Chef notes
These bite-sized treats are insanely good. It’s a uniquely mouthwatering combo that requires just two ingredients: dates, which provide a sweet chewiness (it’s seriously just like candy), and turkey bacon, which delivers salty, savory satisfaction. Plus, if you slice the dates open, tuck in a teaspoon of feta or goat cheese and wrap ’em up in bacon, you’re in for a next-level bite. You can easily scale the recipe up or down based on your dining companions. Don’t skip the step of soaking the toothpicks; this helps prevent them from burning. Also, I strongly recommend making a great, big bunch because I serve these gems at family parties and they vanish in no time.
Ingredients
- 20 toothpicks
- 20 pitted dates
- feta cheese (optional)
- 10 slices turkey bacon, cut in half crosswise (not lengthwise)
Preparation
1.Heat oven to 400 F. Soak toothpicks in a glass of water for 15 to 20 minutes. Mist a baking sheet with nonstick oil spray.
2.Stuff dates with crumbled or small chunks of feta, if desired. Wrap 1/2 slice turkey bacon around each pitted date, place on a baking sheet and insert a toothpick (the toothpick plays double duty; it keeps the bacon in place and makes it easy to flip the dates while they’re cooking so the bacon cooks evenly on all sides).
3.Roast in the oven for 10 minutes with toothpicks straight up. Using the toothpicks, turn each bacon-wrapped date on its side (toothpicks will be touching the baking sheet). Cook for another 2 to 4 minutes. Using the toothpicks, flip to the other side. Cook for a final 2 to 4 minutes for a total of 14 to 18 minutes, depending on the doneness of the bacon. Let slightly cool and dig in.
