For Pete’s sake get your mind out of the gutter
Stuffed dates have been our to-do list for ages. When Kristy posted her grilled prosciutto-wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese, we knew we had to make our own. And still we waited. Those little goodies haunted our dreams.
Our version uses a salty cheese that isn’t known for it’s melty gooeyness. The sweetness of the dates still shines through, don’t worry. The cheese lends a nice coolness and contrast to the whole mix too. OK, fine we were out of goat cheese, but our gamble paid off and we will be making them exactly this way again and again.
Pancetta-Wrapped Dates
- 10 dates
- 5 slices thin-cut pancetta
- about two tablespoons ricotta salata
- 1-2 tsp balsamic vinegar
Cut each slice of pancetta in half. Slice each date open lengthwise. Remove pit if not already pitted. Cut a thin slice of ricotta salata, then cut it into matchsticks long enough to fit in each date, but not long enough that they’ll hang out. Dip each cheese stick into the balsamic then place in the center of the date. Push the date back together and wrap with a half slice of pancetta. Place on a foil-line baking sheet and bake at 375 until the pancetta is crisp, about 30 minutes.
I love pancetta-wrapped anything. Nice.
Bacon, prosciutto, pancetta … porky goodness wrapping anything. Works for me.
Can I please point out the slightly off color description under the photo? I think you might have a…. fun….. sense of humor. I like both the humor and the figs.
We have been a bit off color this week.
Sweet and savory is the new cool thing. You guys have nailed it again. Nice and easy appetizer. Thanks.
Ricotta salata is a great choice here. Love the saltiness. I use it when I make Pasta alla Norma and it’s a welcome change.
These are an old favourite in England, except that they are traditionally wrapped in bacon. They look delicious in your pic:)
Yes, please. All of my favorite things!
Oh dear Lord….need them now!
These little devils on horseback have been a party favourite for years, love the cheese change up too. I make a batch of these and freeze them, that way you can pull out as many of as few as you need at a time.
Oh thanks. We should have made a bigger batch!
I could have that for breakfast…
I saw your post pop up last night shortly after I posted. Too funny that we mentioned each other! These look so good and will be haunting me now too. I’m thinking Xmas appetizer this year! Goodness knows I can’t wait for the grill to come back out.
Sweet and salty always make a great pairing. Perfect appetizer for a cocktail party.
I became a fan of bacon wrapped dates earlier this year when I made them for a big party…but I love your version with the pancetta and the hint of balsamic with the salty ricotta salata. A perfect combo of flavors.
I love ricotta salata and love any appetizer involving dates, but never made it myself. I also remember Kristy’s post about it, and wanted to make this right then. You are nudging me in the correct path…
Cute little tasty treats!
I love the caption and didn’t think of that til I saw the caption. Then I lol’d.
I’d love this as an appetizer.
I just did stuffed dates too. I’ll have to try your version. I’ve got left over dates, some pancetta in the freezer and always some balsamic around.
little devils on horseback! Yum
My mind isn’t in the gutter but my stomach sure is grumbling.
I usually put a whole almond and blue cheese inside stuffed dates – this looks like a terrific variation.
Oh I love the idea of that. The possibilities are endless. I think what we have on hand will dictate it.