When it comes to appetizers, it's hard to beat the irresistible combination of sweet and salty flavours. And that's exactly what you'll get with these mouthwatering bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with vegan mozzarella. This delightful appetizer is a surefire hit at any gathering, from casual get-togethers to elegant dinner parties. The rich and chewy dates, the creamy and melted mozzarella, and the crispy bacon create a harmonious blend of textures and flavours that will leave your guests asking for more. Plus, it's incredibly easy to make, requiring just three simple ingredients and a few simple steps. Let's dive into this recipe and create a crowd-pleasing dish that will become an instant favourite!
INGREDIENT NOTES:
- Pitted Dates: Choose soft and plump pitted dates for this recipe. Medjool dates work particularly well due to their naturally sweet and caramel-like flavour. If you can't find pitted dates, you can easily pit them yourself by making a small incision and removing the pit.
- Vegan Mozzarella: Look for a high-quality shredded vegan mozzarella that melts well. For this recipe I used Earth Island's vegan mozzarella shreds and they melted perfectly.
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Bacon: I used regular bacon but if you're looking to make this appetizer vegan, then you could substitute the meat for tempeh bacon instead.
BACON WRAPPED DATES
These bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with vegan mozzarella are the epitome of the perfect sweet and salty appetizer. The chewy dates, melted cheese, and crispy bacon create a delightful combination of flavours and textures that will leave your taste buds craving more.
INGREDIENTS
- 12 pitted dates
- Shredded vegan mozzarella
- 6 slices of bacon, cut in half
- Toothpicks
INSTRUCTIONS
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Take each pitted date and gently squeeze it open with your fingers. Stuff some of the shredded vegan mozzarella inside each date and press the date closed around the cheese.
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Take a half slice of bacon and wrap it tightly around each stuffed date, securing the bacon with a toothpick through the center of the date.
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Place the bacon-wrapped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
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Bake the dates in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the bacon turns crispy and golden brown. The cheese should be melted and oozy inside the dates.
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Once cooked, remove the dates from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Be careful when handling them as the cheese may be hot and gooey.
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Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates on a serving platter and serve them warm as a delicious appetizer.