German Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Introduction

Sweet Medjool dates wrapped in smoky bacon and perfectly grilled on the Arteflame for the ultimate appetizer. The combination of crispy bacon and caramelized dates creates an irresistible bite-sized treat that’s sure to impress!

Ingredients

• 12 large Medjool dates
• 6 strips of thick-cut bacon, cut in half
• 12 toothpicks
• 2 tbsp butter (for grilling)
• Optional: 12 almonds or blue cheese for stuffing

Instructions

Step 1: Get the Arteflame Grill Ready

1. Pour some vegetable oil onto three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins inside the Arteflame grill.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins and light the paper.
4. Allow the fire to burn for about 20 minutes until the cooktop is hot and ready.

Step 2: Prepare the Dates

1. Carefully slice each Medjool date lengthwise and remove the pit.
2. Stuff each date with an almond or blue cheese (optional).
3. Wrap each date with a half strip of bacon and secure with a toothpick.

Step 3: Grill the Bacon-Wrapped Dates

1. Place a small amount of butter on the Arteflame flat cooktop.
2. Position the bacon-wrapped dates on the cooktop near the center for higher heat.
3. Grill for 3-4 minutes on each side, turning occasionally to ensure even crispiness.
4. Move the dates to a slightly cooler area on the cooktop and grill for another 2 minutes to finish cooking.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Remove the bacon-wrapped dates from the grill once the bacon is crispy and caramelized.
2. Let cool slightly before serving.
3. Enjoy these irresistible bites as a perfect appetizer!

Tips

• For extra crispiness, use thick-cut bacon and avoid overlapping too much when wrapping the dates.
• If using cheese, stuff the dates just before grilling to prevent melting out.
• Adjust the grilling temperature by moving the dates to different heat zones on the cooktop.

Variations

• Cheese-Stuffed: Use soft blue cheese or goat cheese for a creamy bite.
• Nutty Crunch: Stuff each date with a toasted almond or pecan before wrapping in bacon.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle cayenne pepper or drizzle with hot honey before serving.
• Maple Glaze: Brush with a mix of maple syrup and Dijon mustard for a tangy-sweet flavor.
• Smoky BBQ: Coat with a light layer of BBQ sauce before grilling.

Conclusion

These grilled bacon-wrapped dates are the perfect balance of sweet and salty, with a crispy, caramelized exterior. Ideal for entertaining, they showcase the incredible searing and grilling capabilities of the Arteflame grill. Enjoy them fresh off the cooktop and elevate your grilling game!

Best Pairings

• Pairs perfectly with a German-style beer such as a Schwarzbier or Märzen.
• Serve with a side of mustard dipping sauce for added zing.
• Complement with grilled vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers cooked on the Arteflame.