Just add bacon. It's really that simple. Anything that has the privilege of keeping company with bacon is just that much better because of the experience!

The mix of salty/naturally sweet with these combos is the perfect palate pleaser. As always, you can make these completely customized to your preferences and the ingredients you have on hand. Basically, you could shove just about anything in a date (Within reason, of course. Don't get weird), wrap bacon around it, and it's going to be a total WIN! 

These bacon-wrapped bites are the perfect little appetizer or any time snack. They take minimal effort to put together, and they're always a huge hit for sharing! Add these to your Thanksgiving menu or take them to your upcoming Christmas parties and prepare to be the bacon star of the date show! ;)

Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Makes 10-12 each (or more as needed)

The Sweet: 

Ingredients: 

• 10 pitted Medjool or Deglet Noor dates*
• bacon, approx. 6 slices, cut in half
• 3 Tbs tahini or other nut butter, approx. 1/2 tsp per date
• 2 Tbs. maple syrup
• 1 Tbs balsamic vinegar (plain or any flavor works)
• coconut oil, ghee, or olive oil for greasing dish

Directions: 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease a small glass baking dish (I use a pie pan) with a little bit of coconut oil, ghee, or olive oil
2. Carefully slice dates lengthwise from tip to tip on ONE side only (don't slice completely in half). It helps to leave a little space at one tip vs cutting the entire side open. If pits are present, remove. 
3. Using a small knife, take a little bit of your nut or seed butter and smear inside your date, just enough to fill but not spill out 
4. Wrap halved bacon slice securely around each date. Overlap is fine. Secure with a toothpick** completely through the middle. 
5. Place bacon-wrapped dates into your baking dish. Mix balsamic and maple syrup together in a small dish and brush each date with the mixture
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, checking for crispness. You want the bacon to be cooked through but not burnt. Oven times will vary. 
7. Remove and serve warm!

The Savory: 

Ingredients: 

• 10 pitted Medjool or Deglet Noor dates*
• bacon, approx. 6 slices, cut in half
• 3 Tbs dairy-free cream cheese or cream cheese of choice, approx. 1/2 tsp per date
• 10 almonds
• 1 Tbs plain balsamic vinegar (unflavored), optional
• coconut oil, ghee, or olive oil for greasing dish

Directions: 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease a small glass baking dish (I use a pie pan) with a little bit of coconut oil, ghee, or olive oil
2. Carefully slice dates lengthwise from tip to tip on ONE side only (don't slice completely in half). It helps to leave a little space at one tip vs cutting the entire side open. If pits are present, remove. 
3. Using a small knife, take a little bit of your cheese mixture and smear inside your date, just enough to fill but not spill out. Stick an almond in the middle of each filled date. 
4. Wrap halved bacon slice securely around each date. Overlap is fine. Secure with a toothpick** completely through the middle. 
5. Place bacon-wrapped dates into your baking dish. Brush each with a little balsamic vinegar
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, checking for crispness. You want the bacon to be cooked through but not burnt. Oven times will vary. 
7. Remove and serve warm!

* Medjool is a larger date variety, which is easier to work with. Deglet Noor is a smaller variety.  You can use any kind of date you'd like . You can also use non-pitted dates, but pitted will save you loads of time!

** To prevent charring of your toothpicks, soak in water while you're preparing the dates

Just a little bit of easy prep makes these little bite-sized beauts come together in a flavorful flash. They travel well and you can reheat them in the oven on low heat for a few minutes. You'll definitely want these in your holiday party recipe repertoire! Give them a try and let me know what you think! 

In loving health, 

Ashley 

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