Indulge in a culinary delight that perfectly marries sweet and savory: Bacon Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Feta! This irresistible Greek-inspired appetizer is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Imagine succulent, caramelized dates enveloped in crispy bacon, with creamy feta cheese adding a delightful tang. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply looking to elevate your snacking game, this dish is sure to steal the show. Ready to impress your guests and tantalize your palate? Let's dive into this quick and easy recipe that promises to be the highlight of any occasion!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 dates, pitted
- 100g feta cheese, crumbled
- 12 slices bacon
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to catch bacon drippings and make cleanup easier.
- Carefully slice open each date lengthwise, ensuring you don't cut completely through. Remove any remaining pits if necessary.
- Crumble the feta cheese into small, compact pieces that will fit neatly inside the dates.
- Stuff each date with a small amount of crumbled feta cheese, pressing gently to ensure the cheese is securely inside the date.
- Cut the bacon slices in half crosswise to create shorter strips that will wrap around the dates more easily.
- Wrap each feta-stuffed date with a half slice of bacon, ensuring the bacon is snug but not too tight. Position the bacon seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates with some space between them to allow even cooking and crispy bacon.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. If desired, drizzle lightly with honey and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper.
- Transfer to a serving platter and serve warm as an appetizer or tapas-style small plate.
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh, high-quality dates and feta cheese for the best flavor. Medjool dates are particularly sweet and perfect for this recipe.
- Adjust the Bacon: If you prefer a lighter option, consider using turkey bacon or a reduced-fat variety. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they may crisp up differently.
- Experiment with Cheese: While feta is delicious, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like goat cheese or blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Add a Kick: For a spicy twist, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the feta cheese before stuffing the dates.
- Perfect Your Wrapping: Ensure the bacon wraps snugly around the dates without being too tight, allowing the fat to render and crisp up nicely during baking.
- Drizzle with Honey: A light drizzle of honey right before serving adds a beautiful gloss and enhances the sweetness of the dates, balancing the savory bacon perfectly.
- Serve Hot: These bites are best enjoyed warm, so serve them fresh out of the oven for maximum flavor and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg
