Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today? Because I’m about to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise with this Sweet and Savory Bacon-wrapped Dates recipe! This is no ordinary side dish, my friends – it’s an epic, mind-blowing experience that’s about to have your taste buds doing the happy dance. Get ready to take your ordinary meals to the next level of extraordinary!
Why You’ll Love This Sweet and Savory Bacon-wrapped Dates
This insane recipe is the ultimate fusion of sweet and savory that will have your taste buds absolutely exploding with excitement! The combination of the rich, caramelized dates and the salty, crispy bacon is a match made in culinary heaven. And when you add in the burst of flavor from the cheese and herbs? It’s a sensational explosion of epic proportions that will leave you craving more. This dish is sure to be the talk of any party or gathering, and trust me, the food jealousy it causes will be totally worth it.
Ingredients
We’re keeping the ingredient list simple and straightforward for this one, folks. You’ll need juicy Medjool dates, crispy bacon, creamy goat cheese or blue cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary. That’s it! The key is to use high-quality, fresh ingredients that will really make the flavors shine.
- 12-15 Medjool dates – pitted and halved
- 6-8 slices bacon, cut in half
- 4 oz goat cheese or blue cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: If you’re not a fan of goat cheese or blue cheese, you can swap in cream cheese or even a sharp cheddar (for a different flavor profile).
- Herbs: And if you’re not into thyme or rosemary, feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley or oregano.
How to Make Sweet and Savory Bacon-wrapped Dates
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff! This recipe is an absolute game-changer, so get ready to have your mind blown.
Step 1: Prep Work
First, preheat your oven to 400°F. Then, slice open each date and remove the pit. Stuff each date with a small chunk of goat cheese or blue cheese, and set them aside.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Now, it’s time to wrap the dates in bacon! Cut each strip of bacon in half, then wrap it around the stuffed date, securing it with a toothpick. Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Pop those insane bacon-wrapped dates in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted and gooey. Once they’re out of the oven, sprinkle the dates with freshly chopped thyme or rosemary for an extra burst of flavor.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Balsamic Glaze: Try drizzling the bacon-wrapped dates with a balsamic glaze before baking for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Spicy Kick: For a little extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese before stuffing the dates.
- Honey Drizzle: Finish the baked dates with a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness that perfectly balances the salty bacon.
- Oven Rack Trick: For extra crispy bacon, try baking the bacon-wrapped dates on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows the fat to drip away and helps the bacon get deliciously crunchy.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Sweet and Savory Bacon-wrapped Dates are the ultimate party appetizer or side dish. Serve them warm straight out of the oven, and watch them disappear faster than you can say “food coma.”
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be warned – they may not last that long!
Reheat: To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until hot and crispy.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the bacon-wrapped dates up to 24 hours in advance and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to bake.
Nutrition Information
While these bacon-wrapped dates may be the stuff of flavor-packed dreams, they’re not exactly health food. But hey, sometimes you just gotta indulge, am I right? Each serving (2-3 dates) packs around 150 calories, 10g of fat, and 5g of protein. Totally worth it for the epic explosion of taste!
- Serving Size: 2-3 dates
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbs: 8 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the bacon-wrapped dates up to 24 hours in advance and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to bake.
How can I make these extra crispy?
For extra crispy bacon, try baking the bacon-wrapped dates on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows the fat to drip away and helps the bacon get deliciously crunchy.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Definitely! While goat cheese and blue cheese are our top picks, you can experiment with other soft, creamy cheeses like cream cheese or even a sharp cheddar.
Are these gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free bacon.
What should I serve these with?
These Sweet and Savory Bacon-wrapped Dates are the perfect standalone appetizer or side dish. But they also pair beautifully with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or your favorite grilled meats.
Try These Next
- Sweet And Spicy Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos
- Sweet And Spicy Maple Candied Bacon Bites
- Cheesy Pumpkin And Bacon Dip With Savory Crumbles
Sweet and Savory Bacon-wrapped Dates
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Sides
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Sweet and Savory Bacon-wrapped Dates are a delightful appetizer that combines the rich flavor of bacon with the sweetness of dates, creating a perfect balance of taste.
Ingredients
12 large Medjool dates
6 slices of bacon
1/4 cup of goat cheese
1/4 cup of chopped pecans
1 tablespoon of honey
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Slice each date lengthwise and remove the pit.
3. Stuff each date with goat cheese and a few chopped pecans.
4. Wrap each stuffed date with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
5. Place the bacon-wrapped dates on a baking sheet.
6. Drizzle honey over the top and sprinkle with black pepper.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.
Notes
These can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving.
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or nuts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: bacon, dates, appetizer, sweet, savory