3-Ingredient Bacon-Wrapped Dates: A Simple, Flavorful Delight

Bacon-wrapped dates are a culinary delight that has captivated the hearts of food lovers everywhere. This simple yet elegant dish has gained popularity for its ability to effortlessly combine savory, sweet, and creamy elements into a single, mouthwatering bite. These bacon-wrapped dates are a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making them an irresistible choice for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a potluck, or simply craving something delicious, this 3-ingredient bacon-wrapped dates recipe will undoubtedly become a favorite.

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The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. It only requires three main ingredients—bacon, dates, and cheese—yet it results in a dish that feels much more sophisticated than the sum of its parts. The richness of the bacon, the sweetness of the dates, and the creaminess of the cheese come together to create an experience that is both satisfying and memorable. The combination of flavors will leave your taste buds dancing, while the textures keep each bite interesting and enjoyable. And with minimal prep time and only 35 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is ideal for anyone looking to whip up something extraordinary without much effort.

In this article, we’ll dive into the details of how to make these 3-ingredient bacon-wrapped dates. Along with step-by-step instructions, you’ll find tips for ingredient substitutions, variations, and creative serving suggestions. So, whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will provide all the guidance you need to create an unforgettable appetizer.

The Allure of Bacon-Wrapped Dates

The appeal of bacon-wrapped dates lies in the interplay of flavors and textures. Dates, particularly Medjool dates, have a natural sweetness that makes them a perfect partner for the salty, smoky goodness of bacon. The combination of the two is already a match made in heaven, but when you add cheese, it takes the dish to an entirely new level. Cheese, whether it’s creamy goat cheese, tangy blue cheese, or crumbly feta, complements the dates in a way that enhances the overall flavor profile, making each bite both savory and sweet.

But it’s not just about the flavor. The texture contrast is equally important. The bacon crisps up as it cooks, providing a crunchy exterior, while the dates remain soft and slightly caramelized on the inside. The cheese melts just enough to become creamy, adding a smoothness to the dish that balances out the crisp bacon and tender dates. It’s a delightful mix of textures that makes these bacon-wrapped dates irresistible.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the instructions, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this dish so special. Despite its simplicity, each ingredient plays an important role in creating the final product.

• 10 slices of bacon: The bacon serves as the star of the dish, offering a savory, salty, and smoky flavor. The key to getting the bacon just right is to cook it long enough to become crispy without overcooking it, so it’s still pliable enough to wrap around the dates.
• 20 Medjool dates: Medjool dates are known for their sweetness, rich flavor, and chewy texture. They are the perfect vehicle for stuffing with cheese and wrapping in bacon. When cooked, the dates become tender and slightly caramelized, adding depth to the dish’s flavor.
• 4 ounces of crumbled blue cheese: The cheese adds richness and complexity to the dish. Blue cheese provides a tangy, creamy flavor that pairs wonderfully with both the bacon and dates. However, if blue cheese isn’t your thing, you can substitute it with goat cheese, feta, or any other cheese you prefer.
• Freshly-ground black pepper: This adds a touch of spice to balance out the richness of the bacon and cheese.
• Flaky sea salt: A pinch of flaky sea salt just before serving brings out the flavors of the bacon and dates, making the dish even more delicious.

Instructions

1. Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature allows the bacon to cook evenly while giving it a crispy finish. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the bacon grease from sticking to the pan and make cleanup easier.
2. Precook the Bacon: Lay the bacon strips on the baking sheet in a single layer. Be sure the strips aren’t overlapping to ensure even cooking. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and cook the bacon for about 10 minutes, or until it’s halfway cooked. The bacon should be slightly cooked but still soft enough to wrap around the dates. The goal is to achieve a texture that’s not too crispy, as you’ll be baking the dates with the bacon later to get the perfect crispiness. Keep a close eye on the bacon, as the cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the slices. Once it reaches the right consistency, remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly.
3. Stuff the Dates: While the bacon is precooking, it’s time to prep the dates. Use a paring knife to make a shallow cut lengthwise along the top of each date. Be careful not to cut all the way through the date, just enough to create a pocket for the filling. Once the dates are sliced open, remove the pits by gently pulling them out. With the pits removed, stuff each date with a spoonful of crumbled cheese. Use your palm to gently squeeze the date closed around the cheese, making sure it’s sealed as best as possible. The cheese will melt slightly during cooking, so it’s okay if the dates aren’t perfectly sealed.
4. Wrap the Dates: Now that the bacon has cooled slightly, it’s time to wrap the dates. Slice each strip of bacon in half, so you have 20 half-strips of bacon. Take one half-strip of bacon and wrap it tightly around each stuffed date. Secure the bacon with a toothpick to hold it in place during the cooking process. The toothpick ensures the bacon doesn’t unravel as it cooks.
5. Bake the Wrapped Dates: Place the wrapped dates on a fresh piece of parchment paper on the baking sheet. Arrange them in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly. Before placing the baking sheet back in the oven, sprinkle the dates with freshly ground black pepper. This adds a nice, subtle spiciness to balance out the sweetness of the dates and the richness of the bacon. Bake the dates for about 5-7 minutes on each side, flipping them halfway through. Keep a close eye on them to ensure the bacon doesn’t burn. The goal is to achieve a golden, crispy bacon exterior without overcooking the dates or cheese.
6. Finish and Serve: Once the bacon is crispy and the dates are cooked through, remove them from the oven. Transfer the dates to a wire rack to cool for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle the bacon-wrapped dates with a pinch of flaky sea salt to enhance the flavors. This final step adds a touch of crunch and brings out the natural sweetness of the dates. Serve the bacon-wrapped dates warm, and watch them disappear as your guests savor every bite.

Flavor, Texture, and Aroma

The flavor of these bacon-wrapped dates is a beautiful harmony of sweet, salty, and savory notes. The bacon provides a smoky, salty base that enhances the sweetness of the dates, while the cheese adds a creamy, tangy element that ties everything together. The black pepper gives the dish a subtle kick, balancing out the richness of the other ingredients. The dates themselves become tender as they bake, with their natural sugars caramelizing slightly, adding a deeper sweetness.

The texture of the dish is equally impressive. The crispy bacon contrasts beautifully with the soft, chewy dates, creating an enjoyable bite. The cheese, melted just enough to create a creamy filling, adds a smooth and velvety texture that complements the crunch of the bacon. Each bite offers a delightful combination of textures that makes the dish both satisfying and indulgent.

As the bacon crisps up in the oven, it releases an intoxicating aroma that fills the kitchen, creating an irresistible scent. The sweetness of the dates and the smokiness of the bacon create a savory-sweet aroma that will have your guests eagerly waiting to try the dish.

Tips for Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Cheese Options: While blue cheese is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Goat cheese offers a creamy, tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the dates and the saltiness of the bacon. Feta cheese provides a crumbly texture and a milder tang, making it another excellent option. If you’re not a fan of strong cheeses, try using a mild cheese like mozzarella or even cream cheese for a more subtle flavor. Manchego, Parmesan, and cheddar are also great choices if you prefer a firmer, sharper cheese.
• Bacon Alternatives: For a lighter version, you can swap regular bacon for turkey bacon. While turkey bacon doesn’t have the same richness, it still crisps up nicely and offers a similar smoky flavor. If you’re looking for something a little fancier, try using prosciutto instead of bacon. Prosciutto will give the dish a more delicate, salty flavor, and it crisps up beautifully when baked.
• Spicy Variations: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or chili flakes along with the black pepper. This will bring a spicy kick to the dish that pairs nicely with the sweet dates and savory bacon.
• Sweet Variations: While dates are naturally sweet, you can also experiment with other dried fruits. Dried apricots or prunes make excellent substitutes for dates and add their own unique flavor to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

These bacon-wrapped dates are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. They are perfect as an appetizer for a party, a light snack for an afternoon gathering, or even as part of a tapas-style meal. Serve them alongside a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the bacon and cheese. They also pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a cheese platter for a more substantial meal.

For beverages, a glass of dry red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, complements the smoky bacon and tangy cheese. Alternatively, a light beer or a crisp white wine like Chardonnay would also work well to balance out the richness of the dish.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, these 3-ingredient bacon-wrapped dates are a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that feels indulgent and sophisticated. Whether you stick with the classic blue cheese or experiment with different cheese options, the combination of bacon, dates, and cheese is sure to impress. With just a few ingredients and a little time, you can create an appetizer that will leave everyone asking for the recipe. So, fire up the oven, grab your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s both easy and extraordinary.