Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates: Traditional Spanish Tapa

One of my all time favorite Spanish Tapas is bacon wrapped stuffed dates. It’s a traditional appetizer that’s perfect as party food. And since the big game is approaching, I can think of a group of people that would love this recipe. Sweet and savory and very easy to make, this Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates recipe is not to be missed.

Not only are they yummy, making this recipe is easy and doesn’t take a ton of ingredients. In fact, I was able to quickly pick up everything I needed during my regular shopping trip at Walmart.

Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates Recipes

Since there aren’t many ingredients to this traditional Spanish tapa, you want each one to make an big impact on flavor! I love that my local Walmart carries Applegate Farms Organic Bacon, a high quality product and their everyday low price. The taste is insane luxury and so savory, and I love knowing that the bacon isn’t cured or filled with nitrates.

To make these bacon wrapped stuffed dates, you’ll need:

• Dates (I used pitted, to save myself time, like these from Sunsweet)
• Bacon
• Cheese (Manchego, Blue Cheese or Goat Cheese)
• Toothpicks

Preheat oven  to 375 degrees. To make these yummy Spanish tapa favorites, use a sharp paring knife to make a small cut into the side of the date. Using a small spoon, stuff with your desired cheese of choice. OR! Make a batch using all three varities of cheeses! I do this at most parties, as some people adore goat cheese but don’t care for blue. I haven’t met a person who doesn’t love Manchego though! Just be sure not to over-stuff so to avoid leaking cheese.

Lay out a slice of bacon and, starting at one end, wrap the stuffed date until only a small bit of the bacon overlaps. This double wrapped portion will take longest to cook, so don’t make it too big! Cut the bacon and pierce the stuffed date with a toothpick, effectively securing all that yummness together.

On a baking sheet, cook the bacon wrapped stuffed dates for a total of 30-35 minutes. After the first 15-20 minutes, turn the dates over so that all sides of the bacon are crisp.

Enjoy!