Best Asiago Stuffed Dates With Bacon And Smoked Paprika Recipes

BACON-WRAPPED DATES STUFFED WITH ASIAGO

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F.
• Check each date to make sure it is completely free of pits, as sometimes a tiny piece of pit can be left inside the date.
• Cut the Asiago cheese into matchsticks, about 1" long (or the length of one date). Stuff the dates with the Asiago cheese sticks.
• Wrap the dates tightly with the slices of bacon. Secure each with a toothpick.
• Brush with some melted honey.
• Place dates on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper and place the tray in the oven. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and golden. Turn them once or twice in between for even cooking.
• Remove from the oven and place on paper towels for a minute or so to absorb the drippings. Let them cool for a few minutes and serve them warm.

ASIAGO-STUFFED DATES WITH BACON AND SMOKED PAPRIKA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425°F. Using small knife, make small cut in side of each date; remove pit. Insert 1 piece of cheese into each date. Brush bacon slices generously on 1 side with smoked paprika. Wrap each date with 1 piece of bacon, with paprika side against date. Secure bacon with toothpick. Arrange dates on rimmed baking sheet. Roast until bacon is browned on bottom, about 6 minutes. Turn dates; roast until bacon is cooked, about 6 minutes longer. Transfer to plate; cool slightly. Remove toothpicks.

DATE AND ASIAGO CHEESE BACON WRAPS

Steps:

• 1. Line one or two jelly roll pans (any large shallow pan with sides will do) with aluminum foil. (If you want a little less oily product, place a cooling rack in the pan and when assembling the appetizers, place them on the rack.) Set aside until needed.
• 2. Cut bacon strips into halves or thirds crosswise (the pieces should be about 3-4 inches long to allow a small overlap when placed around the date). Place on plate and set aside Place about 2 to 4 Tbsp of smoked paprika on another small plate and set aside. Cut the Asiago cheese into sticks about 1/4 inch square by 1 inch long. Place on a separate plate and set aside.
• 3. Make your assembly line by starting with the box or container of pitted dates, then the Asiago cheese plate, then the bacon with the paprika plate nearby. Then a container of toothpicks to hold the bacon around the dates. And finally, the foil lined baking pans (with or without optional cooling racks.)
• 4. Stuff each date with a small stick of Asiago, take one piece of cut bacon and dip one side in the paprika, then wrap it (Paprika side in) around the date. Toothpick in place and put finished roll on baking pan. Continue in this method until all ingredients are used (or you run out of one of the ingredients.)
• 5. Bake at 400°F for 6-8 minutes, turn over and bake for 6-8 minutes more. When bacon is brown and crispy, remove from pan to paper towels to drain. Serve hot or warm for best flavor.