A Decadent Treat - Bacon Wrapped Dates

Bacon Wrapped Dates

By Ted Slee

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 10-20 mins

Servings: 5-7 ppl

Ingredients

20 Medjool Dates – Pitted Preferred but not necessary

1/2 pound aged Manchego or Blue Cheese, Cut into inch long slivers

10 full slices of bacon, cut in half

1/4 cup Maple Syrup (if desired)

Prep

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Depending on if your dates are pitted or not, make an incision on one side of each date with a sharp paring knife.  If dates aren’t pitted yet, use the tip of your knife to remove the pit once you’ve made the incision.  Gently open the date and insert the cheese and press it closed.  Wrap each date with bacon strip and secure with a toothpick.  Place the dates on a non-stick baking sheet or a sheet tray lined with a sil mat or parchment paper.  Let the dates roast in the oven until the bacon on top is starting to crisp.  About 8 to 10 minutes depending on your oven.  Make sure to turn the dates over and cook until golden brown another 2 to 10 minutes.  Once they have reached that golden color remove the dates from the oven.  This is when you can brush both sides with the maple syrup and return the dates to the oven for about 1 to 2 minutes more.  Make sure to serve them right away.