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Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Cream Cheese

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A quick and easy appetizer combining sweet Medjool dates stuffed with creamy cream cheese and wrapped in crispy bacon. Perfect for parties and gatherings, these bites offer a delicious balance of sweet, salty, creamy, and crispy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 20 large Medjool dates, pitted
  • 10 slices thick-cut bacon, cut in half
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with garlic powder and freshly ground black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. Add a pinch of smoked paprika if desired.
  3. Stuff each pitted date with about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to overstuff.
  4. Cut each bacon slice in half. Wrap each stuffed date with one half slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick.
  5. Place the wrapped dates seam-side down on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, or directly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until bacon is crispy but not burnt.
  7. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Use thick-cut bacon for best results to avoid bacon drying out or falling apart. Soften cream cheese to room temperature for easy stuffing. Using a wire rack helps bacon crisp evenly. Watch baking time carefully to avoid burnt bacon. Can be made ahead by assembling and refrigerating, then baking before serving. For dairy-free, substitute cream cheese with plant-based alternatives and verify bacon is dairy-free. Can also be grilled over indirect heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon wrapped dates, cream cheese stuffed dates, party appetizers, easy appetizers, bacon appetizers, sweet and savory snacks

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/cheesy-bacon-wrapped-dates-with-cream-cheese-easy-recipe-for-parties/