Bacon-wrapped Dates Recipe
Stuffed with almonds and Valdeón blue cheese
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Stuffing & Dates
Bacon & Assembly
Finishing (optional)
Method
Prepare dates & stuffing
Pit and fill
Using a small paring knife, make a lengthwise slit in each Medjool date and remove the pit, keeping the date intact. If any dates are very dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes and drain well, then pat dry.
Stuff with almond and cheese
Insert one whole roasted almond into each pitted date. Using a small spoon or a piping bag, press approximately 5 grams (about 1/2 tsp) of Valdeón blue cheese into the remaining cavity of each date over the almond. Be gentle so the cheese doesn’t force the date open.
Wrap with bacon
Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise to yield 24 pieces. Take one stuffed date and wrap a half-slice of bacon around it so the seam is on the bottom. If desired, brush a light film of honey over the exposed bacon for a touch of sweetness. Secure the bacon-wrapped date with a toothpick through the center.
Sprinkle each assembled piece with a light grind of black pepper. If using smoked paprika, lightly dust the bacon with it now for color and subtle smokiness.
Cook (oven method)
Bake
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates seam-side down on the rack, leaving a little space between each. Bake for 15–20 minutes, turning the pan once at 10 minutes, until the bacon is crisped to your liking and the cheese is melty. If the bacon is browning too quickly, lower the temperature to 190°C (375°F) and continue until done.
Optional broil for finish
For extra crispness, broil on high for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.
Cook (grill or skillet alternative)
To grill: preheat grill to medium-high. Place the bacon-wrapped dates seam-side down on a grill-safe tray or skewers and grill 8–12 minutes, turning frequently until bacon is crisp and cheese is warm. To pan-sear: heat a large skillet over medium heat, add the dates seam-side down and cook 10–12 minutes, turning every 2–3 minutes so all sides brown evenly; drain on paper towels.
Finish & serve
Remove toothpicks and transfer to a serving platter, or leave toothpicks in for easy serving. If you used honey, you can drizzle an additional 1 tsp over the top for sheen. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for color and serve warm. These are best eaten within 30 minutes of cooking while bacon is still crisp and cheese is molten.