Bacon Wrapped Dates
Bacon Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Manchego are the perfect party appetizer! This salty and sweet finger food is pretty impossible to have just one of, so consider doubling the batch if you’re entertaining a crowd.
Bacon Wrapped Dates
Honestly, bacon wrapped anything is the way to go.
The combination of savory and sweet flavors with the bacon and dates is what makes this appetizer so downright mouthwatering. To make this finger food even more delicious, I’ve stuffed sweet dates with Manchego cheese! It’s the perfect balancing ingredient between the sweet dates and the savory bacon. Manchego cheese has a pretty mild, delicately sweet flavor that accompanies the other two main ingredients ideally.
How to Make Stuffed Dates
Like I previously mentioned, these stuffed and wrapped dates are SO easy to make! Grab your toothpicks and let’s get started.
- Prepare. Preheat the oven to 375˚ F. Line a baking sheet with foil and coat with cooking spray.
- Stuff. Push a piece of cheese into the cavity of the date. Pinch the date shut and press together to seal.
- Wrap. Wrap each date in a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Sweeten. Brush the maple syrup over the surface of the dates and arrange on the baking sheet.
- Bake. Bake for 10 minutes until the bacon is beginning to brown. Flip the dates and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until brown and crispy.
- Enjoy! Sprinkle with parsley, if using, and serve immediately.
What is manchego cheese?
If you’ve never had manchego cheese, you’re in for a real treat! This cheese originated in Spain, and I’m so glad that it’s made the journey to my neighborhood supermarket. It’s got a deliciously buttery consistency and a mild flavor that can be slightly sweet, depending on how much it’s been aged. If I were to closely compare it to another cheese, I’d say it’s pretty similar to asiago.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
You’ll know the dates are done baking when they’re lightly brown and crispy! Just don’t forget to flip the dates after 10 minutes before baking for another 10, that way they cook evenly. If you don’t flip them and let them cook for 20 minutes, they’ll burn.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, but not too far ahead of time. These dates are best served when they’re still a little bit warm from the oven. However, if they’re left out a a party, they’ll still be tasty at room temp throughout the duration of the event. If you want to make these stuffed dates a few hours ahead of time and keep them wrapped in foil, that’ll work.
Check out more of my favorite party appetizers!
- Smoked Salmon Pinwheels
- Sweet and Spicy Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
- Easy Antipasto Skewers
- Baked Brie with Fig Jam
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Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Dates Recipe
Ingredients
- 20 Medjool dates pits removed
- 6 ounces manchego cheese, cut into bite size pieces
- 10 slices bacon cut in half
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- cooking spray
- chopped parsley, optional
Equipment
- baking sheet
- toothpicks
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375˚ F. Line a baking sheet with foil and coat with cooking spray.
- Push a piece of cheese into the cavity of the date.
- Pinch the date shut and press together to seal. Wrap each date in a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Brush the maple syrup over the surface of the dates and arrange on the baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes until the bacon is beginning to brown.
- Flip the dates and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until brown and crispy.
- Sprinkle with parsley, if using, and serve immediately.