Bacon-Wrapped Dates: A Sweet and Savory Treat Made Easy

how to cook bacon wrapped dates

How to Cook Bacon-Wrapped Dates: A Step-by-Step Guide

appetizer bacon wrapped dates

Introduction

Bacon-wrapped dates are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that is perfect for any party or gathering. They are also a great way to use up leftover bacon. In this article, we will show you how to cook bacon-wrapped dates in the oven or on the stovetop.

Gathering Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, you will need to gather the following ingredients:

  • 12 slices bacon
  • 12 dates
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Preparing the Dates

A. Pitting the Dates

  1. Start by pitting the dates. To do this, use a sharp knife to cut a slit down the side of each date.
  2. Then, use your fingers to remove the pit.

B. Stuffing the Dates

  1. Once the dates are pitted, you can start stuffing them.
  2. To do this, place a small amount of brown sugar, walnuts, and blue cheese into each date.

Wrapping the Dates

  1. Next, it's time to wrap the dates in bacon.
  2. To do this, simply wrap a slice of bacon around each date.
  3. Make sure that the bacon is wrapped tightly so that it doesn't fall off while cooking.

Cooking the Dates

A. In the Oven

  1. If you are cooking the dates in the oven, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Then, place the dates on a baking sheet and cook them for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy.

B. On the Stovetop

  1. If you are cooking the dates on the stovetop, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Then, add the dates and cook them for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the bacon is crispy.

Serving the Dates

  1. Once the dates are cooked, remove them from the oven or stovetop and let them cool for a few minutes.
  2. Then, serve them immediately.

best bacon wrapped dates recipe

Tips for Making the Best Bacon-Wrapped Dates

  • Use high-quality bacon. The better the bacon, the better the dates will taste.
  • Pit the dates before you stuff them. This will make it easier to fill them.
  • Stuff the dates with your favorite fillings. You can use brown sugar, walnuts, blue cheese, or any other combination of ingredients that you like.
  • Wrap the dates tightly in bacon. This will help to keep them together while cooking.
  • Cook the dates until the bacon is crispy. This will give them the best flavor and texture.
  • Serve the dates immediately. They are best when eaten fresh out of the oven or stovetop.

Variations on Bacon-Wrapped Dates

  • You can use different types of bacon to make bacon-wrapped dates. For example, you can use regular bacon, thick-cut bacon, or even turkey bacon.
  • You can also use different fillings for your bacon-wrapped dates. For example, you can use dried cranberries, chopped pecans, or goat cheese.
  • You can also cook bacon-wrapped dates in different ways. For example, you can bake them in the oven, cook them on the stovetop, or even grill them.
  • If you are making bacon-wrapped dates for a party, you can make them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Just be sure to reheat them before serving.

Conclusion

Bacon-wrapped dates are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that is perfect for any party or gathering. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can make these tasty treats that everyone will love.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use toothpicks to hold the bacon-wrapped dates together?

  • No, you do not need to use toothpicks to hold the bacon-wrapped dates together. The bacon will hold them together naturally.

2. How do I know when the bacon-wrapped dates are done cooking?

  • The bacon-wrapped dates are done cooking when the bacon is crispy. You can check this by poking the dates with a fork. If the fork goes through the bacon easily, the dates are done.

3. Can I make bacon-wrapped dates ahead of time?

  • Yes, you can make bacon-wrapped dates ahead of time. Just cook them according to the recipe and then let them cool completely. Store the dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you are ready to serve, reheat the dates in the oven or microwave until they are warm.

sweet and savory bacon wrapped dates

4. Can I freeze bacon-wrapped dates?

  • Yes, you can freeze bacon-wrapped dates. Just cook them according to the recipe and then let them cool completely. Place the dates in a freezer-safe bag and freeze them for up to 3 months. When you are ready to serve, thaw the dates in the refrigerator overnight.

5. What are some other fillings that I can use for bacon-wrapped dates?

  • There are many other fillings that you can use for bacon-wrapped dates. Here are a few ideas:
    • Dried cranberries
    • Chopped pecans
    • Goat cheese
    • Feta cheese
    • Cream cheese
    • Brown sugar
    • Maple syrup
    • Honey
    • Dijon mustard
.

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