Bacon Wrapped Dates: The Ultimate Sweet and Savory Appetizer
Bacon wrapped dates are the perfect appetizer for any occasion. They’re sweet, savory, salty, and smoky all in one bite. These little morsels of deliciousness are surprisingly easy to make, and they’re always a crowd-pleaser. This blog post will guide you through everything you need to know to create bacon wrapped dates that will impress your guests, from ingredient selection to baking or grilling techniques, and even some creative variations.
Why You’ll Love Bacon Wrapped Dates
* **Sweet and Savory Combination:** The combination of sweet dates and salty bacon is simply irresistible. The contrast creates a flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Easy to Make:** With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a batch of these appetizers in no time.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Bacon wrapped dates are always a hit at parties, potlucks, and gatherings. Everyone loves them!
* **Versatile:** You can customize these appetizers with different fillings, cheeses, and toppings to suit your preferences.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can prepare the dates ahead of time and bake or grill them just before serving.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Dates:** Medjool dates are the best choice for bacon wrapped dates because they are large, soft, and naturally sweet. You can also use Deglet Noor dates, but they are smaller and firmer, so you may need to adjust the cooking time. Make sure to buy pitted dates to save yourself some time and effort.
* **Bacon:** Choose a good quality bacon that is not too thin or too thick. Thin bacon will crisp up too quickly and burn, while thick bacon will take too long to cook. Regular-cut bacon works best.
* **Optional Fillings:** This is where you can get creative! Some popular filling options include:
* **Goat Cheese:** Creamy goat cheese adds a tangy and slightly acidic flavor that complements the sweetness of the dates and the saltiness of the bacon perfectly.
* **Cream Cheese:** A milder alternative to goat cheese, cream cheese provides a smooth and rich texture.
* **Blue Cheese:** For a bolder flavor, try blue cheese. Its pungent and salty notes pair well with the sweet dates and smoky bacon.
* **Almonds or Walnuts:** Add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor with almonds or walnuts. Make sure to chop them finely.
* **Pecans:** Their buttery, nutty taste makes them a perfect pairing with dates.
* **Spicy Sausage:** For a spicier kick, try stuffing your dates with cooked and crumbled spicy sausage.
* **Optional Glaze:** A glaze can add an extra layer of flavor and shine to your bacon wrapped dates. Some popular glaze options include:
* **Maple Syrup:** The classic choice! Maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful glaze.
* **Balsamic Glaze:** A tangy and slightly sweet balsamic glaze adds a sophisticated flavor.
* **Honey:** Similar to maple syrup, honey adds sweetness and a beautiful shine.
* **Brown Sugar:** Creates a caramelized crust on the bacon.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **Baking Sheet:** For baking the dates in the oven. Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
* **Grill (Optional):** For grilling the dates.
* **Toothpicks:** To secure the bacon around the dates.
* **Small Bowl (Optional):** For the filling.
* **Knife:** For slicing the bacon if necessary.
* **Cutting Board:** For preparing the ingredients.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a detailed guide to making perfect bacon wrapped dates:
**1. Prepare the Dates:**
* If using pitted dates, skip this step. If using whole dates, use a small knife to make a slit lengthwise in each date. Carefully remove the pit. Try to keep the date intact as much as possible.
* If using a filling, stuff each date with your chosen filling. Use a small spoon or your fingers to fill the dates. Don’t overfill them, as the filling may ooze out during cooking.
**2. Wrap with Bacon:**
* Cut each bacon slice in half or thirds, depending on the size of your dates and bacon. The goal is to have enough bacon to wrap around each date completely without overlapping too much.
* Wrap each date with a piece of bacon, overlapping the ends slightly. Secure the bacon with a toothpick. Make sure the toothpick goes through both ends of the bacon to hold it in place.
**3. Preheat Oven or Grill:**
* **Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
* **Grill:** Preheat your grill to medium heat.
**4. Bake or Grill the Dates:**
* **Oven:** Arrange the bacon wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are not too close together. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. Turn the dates halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
* **Grill:** Place the bacon wrapped dates on the preheated grill. Grill for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. Be careful not to let the bacon burn. Watch them closely as grilling times can vary.
**5. Add Glaze (Optional):**
* If using a glaze, brush the bacon wrapped dates with your chosen glaze during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This will give them a beautiful shine and add an extra layer of flavor. Return to the oven or grill for the remaining time.
**6. Let Cool and Serve:**
* Remove the bacon wrapped dates from the oven or grill and let them cool slightly before serving. This will allow the bacon to crisp up even more and prevent you from burning your mouth.
* Carefully remove the toothpicks before serving.
* Serve warm and enjoy!
## Tips for Perfect Bacon Wrapped Dates
* **Use Good Quality Ingredients:** The better the quality of your dates and bacon, the better the final product will be. Invest in Medjool dates and good quality bacon.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet or Grill:** Overcrowding will prevent the bacon from crisping up properly. Work in batches if necessary.
* **Watch the Cooking Time:** Bacon can burn easily, so keep a close eye on the dates while they are cooking. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
* **Secure the Bacon Well:** Make sure the bacon is securely wrapped around the dates and held in place with a toothpick. This will prevent it from unraveling during cooking.
* **Let Cool Slightly Before Serving:** This will allow the bacon to crisp up and prevent you from burning your mouth.
* **Get Creative with Fillings and Toppings:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings, cheeses, and toppings to create your own unique variations.
## Variations and Creative Twists
* **Spicy Bacon Wrapped Dates:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling or brush the dates with a spicy chili glaze.
* **Chocolate Bacon Wrapped Dates:** Dip the cooked bacon wrapped dates in melted chocolate for a decadent treat.
* **Bacon Wrapped Dates with Walnuts and Gorgonzola:** Stuff the dates with chopped walnuts and Gorgonzola cheese for a sophisticated flavor combination.
* **Bacon Wrapped Dates with Pesto and Mozzarella:** Fill the dates with pesto and mozzarella cheese for an Italian-inspired appetizer.
* **Bacon Wrapped Dates with Pineapple:** Wrap dates and a small chunk of pineapple with bacon for a tropical twist. The sweetness of the pineapple complements the salty bacon and sweet date beautifully.
* **Bacon Wrapped Dates with Manchego Cheese:** Manchego, a Spanish sheep’s milk cheese, offers a slightly nutty and tangy flavor that pairs exceptionally well with the dates and bacon. Stuff the dates with small cubes of Manchego before wrapping with bacon.
* **Bacon Wrapped Dates with Chorizo:** For a smoky and spicy kick, add a small piece of cooked chorizo sausage inside the date before wrapping with bacon.
* **Bacon Wrapped Dates with Cream Cheese and Jalapeño:** A delightful combination of creamy, cheesy, and spicy. Mix cream cheese with finely chopped jalapeño peppers and stuff the dates before wrapping.
## Serving Suggestions
Bacon wrapped dates are best served warm as an appetizer or snack. They can be served on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. They also pair well with other appetizers, such as cheese and crackers, olives, and nuts.
* **Party Appetizer:** These are perfect for any party or gathering. They are easy to eat and always a hit.
* **Holiday Appetizer:** A great addition to your holiday spread.
* **Game Day Snack:** A tasty snack to enjoy while watching your favorite sports team.
* **Wine Pairing:** Serve with a glass of your favorite wine. They pair well with both red and white wines.
## Make-Ahead Instructions
You can prepare the bacon wrapped dates ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake or grill them. To do this, wrap the dates with bacon and secure them with toothpicks. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to cook them, simply bake or grill them as directed.
## Storage Instructions
Leftover bacon wrapped dates can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Per serving, assuming one date with bacon and filling)
* Calories: 70-100
* Fat: 5-8g
* Saturated Fat: 2-3g
* Cholesterol: 10-15mg
* Sodium: 50-100mg
* Carbohydrates: 5-8g
* Fiber: 1-2g
* Sugar: 4-6g
* Protein: 1-2g
*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
## Conclusion
Bacon wrapped dates are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. With their sweet and savory flavor combination, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to enjoy these irresistible little bites! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings and glazes to create your own signature bacon wrapped dates. Happy cooking (and eating)!