Carnivore Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Raw Cheese
Ingredients:
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10 pieces of bacon (look for sugar-free, nitrate-free bacon if you can)
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10 pitted Medjool dates (dates are technically not carnivore, but they’re often used in the carnivore community in moderation for flavoring, and they’re the traditional part of this recipe)
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1 block of raw cheese (choose a full-fat, raw cheese like cheddar, gouda, or even goat cheese for a creamier texture)
Optional:
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Toothpicks (if you want to secure the bacon)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Prepare the dates: Slice the dates halfway through horizontally (not all the way through, just enough to expose the pit). Remove the pit from each date and discard it.
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Cut the cheese: Slice the block of raw cheese into rectangular pieces that will fit inside the dates. Stuff the dates with as much cheese as you can — don’t worry about some of it melting out during the baking process!
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Note: Creamier cheeses like goat cheese or a soft cheese are ideal since they melt well and won’t dry out as much.
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Step 2: Wrap with Bacon
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Wrap each date with bacon: Take a full piece of bacon and wrap it tightly around each stuffed date. Ensure the bacon overlaps to prevent the cheese from escaping during baking.
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Secure the bacon (optional): If you’re worried about the bacon unrolling, you can use toothpicks to secure the ends of the bacon. This step is optional, especially if the bacon sticks well without them.
Step 3: Bake
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Arrange on a baking sheet: Place the bacon-wrapped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave about 1/2-inch of space between each date to ensure even cooking.
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Bake for 20 minutes: Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes to start.
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Flip and bake further: After 20 minutes, remove from the oven and flip the dates over to ensure the bacon crisps up evenly on both sides.
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Bake for another 15–20 minutes: Continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy to your liking. Keep an eye on them during the last 5-10 minutes to avoid burning.
Step 4: Serve
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Let them rest: Once the bacon is as crispy as you like, remove the bacon-wrapped dates from the oven. Allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth on the hot cheese!
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Optional garnish: You can garnish with extra crispy bacon bits or a little extra sprinkle of raw cheese on top.
Serving Suggestions:
These bacon-wrapped dates can be served as a decadent appetizer, a snack, or even as part of a carnivore-friendly meal. Pair them with other carnivore-friendly sides like:
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Grilled sausages or steak bites
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Bone broth (as a light, savory drink)
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Roasted or sautéed vegetables (if you’re following a more relaxed carnivore approach)
Tips & Variations:
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Cheese Variety: While raw cheese is preferred for its nutritional benefits, you can use other cheeses like aged cheddar, mozzarella, or even cream cheese if you prefer.
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Bacon Type: Choose bacon that’s free of sugars and nitrates for a cleaner, more carnivore-friendly option.
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Adjusting Sweetness: If you’re going strict carnivore, you could omit the dates entirely. Alternatively, use a very small amount of dates just for that sweet, salty contrast if you’re comfortable with the occasional non-carnivore ingredient.
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Crispier Bacon: If you like your bacon extra crispy, broil the dates for 1–2 minutes at the end, but keep a close eye on them to avoid burning!
These Carnivore Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Raw Cheese will deliver that perfect combination of savory, salty, and melty goodness in every bite—just with a little carnivore-friendly twist. Enjoy the bites, and let me know how they turn out! 😋