Easy Delicious Bacon Wrapped Dates: A Cozy Treat for Any Occasion
There’s a certain magic in the air when the seasons start to turn crisp and cooler, pulling us all indoors for cozy evenings filled with comforting aromas and laughter. One of my favorite memories is the delightful chaos of family gatherings where appetizers like Easy Delicious Bacon Wrapped Dates disappeared just as quickly as they were placed on the table. The sweet and savory combination of creamy cheese nestled inside a tender Medjool date, enveloped in a crispy layer of turkey bacon, is nothing short of heavenly!
Whether you’re entertaining friends for game night, bringing a dish to a potluck, or simply treating yourself to a cozy evening at home, this recipe is sure to warm the heart and tantalize the taste buds. Plus, it’s an easy and delicious treat that makes for a perfect appetizer, one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Perfect for a weeknight gathering or a cozy weekend treat.
- Crowd-pleasing: These little bites are irresistible and guaranteed to please guests of all ages.
- Versatile: You can use either cream cheese or goat cheese, tailoring the recipe to your taste.
- Simple ingredients: Made with just a few pantry staples, yet packed with flavor!
- Nutrient-dense: Medjool dates are rich in fiber and essential minerals, making each bite a little healthier.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Easy Delicious Bacon Wrapped Dates
- Medjool dates
- Turkey bacon
- Cream cheese or goat cheese
- Optional: Chopped nuts (like almonds or pecans)
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling (optional)
Let’s Make It Together
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the dates lengthwise and remove the pit, revealing the sweet, tender flesh inside.
- Stuff each date with a generous spoonful of cream cheese or goat cheese, and add a sprinkle of chopped nuts for an extra crunch if desired.
- Wrap each stuffed date with a slice of turkey bacon, securing it in place with a toothpick to keep all that deliciousness inside.
- Place the bacon-wrapped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, creating a cozy little nest for them to cook.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the turkey bacon is delightfully crispy and golden.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving to add a touch of zesty sweetness, and serve warm for the ultimate indulgence.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Spicy Twist: Add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to your cream cheese or goat cheese for a zesty kick!
- Herb Infusion: Mix in some chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the cheese filling for a fragrant treat.
- Nutty Delight: Use a mixture of chopped pecans and almonds for a rich, nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the dates beautifully.
- Sweet & Sour: Swap the balsamic glaze for a honey mustard drizzle for a delightful mix of sweet and tangy!
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-ahead magic: You can prep the stuffed dates up to a day in advance. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator and bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve!
- Turkey bacon option: If you prefer a meatier option, feel free to use beef bacon instead of turkey bacon for a heartier flavor.
- Storing leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven until warmed through for the best texture.
- Perfect slicing: For easier stuffing, slice a small opening in the dates, just big enough to remove the pit and fill them with cheese!
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: Approximately 140
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Sugar: 7g
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 200mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Prepare the stuffed dates a day in advance, and pop them in the oven just before serving.
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to customize the cheese varieties or add herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover bacon-wrapped dates in an airtight container in the fridge for a maximum of three days.
How long does it last?
These delicious morsels are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to three days if any are left!
Wrapping It Up
There you have it – Easy Delicious Bacon Wrapped Dates that are as delightful to make as they are to enjoy! Each bite is a mouthful of comfort, sweetness, and a touch of crispy indulgence. Whether you’re hosting, bringing a dish to share, or indulging in a cozy night in, this recipe is a must-try for any occasion. Save this Easy Delicious Bacon Wrapped Dates to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! I can’t wait for you to savor them!
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Easy Delicious Bacon Wrapped Dates
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 pieces
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A cozy appetizer featuring creamy cheese-stuffed Medjool dates wrapped in turkey bacon, perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
- Medjool dates
- Turkey bacon
- Cream cheese or goat cheese
- Optional: Chopped nuts (like almonds or pecans)
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the dates lengthwise and remove the pit.
- Stuff each date with a spoonful of cream cheese or goat cheese, and sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired.
- Wrap each stuffed date with a slice of turkey bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Place the bacon-wrapped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the turkey bacon is crispy and golden.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving and enjoy warm.
Notes
Make-ahead magic: Prep stuffed dates a day in advance. Store in the fridge and bake when ready!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: bacon wrapped dates, appetizer, easy recipe, holiday appetizer, party food