I experienced my first bacon-wrapped date in an Ojai, California restaurant called Azu. While the presentation was modest enough (four or five Medjool dates wrapped in thick crispy bacon and served in a shallow ceramic bowl) the taste was extraordinary; the most magical blend of sweet, salty, soft and crispy.
This appetizer is easy to make and will dazzle even the most finicky palate.
Here are the basics*:
1 pound of thick-cut bacon (the best quality you can find)
1 pound pitted Medjool dates
Pre-heat your oven to 375 degrees. Cut the entire pack of bacon in half. Wrap each date with a half piece of bacon and place each bundle (bacon ends facing down) on a cookie sheet. If the bacon begins to unwrap, secure with a toothpick. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the bacon looks crispy on all sides.
Serves about 10. Leftovers are decedent for breakfast.
* Stuff the dates with goat cheese, crushed walnuts, and rosemary for another tasty take on this awesome app!
My favorite version of this recipe has goat cheese inside the dates.
You didn’t think it could get any better? Bam. It just did.
Bam. Just like that!
I second the bam! Where do you get good dates these days? Those look fantastic.
Fuck yes. Another variation: chorizo in the middle of the date. BAM!
I LOVE bacon wrapped dates!!!! Yum!!! I’m jealous I want some now!
Lauren, I had some from a trip to Salton Sea. There’s a huge date farm out there.
Brian, Bam indeed! I was thinking a chili might work as well. Boom. Bam. Kablooey!
Melissa, You come over and teach me a thing or two about knitting, and I’ll feed these to you!
Thanks for reading! <3
Omg ok just give me a date and I’ll be there!!!!
These look like insects.
..like bacon-wrapped roaches, or something.