Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Wanna date? Not like a "date-date," but a bacon-wrapped date! Sorry, but I'm taken! These are the only dates I am able to offer all of you at this time (sad attempt at date humor). But let me tell you what, these Bacon-Wrapped Dates are worthy of being eaten on a date and will earn you a date if you serve them at a party. 

Dusty and I went on our 5th anniversary dinner date back in September to Walker's Grill in Billings. It's an elegant western-themed restaurant and tapas bar. I had read on Yelp that their Bacon-Wrapped Dates were to-die-for and they were! For $4 you get four deliciously rich, salty and sweet dates. I could have eaten 10 alone, let alone share with Dusty. This then inspired me to re-create Walker's dates so that I can enjoy them in the comfort of my home for much less and eat so much more! 

Only four ingredients and you are on your way to an elegant appetizer.

Medjool Dates, Bacon, KerryGold Dubliner Cheese & Pure Maple Syrup.

To fill the dates with cheese, you will want to make an incision across one side of the date, remove the pit, insert the cheese block and then squeeze shut! Simple, huh? 

Then wrap the date with 1/3 slice bacon and secure it with a toothpick. 

Ta-da! 

It's so easy and you can do all the prep work ahead of time before your party, holiday event or date!

Preheat your oven to 400 degree (F), place the dates on a baking sheet with parchment paper and bake for 6-8 minutes per side. Then remove the pan from the oven and brush both sides with pure maple syrup. Return to the oven and let the syrup glaze for 1-2 minutes.

Remove the dates from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before consuming all of them at once!

You won't be able to stop yourself!

Hello, my new best friend. I am going to eat you!

Bacon-Wrapped Dates

{2-3 servings}

-6 Medjool Dates

-1 oz KerryGold Dubliner Cheese-cut into 6 equal bricks

-2 slices of bacon-cut into thirds

-2 tbsp of pure maple syrup

Preheat oven to 400 degrees (F). Cover baking sheet with parchment paper.

To fill the dates with cheese: make an incision across one side of the date, remove the pit, insert the cheese block and then squeeze shut. 

Wrap the dates with bacon slices, secure with toothpick and place on baking sheet. Bake for 6-8 minutes on each side. Remove from oven and brush all sides of date with maple syrup. Return to oven and let syrup glaze for 1-2 minutes. 

Remove the dates from the oven, allow to cool for a couple of minutes and enjoy!

*Other cheese options: Bleu Cheese and Gorgonzola

Recipe Inspired By: Walker's Grill & FN Anne Burrell