Bacon Wrapped Parmesan Stuffed Dates

By charlotteh371

Ingredients

• 18 large dates, preferably Medjool, slit lengthwise and pitted
• 18 pieces good-quality Parmesan cheese, preferably Parmigiano-Reggiano, each about 1-by-1/4-inch
• 6 slices good-quality smoked bacon, cut crosswise into thirds

Preparation

Step 1

Position an oven rack in the middle of the oven. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.

2. Insert a piece of Parmesan into each date. Wrap each date with 1 piece of bacon, securing it with a wooden toothpick.

3. Arrange the dates 1 inch apart in a shallow baking pan. Bake for 5 minutes. Then, using tongs, turn the dates over. Continue baking until the bacon is crisp, 5 to 6 minutes longer. With the tongs, transfer the dates to paper towels to drain, carefully patting them dry with more paper towels. Serve immediately.