Bacon Wrapped-Dates Recipe

DATES: Sweet and chewy fruits that add natural sugar and a soft texture to the dish.

BACON: Thin slices of cured pork that become crispy when baked, adding a salty and smoky flavor.

One of the most important steps in this Bacon Wrapped-Dates Recipe is wrapping each date with a half slice of bacon and securing it with a toothpick. Doing this right helps the bacon cook evenly and get nice and crispy without falling off. Here’s how you can do it step by step:

1. Take one date and lay it flat on your work surface.
2. Grab half a slice of bacon and wrap it tightly around the date so it’s snug but not squished.
3. Push a toothpick through the middle of the wrapped date to hold the bacon in place.
4. Repeat with the rest until all dates are wrapped.

Wrapping the bacon tightly means it won’t unravel while baking, which keeps everything together and helps the bacon get crispy all around. If the bacon is loose, it might shrink and slide off, leaving you with a sad, naked date at the end. Plus, the toothpick makes it easy to flip or move the pieces without breaking them apart.

When I first tried this, I didn’t use toothpicks and the bacon kept slipping off in the oven. It was a mess! Now, I always use toothpicks, and it makes the whole process so much smoother. Also, wrapping the bacon tightly but gently keeps the date from getting squished and losing its shape. It’s a little trick that makes a big difference when you’re baking these tasty bites.

• dates - Substitute with dried apricots: Dried apricots have a similar sweetness and chewy texture, making them a good alternative to dates in this recipe.

• dates - Substitute with prunes: Prunes offer a similar sweet and sticky quality, which pairs well with the savory bacon.

• bacon - Substitute with prosciutto: Prosciutto is a thinly sliced cured meat that provides a similar salty flavor and can be wrapped around the dates just like bacon.

• bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: For a lower-fat option, turkey bacon offers a similar texture and flavor profile to traditional bacon.

• To keep your bacon wrapped-dates fresh and delightful, allow them to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the bacon soggy.

• Place the cooled dates in an airtight container. If stacking them, separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy texture.

• For longer storage, consider freezing. Arrange the bacon wrapped-dates in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.

• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date for easy tracking.

• When you're ready to indulge, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes until the bacon is sizzling and crispy.

• Avoid microwaving as it can make the bacon rubbery. The oven is your best friend for maintaining that perfect crispiness.

• If you have leftover bacon wrapped-dates from a party, consider chopping them up and adding to a salad or using them as a topping for soups for a delightful twist.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bacon-wrapped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat them for about 10 minutes, or until the bacon is sizzling and warmed through. This method keeps the bacon crispy and the dates tender.

• For a quick fix, use a microwave. Place the dates on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Heat on medium power for 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking to ensure they are heated evenly. This method is fast but may slightly soften the bacon.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates in a single layer in the basket. Heat for about 5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are evenly reheated. This method helps maintain the crispiness of the bacon.

• For a stovetop option, use a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the dates in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the dates are warmed through. This method gives you control over the reheating process and can enhance the bacon's texture.

• Oven: Used to bake the bacon-wrapped dates at a consistent temperature of 375°F (190°C) to ensure they cook evenly and the bacon becomes crispy.

• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface for placing the bacon-wrapped dates in the oven, allowing for even heat distribution and easy removal once cooked.

• Toothpicks: Used to secure the bacon around each date, ensuring it stays in place during the baking process.

• Knife: Utilized to cut the bacon slices in half, making them the perfect size for wrapping around the dates.

• Tongs: Handy for safely removing the hot bacon-wrapped dates from the baking sheet once they are done cooking.

• Oven mitts: Essential for protecting your hands when handling the hot baking sheet as it comes out of the oven.

Pre-cook the bacon: Partially cook the bacon before wrapping the dates. This reduces baking time and ensures crispy results.

Use a broiler: Finish the bacon-wrapped dates under the broiler for a few minutes to achieve a crispy texture quickly.

Batch preparation: Prepare multiple batches at once and freeze them. When needed, just bake directly from the freezer.

Toothpick trick: Soak toothpicks in water beforehand to prevent burning in the oven.

Line the baking sheet: Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to make cleanup faster and easier.