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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers

    Bacon Wrapped Dates with Manchego

    Published: Dec 17, 2020 · Modified: Aug 1, 2022 by Amanda · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads

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    Jump to Recipe
    dates stuffed with cheese and wrapped in bacon
    bacon wrapped dates stuffed with manchego cheese

    These bacon wrapped dates are always a good idea as an easy appetizer. Sweet Medjool dates are stuffed with buttery manchego cheese and then wrapped in a thick slice of applewood smoked bacon. These sweet and salty bites are roasted in the oven till crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. Dip them in honey for a little bit of extra sweetness!

    bacon wrapped dates on a sheet pan
    manchego stuffed dates wrapped in bacon

    Appetizers are a favorite for our family, whether it's for a fun weeknight dinner or gatherings for the holidays. Bacon wrapped dates of any kind are a must for special occasions in our house. I have been making different variations of this recipe for years after first trying them at a local tapas restaurant back in Illinois. This version is probably my favorite because they are stuffed with manchego cheese. The sweetness of the dates pairs so well with the buttery manchego cheese, then wrapped in bacon and dipped in honey, it's definitely the best flavor combo!

    Jump to:
    • 🥓 Ingredients notes
    • 🔪 Step by step instructions
    • ⭐ Top tip
    • 📋 Variations
    • 🧀 More appetizer recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    🥓 Ingredients notes

    • Medjool dates - These types of dates are usually larger and also have a bit of a softer, chewier texture to them. They also have a more rich, caramel like flavor to them, so I highly recommend them for this recipe. Alternately, regular pitted dates can be used. If pitted dates aren't available, you can remove the pits on your own, it's not difficult.
    • Manchego cheese - Manchego cheese is a buttery sheep's milk cheese from Spain. It has a bit of a firmer texture to it, which makes it great for stuffing the dates with. It lightly melts as the bacon cooks and also adds a tasty flavor!
    • Bacon - I like using thick sliced bacon for this recipe. It holds up well and renders perfectly during cooking. Regular bacon can be used as well, however cooking times may be shorter.

    🔪 Step by step instructions

    First, remove any pits from the dates, if needed. Cut the manchego into 16 thin rectangles so that they fit inside of the dates. Cut bacon slices in half so you have 16 equal pieces.

    dates, manchego and bacon
    thick sliced bacon, manchego cheese and medjool dates

    Next, stuff the dates with the cheese and then wrap them with one half of a slice of bacon. Place a toothpick through the center of the date to secure the bacon.

    dates stuffed with manchego wrapped in raw bacon
    bacon wrapped dates before cooking

    Cook prepared dates in the oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the bacon is nice and crispy.

    dates with bacon and manchego cheese
    bacon wrapped dates with manchego

    Let the dates cool for 5 minutes and then serve either drizzled with honey or on the side as a dip!

    bacon wrapped dates drizzled with honey
    manchego stuffed dates wrapped in bacon with honey

    If you ever don't recognize a tool or skill that I mention, be sure to look it up in the Glossary of Cooking Terms and Definitions for more information.


    ⭐ Top tip

    Make sure to use the toothpicks inserted through the middle of the dates to help secure the bacon. Otherwise, the bacon will shrink during cooking and unwrap from the dates.

    📋 Variations

    • Different cheese - Goat cheese, blue cheese or parmesan cheese are all other great options for cheese to stuff the dates with.
    • Spicy dip - add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to the honey for a spicy dip!
    • Dairy free - simply omit the cheese for a dairy free version of this recipe.

    🧀 More appetizer recipes

    If you loved these bacon wrapped dates with manchego, check out these other appetizer recipes that I know you will love too!

    • Fried Goat Cheese Balls
    • Goat Cheese Puff Pastry
    • Parmesan Rosemary Crackers
    • Cold Buffalo Chicken Dip

    Don't Forget! If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and give it a rating. I love to hear from each and every one of you! Tag me on Facebook and Instagram as well! It makes my day to see all of your photos of the food you have made.


    📖 Recipe

    bacon wrapped dates stuffed with cheese on a sheet pan

    Bacon Wrapped Dates with Manchego

    Amanda
    Sweet Medjool dates are stuffed with buttery manchego cheese and then wrapped in a thick slice of applewood smoked bacon. These sweet and salty bites are roasted in the oven till crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside for a super easy appetizer!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 25 mins
    Total Time 40 mins
    Course Appetizer, Snack
    Cuisine American, Spanish
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 313 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 ounces manchego cheese
    • 16 seedless medjool dates
    • 8 strips thick sliced applewood smoked bacon
    • toothpicks
    • honey for dipping optional

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 400° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Cut manchego cheese into 16 long, thin rectangles, to fit inside of the dates, approximately ¼" - ½" wide and about 1 - 1½" long.
    • Place one piece of the cheese inside of each date.
    • Cut bacon in half for 16 total pieces. Wrap one of the halved bacon slices tightly around each date. Stick a toothpick through the middle of the date to secure the bacon.
    • Place the wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet and place in preheated oven to cook for 25-30 minutes or until bacon is crispy.
    • Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with honey drizzled on top or on the side for dipping, if desired.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 2datesCalories: 313kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 7gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 282mgPotassium: 405mgFiber: 3gSugar: 32gVitamin A: 124IUCalcium: 108mgIron: 1mg
    Did You Make This Recipe?Mention @SaporitoKitchen or tag #SaporitoKitchen!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Cindy

      August 04, 2019 at 4:09 pm

      5 stars
      This is a favorite for our family holiday get togethers!!! The combination of the sweet and salty keeps you coming back for more. The only thing I would change is to make more as they always disappear!

      Reply
      • Amanda

        August 05, 2019 at 9:22 am

        I'm so glad you enjoy these! They are one of my favorites 🙂

        Reply

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