Bacon Wrapped Dates

Submitted by Chef mariajane

"Rich blue cheese is at the center of these multi-layered bites. For a milder flavor, try cream cheese."

 

• Ready In: 10mins
• Ingredients: 7
• Yields: 32 appetizers

ingredients

• 32 pitted dates
• 1⁄3 cup blue cheese or 1/3 cup cream cheese
• 32 blanched almonds
• 1 (65 g) box fully cooked bacon, 50% less salt
• 32 wood cocktail sticks
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper

directions

1. Slice dates lengthwise and open up like a book. Inside each date, place 1/2 teaspoons blue cheese and 1 almond, then close tightly.
2. Wrap dates in bacon, trimming as needed, and secure with a cocktail pick. You can slice the bacon in halves or thirds to wrap various sized dates.
3. Place dates on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. (If making ahead, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until needed).
4. When ready to serve, preheat oven to 400°F Brush dates with honey and bake for 5 minutes or until bacon is crisp. Season with salt and pepper, transfer to a platter and serve.