Welcome to a delightful appetizer that combines sweet, savory, and smoky flavors all in one bite: Bacon-Wrapped Date Bites. These little gems are perfect for any gathering, offering a unique taste experience that's hard to resist.
Dates: The natural sweetness of pitted dates provides a lovely contrast to the savory bacon. Their chewy texture holds everything together.
Bacon: Provides a salty, smoky flavor that complements the sweetness of the dates perfectly. When cooked, it becomes crispy, adding a delightful texture.
Almonds: These add a satisfying crunch and a subtle nutty flavor. They also help fill the dates, making each bite more substantial.
Smoked Paprika (optional): This adds a hint of smokiness and a bit of color, enhancing the overall flavor profile without overpowering it.
These bites are great on their own, but you can serve them with a creamy dip like a simple garlic aioli or a blue cheese dressing for a bit of tang. They're also a great addition to a charcuterie board, providing a sweet and salty contrast to cheeses and meats.
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven ensures the bacon crisps up nicely, which is what you’re aiming for. While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Now, grab your dates. If they aren’t pitted, you’ll need to remove those pits, but most come pre-pitted these days to save you the hassle. Take an almond and stuff it into each date. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of smoked paprika inside with the almond for an extra kick.
Next, take your bacon slices and cut them in half. This should leave you with 24 pieces, perfect for wrapping. Wrap each stuffed date with a half slice of bacon, making sure to overlap the ends so it stays secure. Use a toothpick to hold everything in place.
Arrange your bacon-wrapped dates seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. This positioning helps the bacon stay wrapped as it cooks. Pop them into your preheated oven and let them bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for the bacon to become crispy and golden.
Once they’re done, let them cool slightly before serving. This gives them a chance to firm up a bit, making them easier to handle and enjoy.
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