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This tasty combo mixes juicy Medjool dates wrapped in soft beef, with optional smoky bacon and fresh herbs for an extra kick. It's a simple yet impressive snack that your friends will love.
I first whipped these up for a holiday party, and they stole the show. They taste fancy but don’t take forever to make, so I turn to this dish when I need something special fast.
What You’ll Need
- 1 pound thinly sliced beef tenderloin or sirloin: pick bright red, fresh meat with just a little marbling for the best tenderness
- 12 Medjool dates, pitted: grab soft, plump dates with shiny skins, avoiding any dry or tough ones
- 6 bacon slices, optional, cut into thirds: smoked bacon works great for a deep flavor, but fresh unsmoked is fine too
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme: fresh herbs add a lovely scent and subtle flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste: for seasoning and bringing all tastes together
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Heat The Oven:
- Turn your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready to crisp up the beef just right.
- Slice The Meat And Bacon:
- Cut the beef into thin strips about half an inch wide to wrap neatly. If using bacon, slice it into thirds so it fits easily.
- Fill The Dates:
- Put some chopped rosemary or thyme inside each pitted date for a fresh pop of flavor. If you want, wrap the date in bacon first to add smoky richness before wrapping it with beef.
- Season And Hold Together:
- Sprinkle salt and pepper over the wrapped dates to bring out the flavors. Use toothpicks if you need help keeping everything in place while cooking.
- Bake Until Crunchy:
- Place the wrapped dates with their seams down on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the beef is nicely browned and cooked through. Adjust time if your beef pieces are thicker.
- Serve Hot:
- Take them out and put them on a serving dish. Pour any tasty juices from the baking sheet over the top for an extra boost of flavor and moisture.
I enjoy mixing it up with these beef dates. Once I swapped rosemary for sage, which gave it a nice earthy vibe. Each take on this shows a bit of fun kitchen creativity with simple stuff.
How To Keep Them Fresh
Pop leftovers into an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To keep that crunch when warming them back up, use a baking sheet in a hot oven instead of the microwave.
Flavor Swaps To Try
Try swapping beef for thin prosciutto or pancetta for a different bite and taste. Stuff the dates with goat cheese or almonds to add a creamy or crunchy twist inside.
Great Pairings To Serve
This tasty little snack balances sweet and savory perfectly and will wow your guests without much fuss at all.
Frequently Asked Cooking Questions
- → Which beef cuts are best for wrapping dates?
Sirloin or tenderloin slices work great since they cook fast and wrap easily without getting chewy.
- → Is bacon needed or can I skip it and still get good taste?
You don’t have to use bacon. The beef with herbs like thyme or rosemary and the sweet dates still make it really flavorful.
- → How do I stop the beef from slipping off while cooking?
Toothpicks hold the beef tight around the dates so they don’t fall apart and make handling simpler.
- → Which herbs go best with beef and dates?
Thyme and rosemary add a nice earthy smell that matches well with the sweet dates and beef.
- → What oven settings and time should I use for baking?
Set the oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. It gives a crunchy outside and cooked beef inside.
- → Can I prep these ahead and still have them taste good?
Yes, you can wrap the dates early and keep them in the fridge. Bake right before serving to keep the best texture and taste.