With New Year’s Eve just a few days away, I decided to share with you an easy but delicious appetizer to enjoy while counting down the end to this interesting year: Urme u Slanini or Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Dates. With restrictions in place all over the world, millions of people will be anxiously awaiting to say good riddance to 2020 at home. These bite-sized yummy bites are so easy to put together and would make a wonderful addition to any New Year’s spread.
The first time I had this dish, I was pleasantly surprised because I’m not much of a dried fruit person. Except for dried mangos. I loved dried mangos. The bacon-wrapped dates did not have a filling, but I know traditionally this dish is prepared with a cheese and nut combination. After making it at home, I decided to add my own spin and “Balkan-ize” it if you will. Are you even surprised?
The filling is very versatile so feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations. If you like garlic, you can definitely add some grated garlic to the filling. I decided to add chives to mine because I love the subtle flavor when combined with cream cheese and bacon. Oh, and this works wonderfully with turkey bacon as well if you don’t eat pork.
If you make these ahead, I would store them in a baking dish and pop them in the oven to warm up right before serving!
Looking for more appetizer recipes? Check out the appetizer section!
Urme u Slanini / Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Course: AppetizersCuisine: American, Balkan14
pieces20
minutes6
minutesIngredients
6-7 slices bacon or turkey bacon, sliced thin
12-14 pitted dates
1 cup (150g) feta cheese, crumbled
1/3 cup (57 g) whipped cream cheese (use half the amount if using regular cream cheese)
1 teaspoon (g) minced chives, fresh or dried
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400 F/ 200 C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- In a mixing bowl combine the feta cheese, cream cheese, and chives. Mix well to combine all ingredients and set aside. Taste the mixture and add salt if necessary.
- Cut each slice of bacon in half, ending up with 2 pieces.
- Using a small spoon, fill each date with the filling, then place on a bacon slice and roll, wrapping the date. Place the bacon-wrapped dates seam side down on the baking sheet. Repeat until you’ve used up all of your ingredients. No toothpicks are necessary if you place them seam side down.
- Bake the dates for 5-6 minutes or until crispy. Remove from the oven and transfer each piece carefully to a paper towel lined cutting board to soak off any excess fat.
- Arrange on serving platter and serve immediately.
Notes
- Mozete koristiti bilo koji krem sir (a la kajmak, abc, sirko itd.)
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