Bacon Wrapped Dates Stuffed With Cream Cheese Food

RICOTTA-STUFFED BACON-WRAPPED DATES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
• Cut the bacon in half lengthwise to make twice as many slices. Set aside. To remove the pits from the dates, cut the tips off each end of the dates and insert the flat end of the skewer until it pushes the pit out of the date. Repeat with remaining dates.
• Place the ricotta in the bottom corner of a strong plastic bag and seal tightly. Use scissors to cut a small hole in the tip of 1 of the corners. Now use the bag like a piping bag to fill the dates with the cheese.
• Wrap the ricotta stuffed dates with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick through the belly of the date. Arrange all the prepared dates on a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing at least a little space between each one for good browning. Roast for 15 to 20 minutes or until bacon is browned and crispy. Remove from the baking sheet and gently remove toothpicks. Serve immediately.

PARMESAN-STUFFED DATES WRAPPED IN BACON

Steps:

• Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 450°F.
• Stuff 1 piece of cheese into each date, then wrap 1 piece of bacon around each date, securing it with a pick. Arrange dates 1 inch apart in a shallow baking pan.
• Bake 5 minutes, then turn dates over with tongs and bake until bacon is crisp, 5 to 6 minutes more. Drain on a paper bag or parchment. Serve immediately.

BACON WRAPPED DATES STUFFED WITH BLUE CHEESE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Slice dates in half, and open them up. Pinch off pieces of blue cheese, and place them into the center of the dates. Close the halves of the dates, and wrap a half-slice of bacon around the outside. Secure each one with a toothpick. Arrange in a baking dish or on a baking sheet with sides to catch any grease.
• Bake for 30 to 40 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the bacon is crisp. Turn dates over after the first 20 minutes for even cooking.

BACON WRAPPED STUFFED DATES WITH BALSAMIC REDUCTION

Steps:

• Simmer balsamic vinegar in small saucepan until reduced by half. Syrup will be thick. Set aside.
• Mix almonds into goat cheese.
• Cut small slit in dates and stuff with small amount of cheese mixture.
• Cut each bacon slice into 3 pieces. (Par-cook if thick sliced.) Wrap piece of bacon around each date, and secure with toothpick.
• Place on foil-lined baking sheet.
• Broil for about 10 minutes, turning over when browned on first side. Be careful as they can burn quickly.
• Arrange on serving platter and drizzle with reserved balsamic reduction.

BACON-WRAPPED PARMESAN-FILLED DATES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Cut each piece of Parmesan cheese into 12 chunks, making 24 total. Carefully put a chunk of cheese into each date. Wrap each date in a bacon slice and place on a lined baking sheet.
• Bake in the preheated oven for until bacon is crispy and browned, 12 to 15 minutes.

BACON WRAPPED DATES STUFFED WITH ALMONDS AND GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• Move oven rack to upper third of oven and preheat to 500°F.
• Stuff each date with an almond, then fill the remaining space with softened goat cheese using a pastry bag.
• Wrap a piece of bacon around each date and secure with a pick.
• Place dates on baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake until bacon is golden and crispy, 6-8 minutes.
• Set aside to cool briefly before serving.
• For presentation, insert picks into half a pineapple sliced lengthwise.

BACON-WRAPPED CHEESE-STUFFED DATES

Steps:

• Cut bacon strips in half widthwise. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until partially cooked but not crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain; keep warm., Cut a lengthwise slit down the center of each date, being careful not to cut through completely. Fill each with 1/2 teaspoon cheese and 1 almond. Wrap with 1 piece bacon; secure with a toothpick., Place in foil-lined 15x10x1-in. baking pans. Brush tops with honey. Bake at 375° for 9-11 minutes or until bacon is crisp. Sprinkle with pepper.