking.
- What glaze can I add to enhance the flavor of my bacon-wrapped dates?
- You can create a honey bourbon glaze by mixing 1/4 cup of honey with 1 tablespoon of bourbon. Brush this mixture on the dates right after they come out of the oven for added flavor.
- Is it possible to use different types of cheese in this recipe?
- Absolutely! While goat cheese is recommended, you can also use blue cheese or feta cheese for a different taste profile.
- Can I prepare bacon-wrapped dates in an air fryer?
- Yes, you can! Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees and cook the dates for about 8 minutes. After giving the basket a shake or turning them with toothpicks, continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes.
Tips
- Use thin-sliced bacon to ensure it cooks quickly and becomes crispy. If the bacon wraps around the date more than twice, trim the slices to prevent them from being too thick and undercooked.
- Secure each bacon-wrapped date with a toothpick and rotate them periodically during baking to achieve even cooking and crispiness on all sides.
- Experiment with different cheeses like blue cheese or feta as an alternative to goat cheese for a unique flavor variation.
- Enhance the taste by adding a glaze or drizzle, such as a honey-bourbon mix or balsamic glaze, after baking for extra sweetness and complexity.
Equipment
- Baking sheet with raised edges – To prevent grease from spilling over during baking.
- Toothpicks – Essential for securing the bacon around the dates and for turning them during baking.
- Air fryer (optional) – If you want to try the air fryer method for cooking the bacon-wrapped dates.
