Savory Bacon-Wrapped Almond-Stuffed Dates
Indulge in a delightful culinary experience with these Savory Bacon-Wrapped Almond-Stuffed Dates. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or as an impressive appetizer, these bite-sized treats offer an irresistible combination of sweet, smoky, and nutty flavors. The luscious sweetness of the pitted dates pairs beautifully with the rich and savory taste of smoked bacon, while the crunchy blanched almonds add a satisfying texture. These are guaranteed to be the star of any spread, often outshining even the most popular hors d'oeuvres. Plus, they can be prepared in advance, frozen, and baked just before guests arrive—making them a convenient choice for any host. Embrace the joy of entertaining and watch these delectable morsels disappear in no time!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pitted dates
1 lb (pitted)
Whole almonds
4 ounces (blanched)
Smoked bacon
1.5 lbs (thinly sliced)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2
Take each pitted date and stuff it with a single whole blanched almond, ensuring it’s nicely filled.
3
Cut the smoked bacon slices into halves or thirds, depending on how much bacon you prefer on each date.
4
Carefully wrap a piece of bacon around each stuffed date, making sure to cover the date completely. Use a toothpick to secure the bacon, piercing through the center to hold it in place.
5
Arrange the wrapped dates on the prepared baking pan, placing them in a single layer for even cooking.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
7
Remove the dates from the oven and let them drain on a paper towel to absorb any excess grease.
8
Serve warm or at room temperature and prepare for compliments as they vanish within moments!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Bacon-Wrapped Almond-Stuffed Dates?
They are a bite-sized appetizer featuring pitted dates stuffed with blanched almonds and wrapped in smoked bacon for a sweet, smoky, and crunchy flavor profile.
What ingredients do I need for this recipe?
You will need 1 lb of pitted dates, 4 ounces of whole blanched almonds, and 1.5 lbs of thinly sliced smoked bacon.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before baking the dates.
How long do the stuffed dates need to bake?
Bake them for about 15 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
Can I prepare these dates in advance?
Yes, these can be prepared ahead of time, frozen, and then baked just before your guests arrive.
How do I secure the bacon onto the date?
Use a toothpick to pierce through the center of the wrapped date to hold the bacon in place during cooking.
What type of almonds should I use?
The recipe calls for whole blanched almonds to provide a satisfying crunchy texture.
Do I need to line the baking pan?
Yes, lining the baking pan with aluminum foil is recommended for easy cleanup.
Should I drain the dates after baking?
Yes, let the dates drain on a paper towel after removing them from the oven to absorb any excess grease.
Are these served warm or cold?
These can be served warm or at room temperature, making them a versatile party snack.
How should I cut the bacon slices?
Cut the smoked bacon slices into halves or thirds, depending on your preference for the amount of bacon on each date.
Can I freeze these before baking?
Absolutely! They are a convenient choice for hosts because they can be frozen and baked later.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
The dish offers an irresistible combination of sweet from the dates, smoky from the bacon, and nutty from the almonds.
What is the best way to arrange them on the pan?
Arrange the wrapped dates in a single layer on the prepared baking pan to ensure even cooking.
How do I ensure the dates don't burn?
Keep a close eye on them while they are in the oven, as they usually take about 15 minutes to become crispy.
What kind of bacon is used in the recipe?
The recipe specifies using thinly sliced smoked bacon for the best wrapping and crispiness.
Are these suitable for a holiday party?
Yes, they are described as a perfect holiday or party food that often becomes the star of any spread.
What type of dates are required?
The recipe requires pitted dates to make the stuffing process easier.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
This recipe is simple and only requires 3 main ingredients: dates, almonds, and bacon.
What category of food is this?
This recipe falls under appetizers, finger foods, and snacks.
Can these be considered a 'sweet and savory' snack?
Yes, 'sweet and savory' is one of the primary tags for this recipe due to the date and bacon combination.
Is the almond inside the date crunchy?
Yes, the whole blanched almond adds a satisfying crunchy texture inside the soft date.
How many almonds go into each date?
You should stuff each pitted date with a single whole blanched almond.
Is this an easy recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and involves simple assembly and baking steps.
Should the bacon cover the date completely?
The instructions suggest wrapping the bacon to cover the date as much as possible, using the toothpick to hold it.
How many pounds of bacon are needed?
You will need 1.5 lbs of thinly sliced smoked bacon for this recipe.
What size almond package should I buy?
A 4-ounce package of whole blanched almonds is sufficient for the amount of dates in this recipe.
Are these good for large gatherings?
Yes, they are described as an impressive appetizer for parties and gatherings that disappear quickly.
Can I use unblanched almonds?
The recipe specifies blanched almonds for the best texture and appearance, though whole almonds are the base requirement.
What is the total preparation time for the bacon?
While prep time varies, the bacon specifically needs to be cut and then baked for 15 minutes at 400°F.