Title: Easy Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Almonds: A Sweet and Savory Delight
Do you know what happens when crispy bacon meets the sweet, chewy delight of dates, with a crunchy almond surprise in the middle? Pure magic! Bacon-wrapped dates with almonds, a treat that’s as simple to make as it is delicious, might just become your new favorite appetizer or snack. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a delicious snack, or want to impress your friends and family, this recipe has got you covered. Today, I’m going to walk you through the steps of making these irresistible little bites, so let’s dive right in!
Ingredients:
Before we start, let’s gather the ingredients you will need. This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, with only three main ingredients:
- 20 pitted dates: Choose soft, plump ones for the best texture.
- 20 almonds (raw or roasted, depending on your preference): These will fill the dates, adding a crunchy surprise.
- 10 slices of bacon: Each slice will be cut in half to wrap around the dates. Look for thinner slices, which will crisp up nicely.
Tools:
- Toothpicks: To secure the bacon in place.
- Baking sheet: Lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Oven: Preheated. Most ovens will be set around 375°F (190°C) for this recipe.
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep Your Dates
If your dates aren’t already pitted, you’ll want to do that first. Simply make a small slice along the side of each date and remove the pit. Be gentle to avoid splitting the date in half. Next, insert an almond into each date where the pit used to be. The almond should fit snugly inside.
Step 2: Wrap with Bacon
Cut each bacon slice in half, creating two shorter strips from one slice. Take a half slice of bacon and wrap it around a stuffed date, ensuring the bacon overlaps slightly. Secure the bacon in place with a toothpick. This not only keeps the bacon wrapped around the date but also makes the snacks easy to pick up and eat once they’re cooked.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, arrange the bacon-wrapped dates on the parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. This ensures they cook evenly and become nicely crispy. Pop them into the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Halfway through, you might want to flip them over to ensure the bacon gets crispy all the way around. You’ll know they’re done when the bacon is sizzling and has turned a beautiful shade of golden brown.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your bacon-wrapped dates cool for a few minutes. They’ll be very hot, especially the melted sugar on the outside. After they’ve cooled slightly, place them on a serving platter. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making them perfect for parties or as a make-ahead snack.
Tips and Variations:
- Cheese, Please! For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a small piece of cheese inside the date with the almond. Goat cheese and blue cheese are both excellent choices.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle the bacon-wrapped dates with a little chili powder or smoked paprika before baking.
- Make it Ahead: These treats can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator on the baking sheet. Just pop them in the oven before your guests arrive for a freshly baked delight.
Bacon-wrapped dates with almonds are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and crunchy, making them an irresistible addition to any gathering. This simple recipe proves that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or complicated steps to create something truly delicious. So, the next time you’re in need of a quick, easy, and impressive snack, give these delightful bites a try. Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!
