Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a mouthwatering appetizer that combines sweet, salty, and creamy flavors in one irresistible bite! These bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with blue cheese are the ultimate party pleaser that will have your guests begging for the recipe. Imagine crispy bacon hugging a tender date, filled with a rich and tangy blue cheese mixture that melts in your mouth - it's a culinary experience you won't want to miss!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 12 dates, pitted
- 6 slices of bacon, cut in half
- 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your bacon-wrapped dates cook evenly and become crispy.
- Prepare the dates by ensuring they are pitted. If you are using whole dates, slice them lengthwise on one side to remove the pit. Be careful not to slice all the way through the date; just create a pocket for the filling.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled blue cheese, honey, and black pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Take each date and fill it with about a teaspoon of the blue cheese mixture. Press the edges of the date gently to close it around the filling.
- Take a slice of bacon and wrap it around each stuffed date, starting at one end and overlapping slightly as you go. Secure the bacon with a toothpick if necessary to keep it in place.
- Place the bacon-wrapped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are spaced apart to allow even cooking.
- Once all the dates are wrapped and placed on the baking sheet, bake them in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
- Halfway through cooking, you can turn the dates over to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.
- Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the dates cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the filling set slightly.
- Serve the bacon-wrapped dates warm, drizzled with a little extra honey if desired, and enjoy this delicious appetizer!
Tips
- Choose high-quality ingredients: Use fresh, plump dates and good-quality bacon for the best results.
- Prep your dates carefully: Ensure dates are fully pitted and create a gentle pocket for the blue cheese filling without splitting them completely.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet: Space the wrapped dates apart to allow even cooking and crispy bacon.
- Watch the cooking time closely: Bacon can quickly go from crispy to burnt, so keep an eye on your dates while baking.
- Let them rest: Allow the dates to cool for a few minutes after baking to let the cheese filling set and prevent burning your mouth.
- Serving suggestion: Drizzle with a little extra honey just before serving to enhance the sweet and savory flavor profile.
- Make ahead tip: You can prepare these up to a day in advance and refrigerate before baking, making them perfect for party prep!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
