Bacon-wrapped dates, August 2013
Sweet plus salty is one of the best combinations ever. And bacon is one of the best salty foods. Wrap nature’s candy—dates—in bacon and broil, and you have one of the best sweet-salty snacks ever. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, so pass them around and see the smiles.
Bacon-wrapped dates are popular and indulgent, but they have nutritional pluses. Although dates are high in sugar, they also provide potassium, fiber, cell-protective antioxidants, and other nutrients. Bacon has a reputation for being high in fat, but fat in moderation helps you feel satisfied and perhaps less likely to overeat. And bacon is actually lower in overall fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol than some cuts of beef or chicken.
For a bacon-like experience that’s a little more healthful, I like to use fresh side pork. Side pork is uncured bacon and completely free of sugar and preservatives. To mimic the saltiness of cured bacon, when cooking side pork, I add a sprinkle of salt. If you can get it, opt for high quality side pork such as open-air, drug-free. I’ve noticed that it’s more appetizing in appearance, texture, and taste than conventional.
You can assemble the appetizer and refrigerate for several hours, then broil when ready to serve.
| Bacon-Wrapped Dates | Print |
- 6 strips bacon or fresh side pork
- 12 dried dates, pitted
- Partially cook the bacon in a conventional oven or microwave. In a conventional oven, preheat to 350°F, place strips on a broiler pan, and cook for about 15 minutes or until soft. In a microwave oven, cook for about 2 minutes.
- Preheat broiler.
- Allow the bacon to become cool enough to handle and halve width-wise. Wrap one halved strip around each date and secure with a toothpick. Push the toothpick through the date and bacon so both ends extend equally.
- If desired, refrigerate up to 1/2 day in advance.
- Place on a baking sheet and broil 3 to 4 minutes. Turn over and broil another 3 to 4 minutes or until bacon is crisp. Serve warm.
Shared at:
- Simply Sugar & Gluten-Free Slightly Indulgent Tuesday
- The Gluten-Free Homemaker Gluten-Free Wednesday
- Poor and Gluten-Free Waste Not Want Not Wednesday
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Eileen L, thanks for including my bacon-wrapped dates recipe in your Thanksgiving lineup. What a great resource–I loved seeing all the ideas!
Yum! These looks fabulous. Thanks so much for sharing them on Waste Not Want Not Wednesday, I’ve pinned it 🙂
Thanks, Danielle! It’s always a pleasure to have you stop by!