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Stuffed Dates with Blue Cheese and Bacon

This dish features plump Medjool dates filled with creamy blue cheese and crunchy walnuts, then wrapped in crispy bacon. The baking process melts the cheese slightly while crisping the bacon to perfection, creating a bite-sized snack with a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. It's an elegant yet simple appetizer that combines sweet, salty, and savory elements in each flavorful morsel.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 16 pieces Medjool dates plump and shiny for best flavor and texture
  • 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbled
  • 1/2 cup walnuts chopped
  • 8 slices bacon thin-cut
  • 1 tablespoon honey drizzle for finishing

Equipment

  • small paring knife
  • baking dish lined with parchment
  • toothpicks or small skewers
  • Baking sheet

Method
 

  1. Using a small paring knife, carefully slit each date lengthwise to create an opening, then gently remove the pit if present. This creates space for the filling.
  2. In a small bowl, crumble the blue cheese and chop the walnuts, then mix them together until evenly combined. This mixture will be your flavorful filling.
  3. Gently stuff each date with about a teaspoon of the cheese and walnut mixture, pressing lightly to fill the cavity without overflowing.
  4. Wrap each stuffed date with a half slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick or skewer to keep the bacon in place during baking.
  5. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates on the lined baking dish, leaving space between each for even cooking.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and golden, and the cheese filling is bubbling slightly.
  7. Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the stuffed dates rest for 5 minutes; this allows the filling to set and makes handling easier.
  8. Transfer the dates to a serving platter, drizzle with honey for a touch of sweetness, and remove the toothpicks or skewers.

Notes

For added flavor, sprinkle with fresh thyme or smoked paprika before serving. To make vegetarian, skip the bacon and serve with a side of roasted vegetables.