Description
These Bacon Wrapped Dates are a delightful appetizer perfect for any party or gathering. Each date is stuffed with pistachios and wrapped in lean turkey bacon, then baked until crisp and brushed with sweet maple syrup for a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Dates and Filling
- 32 pitted dates
- 32-64 shelled pistachios (1-2 per date)
Bacon and Glaze
- 1 lb. lean thin turkey bacon, each strip cut into 3-4 pieces depending on size of date
- 1 cup maple syrup for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the dates.
- Prepare Dates: Make a small slit in each pitted date if there isn't one already. Stuff each date with 1-2 shelled pistachios to add a crunchy surprise inside.
- Wrap Dates with Bacon: Wrap each stuffed date with a piece of turkey bacon so that the bacon overlaps slightly. Secure the bacon with a toothpick to hold everything in place.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place each bacon-wrapped date seam side down on a cookie sheet to help maintain their shape during baking.
- Brush with Maple Syrup: Lightly brush the tops of the wrapped dates with maple syrup to give them a sweet glaze.
- Bake: Bake the dates in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes per side until the turkey bacon becomes crisp and caramelized.
- Optional Freeze and Reheat: These dates can be prepared ahead of time and frozen. When frozen, bake them for about 8-10 minutes per side to reheat thoroughly.
- Serve: Drizzle additional maple syrup over the dates if desired before serving to enhance the sweetness.
Notes
- You can vary the number of pistachios inside the dates according to your preference.
- Use turkey bacon as a leaner alternative to traditional pork bacon for a healthier option.
- If making ahead and freezing, thaw slightly before baking for even reheating.
- Toothpicks are essential to keep the bacon secure around the dates while baking.