Creamy Bacon and Brie Stuffed Dates Recipe
Introduction
Stuffed dates are a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, perfect as an elegant appetizer or snack. These medjool dates are filled with a creamy cheese blend, wrapped in crispy bacon, and finished with toasted almonds and fresh chives for a delicious bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large medjool dates
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 6 oz brie (rind removed)
- 3-4 strips bacon
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- Chives to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Arrange bacon strips on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, depending on thickness, until crispy. Remove and let cool.
- Step 2: Make a slit along the center of each date and carefully remove the pit.
- Step 3: Remove the rind from the brie. In a food processor, combine brie, cream cheese, and cooled bacon. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Step 4: Heat a large dry skillet over medium-high heat. Spread sliced almonds in a single layer and toast for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Transfer to a mortar and pestle and crush into small pieces.
- Step 5: Fill each date with the cheese mixture using a piping bag or spoon. Roll or sprinkle the stuffed dates in the crushed almonds, then garnish with chopped chives before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a smoky touch, use smoked bacon or add a pinch of smoked paprika to the cheese mixture.
- Walnuts or pecans can be substituted for almonds if preferred.
- Use goat cheese instead of cream cheese for a tangier filling.
- Serve these warm by briefly warming stuffed dates in the oven before adding almonds and chives.
Storage
Store any leftover stuffed dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven for a few minutes to soften the cheese before serving, if desired. Fresh almonds and chives are best added just before serving to keep their texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare these stuffed dates ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dates a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated. Add the almond coating and chives right before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.
What can I use if I don’t have a food processor?
You can soften the brie and cream cheese by letting them sit at room temperature, then mix in finely chopped cooked bacon by hand until well combined. The texture will be a bit chunkier but still delicious.
Print
Creamy Bacon and Brie Stuffed Dates Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 stuffed dates 1x
Description
These Stuffed Dates are a delightful appetizer combining the natural sweetness of Medjool dates with a creamy, cheesy filling and crispy bacon, all finished with toasted sliced almonds and fresh chives for a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Dates
- 1 lb large Medjool dates
Cheese Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 6 oz brie (rind removed)
Extras
- 3–4 strips bacon
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- Chives to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: Place the bacon strips on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for 10-15 minutes, depending on thickness, until crispy. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
- Prepare the dates: Using a sharp knife, make a slit along the center of each Medjool date and carefully remove the pit, keeping the dates intact for stuffing.
- Make the cheese filling: Remove the rind from the brie cheese. In a food processor, combine the brie, cream cheese, and cooled bacon. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Toast the almonds: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced almonds in a single layer without oil. Stir or shake frequently for approximately 3 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and use a mortar and pestle to crush them into small pieces.
- Assemble the stuffed dates: Using a piping bag or small spoon, fill each pitted date with the cheese and bacon mixture. Roll or coat the stuffed dates in the crushed toasted almonds. Garnish with chopped chives according to taste.
Notes
- Ensure bacon is completely cooled before blending to avoid melting the cheese mixture.
- You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone for a richer filling.
- If you don’t have a mortar and pestle, pulse almonds briefly in the food processor but avoid over-processing into almond meal.
- These stuffed dates are best served fresh but can be chilled for up to 24 hours before serving.
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and consider adding smoked paprika to the cheese filling for a smoky flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Stuffed dates, appetizer, bacon, cream cheese, brie, toasted almonds, savory stuffed dates
