Prosciutto wrapped dates are a sweet and salty treat that everyone loves! With the rich flavor of prosciutto and the natural sweetness of dates, they make a perfect snack or appetizer.
They’re super easy to make—just wrap the dates and bake until crispy. Trust me, these little bites disappear faster than you can say “yum!” I always keep a stash for unexpected guests. 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Medjool Dates: These are the star of the dish! Their natural sweetness and chewy texture make them perfect for wrapping. If Medjool dates aren’t available, you can use Deglet Noor dates, but they tend to be less sweet and firmer.
Prosciutto: The salty flavor of prosciutto complements the sweetness of dates beautifully. If you’re looking for alternatives, try using bacon for a smoky twist or turkey bacon for a lighter option, although that will change the texture and flavor slightly.
Cheese: Goat cheese is creamy and tangy, while blue cheese adds a stronger flavor. If you prefer something milder, cream cheese or ricotta can be used as substitutes. You can even mix in herbs for extra flavor!
Fresh Rosemary: This herb adds a lovely aroma. If you don’t have rosemary, fresh thyme or sage could work as great alternatives to garnish.
How Can I Ensure My Prosciutto Stays Crispy When Baking?
To achieve crispy prosciutto, a few simple tips will help:
- Don’t Overlap: When wrapping the dates, make sure the prosciutto slices don’t overlap too much. This allows hot air to circulate and crisp up!
- High Temperature: Baking at 375°F (190°C) is key. It’s hot enough to render the fat and achieve a perfect crisp.
- Watch Closely: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on them in the last few minutes of baking. You want the prosciutto golden brown but not burnt.
- Let them Cool: After baking, allow the wrapped dates to cool slightly. This helps the prosciutto set a bit more before serving.
These tips will help you create a deliciously crispy appetizer that your guests will love! Enjoy!
Prosciutto Wrapped Dates
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dates:
- 20 Medjool dates, pitted
- 10 slices prosciutto, cut in half lengthwise
For the Filling:
- 4 oz goat cheese or blue cheese (for stuffing)
For Garnishing:
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake. So, you can have delicious prosciutto wrapped dates ready in about 35-40 minutes. Perfect for a quick appetizer or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing to Bake:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This will help keep things from sticking and make cleanup easier!
2. Stuffing the Dates:
Next, take each pitted date and carefully stuff it with about 1 teaspoon of goat cheese or blue cheese. You can use the back of a spoon or your fingers to do this. Don’t worry if the filling gets a little messy; it will all come together in the end!
3. Wrapping with Prosciutto:
Now it’s time to wrap! Take a half slice of prosciutto and wrap it snugly around each stuffed date. Make sure the seam side is down when you place it on the baking sheet. This will help keep everything together while it bakes.
4. Baking the Dates:
Place all the wrapped dates on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re spaced out, so they have room to crisp up. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the prosciutto is lovely and crispy, and the cheese inside is just starting to melt.
5. Serving:
Once they’re done baking, carefully take the dates out of the oven. Let them cool for just a moment before transferring them to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for a pop of color and flavor. Serve these tasty bites warm and watch them disappear!
These prosciutto wrapped dates blend the natural sweetness of dates with salty, crispy prosciutto and creamy cheese for a delicious bite-sized treat. Enjoy!
Can I Use Dried Dates Instead of Medjool Dates?
While you can use dried dates, Medjool dates are preferred for their soft and chewy texture. If using dried dates, make sure to soak them in warm water for a few hours to soften them before stuffing.
What Can I Substitute for Goat Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, you can easily substitute it with cream cheese for a milder taste, or blue cheese for a stronger flavor. Ricotta also works well if you want a light and creamy filling!
How Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the prosciutto wrapped dates a few hours in advance, then cover and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This will help to keep them crispy!
