RECIPE: Make Atkins Park’s Bacon Wrapped Dates
The bacon and date appetizer at Atkins Park restaurant in Virginia-Highland is a throwback recipe that reminds me of something my grandmother used to make, beloved by three generations of my family. I would love to have the recipe. — Erin Williams, Atlanta
Sandra Spoon, owner of Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar, was happy to share the recipe for this longtime favorite from the restaurant menu. “The rich sweetness of the dates combines with the salty and earthy blue cheese and the salty and smoky bacon. All the flavors work well together,” Spoon said. “This quick and easy appetizer is a great way to start a party as the recipe can easily be doubled and can be made ahead and then reheated when you’re ready to serve.”
At the restaurant, these are served in skewers with two dates on each and garnished with finely chopped parsley.
Atkins Park’s Bacon Wrapped Dates
- 24 large Medjool dates
- 1/4 pound blue cheese crumbles, divided
- 12 slices regular-cut bacon, cut in half
- Finely chopped parsley, for garnish
- Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Line a plate with a paper towel.
- Cut a slit in the side of each date and remove and discard the pit. If the blossom end is attached to the date, remove and discard it as well. Repeat until all dates are pitted.
- Stuff each date with a scant tablespoon of blue cheese crumbles. Wrap the date with half slice of bacon and place on prepared baking sheet with cut-side of date facing up. Repeat with remaining dates. Bake 20 minutes or until bacon has crisped. Remove baking sheet from oven, and transfer dates to paper towel-lined plate to drain. Allow to cool 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.
Nutritional information
Per serving: Per date: 111 calories (percent of calories from fat, 26), 3 grams protein, 18 grams carbohydrates, 16 grams total sugars, 2 grams fiber, 3 grams total fat (2 grams saturated), 9 milligrams cholesterol, 151 milligrams sodium.From the menu of ... Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar, 794 N. Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-876-7249, atkinspark.com.
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