Bacon wrapped dates are a very classic, super simple hors d’oeuvre.  Sweet, salty, smoky, gooey, chewy and crunchy…this appetizer has it all!  I made this batch last minute for an Oscar get together.

Manchego-Stuffed Maple-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Adapted from a recipe by Anne Burrell

Print-Friendly Recipe

• 15 Medjool pitted dates (smaller is better than bigger)
• 1 pound aged Manchego, cut into 15 blocks
• 8 slices thick-cut bacon (the best you can find)
• 1/4 cup real maple syrup
• kosher salt
• freshly ground pepper

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Saute the bacon in a pan until slightly cooked, but still really soft.

Make an incision on the end of the date and insert a block of Manchego.  Squeeze the date shut.  Cut the bacon strips in half then wrap each date with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.  Place all the dates on a sheet tray lined with a silicone mat or parchment paper.  Bake the dates in the oven until the bacon on top is starting to crisp, about 12-15 minutes.  Turn the dates over and cook the other side until the bacon crisps, about 5 more minutes.

Remove the dates from the oven and brush both sides with maple syrup.  Return the dates to the oven until they are really crackly and sticky, 1 to 2 minutes.  Taste one and season with salt and pepper if you like.  Serve hot.