Bacon Wrapped Dates with Parmesan

By cacelias

These are absolutely delicious and I don't even like dates! Everyone loves them, even teenage boys! I make these for every party at our house and they are always a huge hit!

Recipe from Diane Philips, Cook's Wares, "Cocktail Grazing Party", November 2005

Ingredients

• 12 strips of bacon
• 24 pitted dates
• 1/4 pound Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese, cut into small chunks

Preparation

Step 1

Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it has rendered some fat and begins to turn translucent; don't let it brown at all. Remove from the pan and drain thoroughly on paper towels.

Make a slit in each date (halfway through) and stuff each date with a small piece of cheese. Wrap the date with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick. (I prefer to use center cut bacon strips. They are the perfect size to wrap around the dates without a lot of excess.)

Place the wrapped date in a baking dish with sides.

*At this point you can cover and refrigerate for up to 36 hours, or freeze for 1 month. Defrost before baking.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and bake the dates until the bacon is crisp, 10-12 minutes. Remove from the oven, drain the dates on paper towels, and set on a platter for serving.