Bacon-Wrapped Dates | California | Dates, Goat Cheese, Bacon

I’m all about those bacon-wrapped dates, pulling in California’s sweet, sun-kissed fruits stuffed with creamy goat cheese and wrapped in crispy bacon for a perfect West Coast vibe. It’s a fresh spin on an ancient Mediterranean favorite, blending savory, sweet, and tangy flavors that’ll have you hooked. If you’re curious for the full scoop on history, ingredients, and tweaks, there’s plenty more waiting just ahead.

History

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Bacon-wrapped dates, a savory-sweet appetizer, likely originated in Mediterranean or Middle Eastern cuisine where dates have been a staple for centuries, with a modern twist possibly emerging in Spanish tapas traditions.

Regional variations include the Spanish version often stuffed with almonds for added crunch and cultural significance as a symbol of abundance, while in the United States, fillings like cheese or nuts reflect a fusion of flavors suited to casual dining.

Traditionally served at social gatherings, holidays, or as party finger foods, this dish highlights themes of hospitality and indulgence across cultures.

Ingredients

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• 2 cups fresh pineapple, peeled and cut into 1-inch (2.5cm) chunks – oh, let’s start with the star of the show, that sweet, tangy pineapple, because who could resist its juicy goodness getting all cozy with some bacon, right? Imagine those golden chunks, fresh from the peel, or if you’re in a pinch, grab canned ones and drain them well, so they’re not watering down the fun.
• 8 to 10 slices of thin-cut bacon – now, here’s the trusty sidekick, those strips of bacon that crisp up just right, making you think, is there anything bacon can’t improve? Cut them in half for easy wrapping, and remember, we’re aiming for that perfect balance, not too thick or they’ll hog the spotlight.
• Toothpicks – simple little helpers to keep everything together, you know, so your bacon-wrapped bites don’t go rogue on the plate; just enough to secure the deal without turning into a toothpick forest.
• A dash of optional seasonings, like salt, pepper, or a sprinkle of brown sugar – if you’re feeling fancy, toss in a light pinch of these, because sometimes, even pineapple and bacon need a little extra nudge, don’t they, to amp up the flavor without overdoing it? After all, who am I to judge if you want that extra caramelized touch, making the whole thing feel like a party in your mouth.
• Fresh herbs for garnish, such as parsley or cilantro, if you’re in the mood – not exactly essential, but hey, a few chopped leaves can add a pop of color and a whisper of freshness, making you pause and think, why not dress up this simple dish just a bit more, like giving it a fancy hat for the occasion?

Cooking Steps

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Let’s jump into the fun part of making these bacon-wrapped dates, where simple ingredients turn into something irresistible, you know, like a little surprise party on your plate.

First off, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), because that’s the magic temperature that crisps up the bacon without turning everything into a charred mess—trust me, no one wants that.

Once that’s heating up, take your 2 cups of fresh pineapple chunks and pat them dry if they’re from a can, so they don’t make the bacon soggy; it’s all about that perfect balance of sweet and savory.

Now, for the main action, grab those 8 to 10 slices of thin-cut bacon and cut each one in half crosswise—aim for pieces that are easy to wrap without overwhelming the pineapple.

Lay a half-slice of bacon flat, place a pineapple chunk in the center, and roll it up snugly, then secure it with a toothpick to keep things tidy.

If you’re adding any optional seasonings like a sprinkle of brown sugar, go ahead and dust it on now for that extra caramelized kick, because who wouldn’t want a hint of sweetness to play off the bacon’s smokiness?

After assembling, arrange your wrapped delights on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them out so they cook evenly and don’t stick together like old friends at a reunion.

Pop them in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is golden and crisp—keep an eye on them, as ovens can be finicky.

Once done, let them cool for a minute or two before garnishing with fresh herbs if you like, and serve warm for that ultimate crowd-pleasing moment.

Tips and Variations

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When it comes to tweaking your bacon-wrapped dates—wait, or is it pineapple in this case—think about swapping in different fruits for that sweet contrast, like using juicy pineapple chunks instead of dates for a tropical twist that keeps things light and fun.

You could amp up the flavor by adding a dab of creamy goat cheese inside before wrapping, or sprinkle on some chili powder for a spicy kick that surprises your taste buds without overwhelming the show.

Remember, if you’re aiming for a healthier bite, opt for turkey bacon to cut down on the fat, and always pat those pineapple pieces dry first, because nothing ruins the crispiness faster than a watery mishap that leaves you wondering why your creation turned into a floppy mess.

As a fun variation, try grilling them outdoors on a skewer for that smoky char, turning a simple snack into an outdoor adventure that might just steal the spotlight at your next gathering.

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