Bacon wrapped dates
Bacon-wrapped dates, stuffed with roasted almonds, are a timeless Mediterranean delicacy that offers the perfect balance of sweet and savory. This dish, which originates from Spain, where tapas are celebrated for their bold flavors and simple preparation, has become a favorite in many cuisines worldwide. You can easily swap the bacon for smoked beef or Serrano ham, adding a nuanced flavor while keeping it halal-friendly or elevating its Spanish authenticity.When cooked, the natural sugars in the dates caramelize beautifully, complementing the salty, crispy outer layer of the bacon. The almond in the center provides a delightful crunch, making each bite irresistibly rich in texture and flavor. These bites are perfect as appetizers for your next dinner party, part of a tapas spread, or a feature on a Mediterranean meze menu. Pair them with a glass of sparkling wine or sherry for an elegant touch, and they’ll quickly become a crowd favorite!
Ingredients
- 12 fresh medjool dates, pitted
- 24 almonds
- 6-12 slices bacon or smoked beef or Serrano ham
- some olive oil spray if using smoked beef or Serrano ham
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees C.
- Depending on the size of your dates, fill it with 1 or 2 almonds.
- Wrap the bacon (smoked beef or Serrano ham) around your stuffed dates.
- Usually the bacon or the substitute stays in place, if not, secure it with a tooth pic.
- Line your baking tray with non-stick baking paper and put the bacon wrapped dates on top.
- Put the tray into the preheated oven and bake for roughly 10 minutes, you want the bacon to become crispy and render some of the fat.
- If you use smoked beef or Serrano ham, spray the top of the wrapped dates with some olive oil to prevent it from drying out.
- Serve immediately on it's own or as part of a tapa or mezze menu.
Notes
Depending on the size of your dates, you can half the bacon (smoked beef or Serrano ham) lengthways.