Bacon wrapped dates are a very classic, super simple hors d’oeuvre. Sweet, salty, smoky, gooey, chewy and crunchy…this appetizer has it all! I made this batch last minute for an Oscar get together.
Manchego-Stuffed Maple-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Adapted from a recipe by Anne Burrell
- 15 Medjool pitted dates (smaller is better than bigger)
- 1 pound aged Manchego, cut into 15 blocks
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon (the best you can find)
- 1/4 cup real maple syrup
- kosher salt
- freshly ground pepper
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Saute the bacon in a pan until slightly cooked, but still really soft.
Make an incision on the end of the date and insert a block of Manchego. Squeeze the date shut. Cut the bacon strips in half then wrap each date with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Place all the dates on a sheet tray lined with a silicone mat or parchment paper. Bake the dates in the oven until the bacon on top is starting to crisp, about 12-15 minutes. Turn the dates over and cook the other side until the bacon crisps, about 5 more minutes.
Remove the dates from the oven and brush both sides with maple syrup. Return the dates to the oven until they are really crackly and sticky, 1 to 2 minutes. Taste one and season with salt and pepper if you like. Serve hot.