Food and photography make a dangerous combination when you’re hungry. ???? Here’s a close up to create an illusion of abundance. ???????????? Crispy bacon wrapped around sweet Medjool dates then filled with creamy delicious cheese make for the perfect complementary trio. Only THREE ingredients, so easy to make, and the coolest appetizer at the party.
FAVORITE FILLING OPTIONS FOR BACON WRAPPED DATES:
Bacon and dates are extremely versatile, my favorite fillings are cream cheese, or a cream cheese ricotta duo! If you want to switch up your filling some other really delicious options to try are:
Cream Cheese
Ricotta Cheese
Cream Cheese & Ricotta blend (mix ½ and ½)
Goat cheese
Bleu cheese
Mango Chutney
WANT TO MAKE IT DAIRY FREE, GLUTEN FREE & PALEO FRIENDLY? ROASTED ALMONDS (plus they add a little extra crunch!)
HOW TO MAKE BACON WRAPPED DATES:
Start by preparing your dates. Pit the date by slicing down the middle and removing the pit, this is where the stuffing will go.
If you're filling your bacon wrapped dates with a soft cheese take a spoon and spread cheese into the date (pictured above).
Slice a strip of bacon in half and wrap your date. Slide toothpick through where the bacon overlaps to keep everything in place (the toothpick will also make it easy to flip the bacon halfway through baking so it cooks and gets an even crisp!). If you like your bacon extra crispy (like me) bake at 375° for 10 minutes on one side, then take them out of the oven to flip and do 8 minutes on the other side!
8ozcream cheese*other great cheese options mentioned in post above!
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
To prevent toothpicks from burning place 18 toothpicks in a small bowl filled with water letting them soak for 15 minutes. (I'm impatient and usually skip this step and it's fine)
Pit the date by slicing down the middle and removing the pit, this is where the stuffing will go.
Open date where pit was removed and fill with soft cheese of your choice or almonds.*If you're filling your bacon wrapped dates with a soft cheese take a spoon and spread cheese into the date where pit previously was (example picture in post).
Slice a strip of bacon in half and wrap your date.
Slide toothpick through where the bacon overlaps to keep everything in place (the toothpick will also make it easy to flip the bacon halfway through baking so it cooks and gets an even crisp!).
bake at 375° for 10 minutes on one side, then take them out of the oven to flip and do about 8 minutes on the other side!
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