A category of food that doesn’t get enough attention is the one-bite delight. A food that has the perfect balance of textures and flavors all in one singular bite. These cheese-stuffed, bacon-wrapped dates are exactly that. This is actually John’s recipe, but I made sure to add a few suggestions for substitutions if you aren’t a big fan of goat cheese (like me). You can use anything spreadable, and it will just slightly melt as the sweet date bakes in its bacon blanket. You may think, 12 dates for two people?! But once you eat one, you’ll realize you just can’t stop. Go ahead, eat half a dozen one-bite delights. You’re worth it.
P.S. This is part of John’s Valentapas menu, a perfect tapas night for two. But it doesn’t have to be Valentine’s Day to enjoy these bites!
12 pitted Medjool dates
2 ounces creamy goat cheese, blue cheese, or Boursin cheese
6 slices bacon, halved lengthwise
3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
+ kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, for seasoning
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No-mess, garlicky, delicious, crispy, oven-roasted bacon.
A twist on Tortilla Española using kettle chips as a delicious shortcut.
