Savory Blue Cheese and Pecan-Stuffed Dates with Crispy Bacon
Elevate your appetizer game with these Savory Blue Cheese and Pecan-Stuffed Dates. This delightful finger food combines the rich and tangy flavor of blue cheese with the crunch of pecans, all balanced by the sweetness of dates. The addition of crispy bacon and caramelized onions adds depth, making these bites irresistible. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, they can be prepared in advance for convenience. Try out this vegetarian version by substituting olive oil for bacon grease and omitting the bacon, keeping the robust flavors intact.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bacon
4 slices (Cook until crisp)
Red onion
1/2 small (Chopped)
Orange juice
3 tablespoons (Freshly squeezed)
Blue cheese
1/2 cup (Crumbled)
Cream cheese
2.5 ounces (Softened (light or fat-free options are acceptable))
Pecans
1/2 cup (Chopped, divided)
Pitted dates
24 (Whole)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it is crisp. Once cooked, remove from the skillet and place on paper towels to drain excess grease, reserving 1/2 teaspoon of the bacon grease in the skillet.
2
In the same skillet with the reserved bacon grease, add chopped red onion. Sauté over medium heat until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
3
Next, pour in the orange juice, stirring to deglaze the pan and scraping up any flavorful brown bits. Allow the mixture to cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the liquid evaporates.
4
Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the sautéed onions into a medium bowl. Allow to cool slightly.
5
Crumble the cooked bacon into the bowl with the onions. Add the crumbled blue cheese, softened cream cheese, and half of the chopped pecans. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
6
To assemble, take each pitted date and stuff it with a generous teaspoon of the blue cheese mixture. Top each stuffed date with the remaining chopped pecans.
7
Arrange the stuffed dates on a serving platter and enjoy immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of these stuffed dates?
The dish features a savory and sweet profile, combining tangy blue cheese and salty bacon with the natural sweetness of dates.
How many dates are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 24 whole pitted dates.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the bacon grease with olive oil for sautéing and omit the bacon crumbles to make it vegetarian.
What type of cheese is required?
The recipe uses a combination of 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese and 2.5 ounces of softened cream cheese.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
It yields approximately 12 servings.
Is this recipe quick to prepare?
Yes, it is categorized as an 'Under 30 Minutes' recipe.
What role does orange juice play in the recipe?
Three tablespoons of orange juice are used to deglaze the pan after sautéing the onions, adding a bright citrus note.
Should the pecans be prepared in a specific way?
The 1/2 cup of pecans should be chopped and divided; half goes into the mixture and half is used as a topping.
How should I cook the bacon?
Cook 4 slices of bacon over medium heat until crisp, then drain on paper towels before crumbling.
Do I need to save the bacon grease?
Yes, reserve 1/2 teaspoon of bacon grease in the skillet to sauté the red onions.
What type of onion is best for this appetizer?
The recipe recommends using 1/2 of a small red onion, chopped.
Can I use fat-free cream cheese?
Yes, light or fat-free cream cheese options are acceptable for this recipe.
How do I assemble the dates?
Stuff each pitted date with a generous teaspoon of the cheese mixture and top with extra pecans.
Should the cream cheese be cold when mixing?
No, the cream cheese should be softened to ensure it mixes thoroughly with the blue cheese.
Can I prepare these dates in advance?
Yes, they can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until you are ready to serve them.
Are the dates cooked in the oven?
No, this is a no-bake assembly once the bacon and onions are sautéed.
How long do I sauté the red onion?
Sauté the chopped red onion for about 3 to 4 minutes until soft and translucent.
Do I need to peel the dates?
No, simply use whole pitted dates; the skin is edible and provides a great texture.
What is the best way to serve these?
Arrange them on a serving platter and serve immediately or chilled.
Can I substitute blue cheese if I don't like it?
While it changes the flavor, goat cheese or gorgonzola are suitable substitutes for blue cheese.
How do I deglaze the pan?
Pour the orange juice into the skillet with the onions and scrape up the brown bits with a spoon.
What if I cannot find pitted dates?
You can use whole dates and remove the pits yourself by slicing a small slit down the side.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: bacon, red onion, orange juice, blue cheese, cream cheese, pecans, and dates.
Is this a good party food?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a finger food and party food due to its easy-to-eat size.
Should I use fresh orange juice?
The recipe suggests 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor.
Do I wait for the onions to cool before mixing?
Yes, allow the sautéed onions to cool slightly before adding them to the cheese mixture.
Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Yes, walnuts would provide a similar crunch and complement the blue cheese well.
How much filling goes into each date?
Approximately one generous teaspoon of the cheese and bacon mixture should be used per date.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Naturally, yes, but always check the label on your blue cheese to ensure no gluten-based fillers were used.
Does the recipe require salt?
No additional salt is listed, as the bacon and blue cheese provide significant saltiness.