This recipe for bacon wrapped dates is always a hit as a gluten free appetizer. Finding gluten free appetizers can be a real challenge, this recipe for bacon wrapped dates is surprisingly simple and tastes amazing.
We have served these delightful treats as an appetizer on Christmas Eve for years making them a Christmas tradition in our home. Also known as Devils on Horseback, these cheese stuffed bacon wrapped dates are the perfect blend of sweet and savory in a single bite. The crisp bacon exterior with a smooth and creamy center provides texture and interest to this delightful snack.
This tasty treat is a great example of the layering of different types of salt and fat and balancing the bite with the acidic sweetness of the dried date as described in ‘Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat’ by Samin Nosrat. In this book she eloquently describes how understanding these four food pillars is essential to cooking crave-able satisfying food.
This recipe for bacon wrapped dates layers salt from the bacon and cheese. It then pairs the different fats from the bacon and cheese. These heavy rich flavors are cut through with the sweet acidity in the date. The final element is a dry heat is used to cook the appetizer and give a great crisp texture to the bacon to contrast the smooth date and cheese filling.
Types of Cheese
This recipe for bacon wrapped dates originally used Gouda cheese to stuff the dates before wrapping in bacon. We have used a wide variety of cheeses to fill the stuffed bacon wrapped dates, the flavor of the bite changes slightly with the different types of cheese. No matter what cheese you use these stuffed bacon wrapped dates are sure to be a hit!
Why not experiment with that different cheese as a stuffing and make a few of these stuffed bacon wrapped dates with two or three types of cheese.
Cheeses that we have used:
- Gouda
- Blue
- Cheddar
- Goat Cheese
- Manchego
- Brie
Alternate Stuffing for Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates
This recipe for bacon wrapped dates can also be modified to be dairy free. By substituting almonds, walnuts, or bits of chorizo for the cheese this recipe for bacon wrapped dates to be enjoyed by those who require a dairy free diet. See our list of other dairy and gluten free appetizer ideas for hosting your next get together.
Recipe Bacon Wrapped Dates Dried Fruit Substitutions
You can also use other types of dried fruit in this recipe for bacon wrapped dates. Prunes produce a softer and sweeter morsel but still offer that great balance of salty sweetness. Try using dried apricots for a brighter and chewier option.
An almond wrapped in a dried apricot, wrapped in bacon is a personal favorite. Fig Newton’s are not the only place to use dried figs, figs work great in this dish as well with a small piece of Brie.
Recipe for Bacon Wrapped Dates
INGREDIENTS:
- 16 dates
- 8 slices bacon
- ¼ cup stuffing of your choice (Gouda cheese)
STEPS:
- Pre heat over to 350 degrees,
- Slice the dates in half lengthwise to remove the pit and create a cavity for the stuffing, whole pitted dates work as well and eliminate the need to remove the pit
- Place the stuffing between the two halves of the date
- Wrap the date sandwich with half a slice of bacon securing with a toothpick
- Place the stuffed bacon wrapped dates on a prepared raised edge baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 minutes, turn the stuffed bacon wrapped dates and return to the oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until the bacon is the desired level of crispy goodness
- Remove from the oven, placing the stuffed bacon wrapped dates on a plate lined with paper towel for a couple of minutes before serving.
Expert Tip: Place a cooling rack on the baking sheet to elevate the stuffed bacon wrapped dates allowing grease from the bacon to render out and making the bacon extra crispy
What Will You Try in Your Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates?
It is hard to believe that the recipe for bacon wrapped dates is so simple and gluten free. With the options to make this tasty treat dairy free as well, stuffed bacon wrapped prunes will soon be a fixture on your appetizer menu.
Is there another type of dried fruit that you have used to prepare stuffed bacon wrapped dates?
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