Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Manchego

Ingredients

• 20 large medjool dates, pitted
• 4 ounces manchego cheese, cut into 20 small sticks
• 10 slices bacon, cut in half crosswise
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 20 toothpicks
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and set a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet.
2. Using a small knife, slice each date lengthwise on one side (without cutting all the way through) to open a pocket where the pit was removed.
3. Tuck one stick of Manchego into each date, pressing the date closed around the cheese.
4. Wrap each stuffed date snugly with a half-slice of bacon, overlapping the ends, and secure with a toothpick through the center.
5. Arrange the wrapped dates seam-side down on the wire rack, spacing them at least 1/2 inch apart so the bacon can crisp on all sides.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and smoked paprika, then brush a light coating over the tops of the wrapped dates.
7. Roast for 10 minutes, then carefully flip each piece with tongs and brush with the remaining honey mixture.
8. Continue roasting for another 8-10 minutes, watching closely toward the end, until the bacon is crisp and browned but not burnt and the cheese just barely peeks out melted at the edges.
9. Remove from the oven and let the dates rest on the rack for 5 minutes; they will be extremely hot inside from the melted cheese and jammy date center.
10. Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve warm with lemon wedges for a squeeze of acidity to cut the richness.

Nutrition

Calories	210
Protein	7 g
Fat	11 g
Carbs	24 g
Fiber	2 g
Sodium	260 mg

Estimated per serving