Easy Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Dates with Almonds Recipe

Introduction

These easy bacon-wrapped stuffed dates with almonds are a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and creamy flavors. They make a delicious appetizer that’s quick to prepare and sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 4 ounces cold cream cheese, cut into 18 pieces (1 inch by 1/4 inch)
• 12 ounces Medjool pitted dates
• 18 whole almonds, salted and roasted
• 9 slices raw bacon, cut in half
• 18 wooden picks

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare the cream cheese by cutting it into 18 small pieces approximately 1 inch by 1/4 inch each.
2. Step 2: Carefully open the hole at the top of each date using your finger or a small paring knife, enlarging it enough to stuff. Then open along the side where the pit was removed.
3. Step 3: Stuff each date with one piece of cream cheese followed by one whole almond.
4. Step 4: Wrap each stuffed date with half a slice of raw bacon and secure it with a wooden pick.
5. Step 5: Arrange the wrapped dates seam side down on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
6. Step 6: Bake for 10 minutes until the bacon starts to brown, then turn the dates over and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the bacon is golden and crispy.
7. Step 7: Serve the dates warm or at room temperature for best flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Use tender Medjool dates for easier stuffing and better flavor.
• Keep cream cheese cold to make it easier to handle during stuffing.
• Do not refrigerate dates before stuffing as they will become too firm to open easily.
• Turn on your stove exhaust fan while baking to manage any smoke produced.
• Try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper inside for a spicy twist.

Storage

Store leftover stuffed dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to crisp the bacon again before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of dates?

While you can use other pitted dates, Medjool dates are preferred for their tenderness and sweetness, which complement the filling and bacon perfectly.

Is it necessary to use almonds inside the dates?

The almonds add a nice crunch and flavor contrast, but you can omit them or substitute with pecans or walnuts if you prefer.

Easy Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Dates with Almonds Recipe

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This easy and elegant appetizer features sweet Medjool dates stuffed with creamy cream cheese and crunchy almonds, all wrapped in crispy bacon. Baked to perfection, these bacon-wrapped stuffed dates are a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors and make a wonderful party snack or appetizer for any occasion.

• Author: Lily
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 18 stuffed dates 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Stuffing

• 4 ounces cold cream cheese, cut into 18 one-inch by a quarter inch pieces
• 18 whole almonds, salted and roasted
• 12 ounces Medjool pitted dates

Bacon Wrap

• 9 slices raw bacon, cut in half
• 18 wooden picks

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) so it’s ready to bake the dates once prepared.
2. Prepare the cream cheese: Cut the cold cream cheese into 18 pieces, each about one inch long and a quarter inch thick; keeping it cold helps in easy stuffing.
3. Stuff the dates: Carefully widen the hole at the top of each pitted date using your finger or a small paring knife, then open the side where the pit was removed. Place one piece of cream cheese and one roasted almond inside each date gently.
4. Wrap with bacon: Take half a slice of raw bacon and wrap it snugly around each stuffed date. Secure the bacon with a wooden pick to hold everything together during cooking.
5. Arrange for baking: Place the bacon-wrapped dates seam side down on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper to catch drips.
6. Bake the dates: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then turn each date over and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes until the bacon is golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve: These bacon-wrapped stuffed dates are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Use tender, pitted Medjool dates for the best texture and flavor.
• Do not refrigerate dates before stuffing, as they will harden and be difficult to open for stuffing.
• Keeping the cream cheese very cold makes it easier to handle and stuff into the dates.
• Stuff the cream cheese first, then press the almond inside to hold it securely.
• The bacon may produce smoke during baking; turn on your stove exhaust fan to avoid smoke buildup.
• Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the dates and the thickness of the bacon slices.
• Consider making a double batch as these are popular and disappear quickly at gatherings.

Keywords: bacon wrapped dates, stuffed dates, appetizer, Medjool dates, cream cheese, almonds, party snack, baked appetizer