Dates baked with cheese and bacon are a contrasting snack where the sweetness of the dried fruit is combined with the saltiness of the bacon and the rich cheese flavor. The recipe is well suited for the company, because it is prepared in portions, looks impressive and does not require complex preparations. All the steps are simple: remove the pits, stuff the dates with cheese, add some mint and pepper, wrap them in bacon and quickly bake them. A light sauce of honey and soy sauce is prepared separately, which enhances the taste during serving.
In this recipe, it is important to take soft, large Medjul dates, because they open more easily and do not tear when filling. It is better to cut the bacon into strips of the same width, then it will brown evenly. Cheddar cheese should be cut into cubes, not grated, so that the filling remains inside the dried fruit during baking. A temperature of 180 degrees and a short time in the oven allow you to get crispy bacon without drying out the dates.
Ingredients for 4 servings
- Medjul dates – 2 packs
- cheddar cheese – 200 g
- raw smoked bacon – 1 pack
- natural honey – 30 g
- soy sauce – 30 ml
- cayenne pepper or ground hot pepper – to taste
- fresh mint – a couple twig
Preparation before baking
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees.
- Prepare a baking sheet with parchment so that the bacon does not stick.
- Chop the mint finely, cut the cheese into small cubes.
How to cook step by step
Peel the dates by making a neat longitudinal cut. Try not to tear the fruit completely, so that the filling is well kept inside.
Cut the cheddar into cubes that fit easily into the dates. Add a piece of cheese, a pinch of cayenne pepper and some chopped mint to the inside of each date. Adjust the amount of pepper carefully so as not to overpower the main flavor.
Cut the bacon strips in half crosswise and tightly wrap them around the stuffed dates. If the bacon doesn’t hold well, you can fasten the edge with a wooden skewer.
Place the blanks on a baking sheet with the seam facing down and bake for 10 minutes at 180 degrees. During this time, the bacon should brown, and the cheese inside should become soft. Do not overdo it, otherwise the sugars in the dates will begin to actively caramelize and may become bitter.
While the appetizer is in the oven, mix honey and soy sauce until smooth. Serve hot dates immediately after baking with this sauce. If desired, add a little more fresh mint on top.
So that the snack looks neat on the plate, let the dates stand for 2-3 minutes after the oven. During this time, the cheese inside stabilizes a little, and pieces are easier to take with hands or skewers. Serve the sauce separately in a small bowl, then everyone can add the right amount to their portion.
Why this recipe works
Typical mistakes
It is convenient to prepare this snack in batches: a part can be assembled in advance, and baked before serving. As a result, you get an expressive dish from simple products that works equally well for a family dinner and for a festive table.