Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Blue Cheese
Sweet Medjool dates meet tangy blue cheese and crispy bacon in this flavor-packed appetizer. An irresistible combination that's sure to impress!
20 min active, one pan
Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Blue Cheese
Sweet Medjool dates meet tangy blue cheese and crispy bacon in this flavor-packed appetizer. An irresistible combination that's sure to impress!
20 min active, one pan
Key move
Stuff the dates while they're still pliable to prevent tearing and ensure easy filling.
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The Setup
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
The Mise en Place
3Your prep station before cooking begins
The Protein (0/1)
Other (0/2)
Bacon is not getting crispy.
Increase the oven temperature slightly or broil for the last few minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Dates are tearing when stuffing.
Make sure the dates are at room temperature and slightly pliable.
Chef's Notes
Pat dates very dry with paper towels before wrapping. This helps the bacon crisp up.
For even cooking, arrange dates in a single layer on the baking sheet, not touching.
Serve warm as an appetizer or part of a cheese board. A drizzle of balsamic glaze is a nice touch.
Assemble the bacon-wrapped dates up to a day ahead. Store covered in the fridge, then bake just before serving.
The Method
PREHEAT
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Uneven heating: Do not crowd the oven with other items, as this will drop the ambient temperature and lead to soggy bacon.
Oven is preheated to the correct temperature.
STUFF
Prep aheadGently open each date and stuff with about 1 teaspoon of blue cheese (¼ cups).
Date tearing: Applying too much force will split the date skin, causing the cheese to leak during baking.
Each date is filled with blue cheese.
WRAP
Prep aheadWrap each stuffed date with a slice of bacon (8 slices), securing with a toothpick if needed.
Loose wrapping: If the bacon is not wrapped tightly, it will unravel and shrink away from the date during cooking.
Each stuffed date is wrapped in bacon.
BAKE
Place the bacon (8 slices)-wrapped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Unraveling: If the bacon is not secured, the roll may open. Ensure the seam is pressed firmly against the tray.
Bacon-wrapped dates are arranged on the prepared baking sheet.
BAKE
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon (8 slices) is crispy and the dates are heated through.
Fat flare-up: Excess rendered fat can smoke if the oven temperature is too high. Monitor for smoke.
Bacon is crispy and golden brown, and dates are heated through.
COOL
Let cool slightly before serving. Remove toothpicks before serving.
Loose filling: If dates are too hot, the blue cheese will melt out completely; ensure they are firm before serving.
Dates have cooled slightly and toothpicks have been removed.
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