
So how do you want to finish this year? Naughty or nice? These Parmesan Stuffed Dates are rich and decadent and feel just a little bit naughty. So come on, you’ve been nice for months on end. Santa has already made his list (and checked it twice) he’s noticed how nice you’ve been. Nice. Nice. Nice. Besides he’s so busy this time of year I doubt he’ll even notice what you’ve been up to these last few days of 2015. So snuggle up to the appetizers this holiday season. I think you’ll find that naughty has never been more nice.
Speaking of hors-d’oeuvres. I love dates. All on their own dates are uniquely rich and sweet. When I was a kid I loved to pop them in my mouth and wait for the explosion of honeyed sweetness. Which is something I did almost every Christmas morning of my younger years. Dates (and nuts and navel oranges) were always part of our stocking-stuffers. So naturally, I consider including them in my Christmas celebration now that I’m an adult.
Bacon Wrapped Parmesan Stuffed Dates
Suzanne Goin serves a version these sweet, salty, and smoky Bacon Wrapped Parmesan Stuffed Dates in her Los Angeles restaurant A.O.C. Each bite delivers a huge flavor bomb. Sweet and Savory. Oozing with molten cheese. This little appetizer is completely irresistible. So I adapted these Parmesan Stuffed Dates as a holiday hors-d’oeuvres. I don’t remember pine nuts in Goin’s version, but I added them for their subtle hint of nuttiness – and of course, pine trees are an important part of the Christmas tradition.
The best thing about these Parmesan Stuffed Dates is just how simple they are to make. The only hard part is (literally) the Parmesan, but if you’ve got a good sharp knife to cut the cheese you can make these dates with hardly any effort at all. GREG
PS Darnit! I always try to remind myself not to use the phrase “cut the cheese”. This is a food blog after all.
Can you make these in advance if you are taking them to a party? Will they stand up?
They’re best hot or warm, but they do hold up well enough for several hours. GREG
You had me at “Oozing with molten cheese”!! These look So good! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I think I am going to make these for New Years Eve. YUM!
I think I’ll be cuttin’ some cheese this new year’s! These look great!
Cut the cheese? I think Santa might just have checked his list a third time… Bacon. Dates. Cheese. What could possibly be wrong with that combo? Fa la la…
One of our favorite local food trucks serves a version of these that are Alexis’ favorite. Great photography as usual, sir! Happy Holidays to you and your family, Greg.
Absolutely sign me up on the naughty list — have a great one Greg!
Yeah, my record with Santa is in the bag, so time to be naughty! Super recipe — thanks. Happy Holidays, and see you next year.
Ok Greg, I will be naughty and make these little treats since I have all the ingredients. They look yummy. My nephew is coming today and he likes to cook.
Happy Holidays