Bacon Wrapped Dates
Bacon-wrapped dates, a culinary delight, blend the richness of quality ingredients with a touch of culinary finesse. This recipe marries the sweet and savory in a dance of flavors, featuring succulent dates enveloped in savory bacon. Rooted in ancient Middle Eastern cuisine, the history of this recipe traces back to the sweet-toothed sophistication of the region. The timeless combination of dates and bacon, elevated by contemporary culinary techniques, resonates across cultures, offering a tantalizing blend of textures and tastes.
The essence of bacon-wrapped dates lies in the careful selection of ingredients and the artful execution of culinary techniques. Plump dates, prized for their natural sweetness, are wrapped in strips of bacon, creating a dynamic interplay of flavors. The recipe is believed to have originated in Spain, where it is known as "datiles con bacon." It is a popular tapa or small dish served in bars and restaurants throughout the country. The technique of baking or broiling ensures that the bacon achieves the perfect crispness while allowing the dates to caramelize, resulting in a bite-sized culinary masterpiece that transcends cultural boundaries.
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 20 min
Total Time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients
- 12 pitted Medjool dates (big, juicy ones)
- 6 slices of bacon (½ slice to wrap each date)
- 24 almonds, slivered
Instructions
Setup
- 1.Soak the toothpicks in water so they won’t burn in the oven.
- 2.Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- 3.Line a raised edge baking sheet with foil.
Prep
- 4.Slice each date down one side and stuff with almond slivers.
- 5.Wrap each date with ½ slice of bacon and pierce with a toothpick to hold it together.
- 6.Place the wrapped dates on the foil-lined baking sheet.
Bake
- 7.Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes.
- 8.Remove the dates from the oven and flip.
- 9.Bake for 10 more minutes or until the bacon is done.