Sweet And Savory Bacon-Wrapped Dates

I’m always looking for easy and delicious appetizers to serve at my dinner parties. And I must say that bacon-wrapped dates is one of my absolute favorites. Not only do they look impressive on the plate, but the combination of salty bacon, sweet dates and a hint of spicy heat make for an incredibly tasty treat. Plus, it’s so easy to make that even novice cooks can tackle it with ease. Trust me – these bacon-wrapped dates will make your next gathering the talk of the town!

Bacon-Wrapped Dates Recipe

Ingredients

• 12 medium-sized dates
• 12 strips of bacon
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
• Prepare a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
• Remove the pits from the dates and stuff each date with a small piece of your favorite cheese.
• Wrap each date with a bacon strip and secure it with a toothpick.
• In a small bowl, mix together the honey, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper.
• Brush the bacon-wrapped dates with the honey mixture.
• Place the dates onto the prepared baking tray and bake for 15 minutes.
• After 15 minutes, turn off the oven and let the dates cool for 5 minutes.
• Serve the bacon-wrapped dates warm, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 147
• Total Fat: 9.2g
• Saturated Fat: 3.4g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 233mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 12.3g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.8g
• Sugars: 8.5g
• Protein: 3.9g

What is the origin of the bacon-wrapped date dish?

The bacon-wrapped date dish is believed to have originated in Northern Africa, specifically Morocco, during the Middle Ages. According to food historians, the dish was created as a way to combine two ingredients that were readily available – bacon and dates – in an easy-to-make snack. It’s also thought to have been adopted by Jewish communities in the region as a kosher dish, due to the combination of bacon and dates.

From Morocco, the dish spread to other countries in the region, including Spain and Italy. In Spain, it is often served in tapas bars, as a pre-dinner snack. The dish is also widely popular in Italy, where it is often referred to as “involtini di datteri” (bacon-wrapped dates).

Today, bacon-wrapped dates are served in many different countries around the world, including the United States. The dish has become a popular appetizer in American restaurants, and is often served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as honey mustard or balsamic glaze.

Overall, the bacon-wrapped date dish has a long and varied history, stretching back to the Middle Ages and spanning multiple countries. It’s a tasty and easy-to-make snack that has stood the test of time, and is sure to be enjoyed for many years to come.

What types of bacon are best for wrapping dates?

When it comes to wrapping dates in bacon, the best type of bacon is thick-cut, center-cut bacon. This type of bacon is typically cut from the leaner part of the belly and is thicker than regular bacon, making it ideal for wrapping dates. It also has a more robust flavor than regular bacon, which pairs nicely with the sweetness of the dates.

When selecting bacon for wrapping dates, look for center-cut bacon that is uncured, with no nitrates or nitrites added. This type of bacon is healthier and doesn’t contain any of the preservatives that are found in cured bacon. It also has a richer flavor and a good texture for wrapping around the dates.

Another type of bacon that works well for wrapping dates is smoked bacon. Smoked bacon is cured and smoked, giving it a rich smoky flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the dates. The thickness of the bacon is important when wrapping dates, and smoked bacon can be cut a bit thicker than regular bacon, making it easier to wrap around the dates.

Finally, double-smoked bacon is a great option for wrapping dates. Double-smoked bacon is cured and then smoked twice, giving it a super smoky flavor and a thick texture. This type of bacon also has an intense flavor that complements the sweetness of the dates.

No matter what type of bacon you choose for wrapping dates, the important thing is to make sure it’s thick-cut, so that it stays in place and doesn’t fall apart when cooked.

How does wrapping dates in bacon elevate the flavor of the dish?

Wrapping dates in bacon adds a savory smokiness and saltiness to the sweetness of the dates, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

• The crispy bacon adds a crunchy texture to the dish, creating a pleasing contrast.
• Bacon fat and its rendered drippings also help to enhance the flavor of the dates, while the sweetness of the dates helps to balance out the saltiness of the bacon.
• The combination of bacon and dates results in a unique flavor profile that can’t be achieved by either ingredient alone.
• Wrapping dates in bacon also creates a visually appealing presentation, making them a great appetizer for special occasions.

Are there any health benefits associated with eating bacon-wrapped dates?

Yes, there are several health benefits associated with eating bacon-wrapped dates.

These include:

• Increased dietary intake of healthy fats from the bacon, which can help lower cholesterol levels.
• Dates provide a source of dietary fiber and can help with digestion.
• Bacon contains selenium, which helps to protect cells from damage.
• Dates are rich in potassium and can help to reduce blood pressure.
• They are a good source of protein, which helps to build and maintain muscle mass.
• They are low in calories and can help to reduce the risk of weight gain.
• The combination of bacon and dates can help to boost energy levels.

Are there any tips for cooking bacon-wrapped dates perfectly?

Yes, there are several tips to help you cook bacon-wrapped dates perfectly.

• Preheat oven to 350F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Cut the bacon into pieces that are long enough to wrap around the dates.
• Wrap each date with bacon and secure with a toothpick.
• Place the wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.
• Turn the dates halfway to ensure even cooking.
• Remove from oven and allow to cool before serving.
• Drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze for an extra touch of flavor.

What ingredients pair best with bacon-wrapped dates?

When it comes to making bacon-wrapped dates, there are a few key ingredients that pair well. Creamy goat cheese, toasted nuts, and tangy balsamic glaze all complement the smoky, sweet flavor of bacon-wrapped dates.

Goat Cheese

Adding a creamy element like goat cheese not only adds a delicious flavor, but also helps to keep the dates from falling apart while they are baking. To incorporate goat cheese into your bacon-wrapped dates, simply stuff a cube of cheese into the pitted date before wrapping it with bacon. The salty, creamy flavor pairs perfectly with the sweet dates and smoky bacon.

Nuts

Toasting nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds brings out their flavor and adds a nice crunch to your bacon-wrapped dates. To create this effect, simply toast the nuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. Once the nuts are toasted, finely chop them and sprinkle them over the dates before wrapping them in bacon.

Balsamic Glaze

Adding a tangy balsamic glaze to your bacon-wrapped dates is a great way to round out the flavors. The sweet and tart flavor of the glaze balances out the smoky flavor of the bacon and the sweetness of the dates. To make a glaze, simply reduce 1/3 cup of balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons of honey in a small saucepan over medium heat until it is thick and syrupy. Drizzle the glaze over the dates before serving.

When it comes to making bacon-wrapped dates, goat cheese, toasted nuts, and balsamic glaze are all great ingredients to pair with the smoky, sweet flavor of bacon-wrapped dates. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and impressive appetizer that everyone will enjoy.

What are the most popular variations of bacon-wrapped dates?

The most popular variations of bacon-wrapped dates are those stuffed with feta and almonds, goat cheese and walnuts, and cream cheese and chives. Each of these tasty combinations provides a unique flavor and texture combination that is sure to please the palate. Additionally, the bacon-wrapped date can be served as an appetizer, snack, or entrée.

Stuffed with Feta and Almonds

The combination of feta and almonds is a classic for bacon-wrapped dates. The feta adds a salty and creamy flavor, while the almonds provide a crunchy texture. To prepare, stuff pitted dates with a small amount of crumbled feta cheese. Then wrap each date with a half-slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Place the dates on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 20 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Walnuts

Goat cheese and walnuts make an excellent combination for bacon-wrapped dates. The goat cheese has a mild and tangy flavor, while the walnuts provide a nutty crunch. To make this variation, stuff each pitted date with a small amount of crumbled goat cheese. Then wrap the date with a half-slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Place the dates on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 20 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Stuffed with Cream Cheese and Chives

Cream cheese and chives provide a savory and creamy flavor combination. To prepare, stuff pitted dates with a small amount of cream cheese mixed with chopped chives. Wrap each date with a half-slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Place the dates on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 20 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

No matter which variation of bacon-wrapped dates you choose to make, you can be sure to enjoy a delicious and flavorful appetizer or snack.