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
Scale
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
