Appetizer: United Kingdom – Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Blue Cheese (Devils on Horseback)

Serving Size: 6

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 20 min

Total 35 min

Ingredients

- 12 large Medjool dates, pitted (about 9 oz / 255 g)
- 6 slices (about 6 oz / 170 g) bacon, cut in half lengthwise (12 strips)
- 4 oz (115 g) blue cheese, crumbled
- 12 whole blanched almonds (optional)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) honey (optional, for finishing)
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 12 toothpicks

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on the sheet (or use the foil-lined sheet directly).
2. If dates are not pitted, make a lengthwise slit in each date and remove the pit, keeping the date intact for stuffing.
3. Stuff each date with about 1 tsp crumbled blue cheese; if using almonds, push one almond into the center of the cheese in each date.
4. Wrap each stuffed date with one bacon strip (half slice), overlapping ends slightly; secure with a toothpick through the center so the bacon stays in place.
5. Arrange the wrapped dates on the prepared rack or baking sheet, seam side down, leaving a little space between each. Lightly season with a grind of black pepper.
6. Bake for 15–20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the bacon is browned and crisp and the cheese is warmed. If bacon is still soft, broil 1–2 minutes while watching closely to avoid burning.
7. Transfer to a platter, drizzle with honey if using, and serve warm.