Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Blue Cheese 

Makes: 12 pieces

Equipment: Cast Iron Pan, The Chef’s Press 13 oz

Ingredients:

• 12 Medjool dates, pitted

• 3 oz blue cheese (or goat cheese, if preferred)

• 6 slices of bacon, cut in half 

For serving: 

Fresh thyme leaves (optional) 

Instructions
1. Prepare the Dates 

Make a small slit along one side of each date and remove the pit if not already pitted. Stuff each date with about 1⁄2 teaspoon of blue cheese, then press gently to close. Place in the refrigerator to cool and set. 

2. Wrap with Bacon 

Wrap each stuffed date with a half slice of bacon. Place seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. 

3. Cook with The Chef’s Press 

Heat a cast iron pan over medium heat, place the dats seam side down in the pan. Place The Chef’s Press over the wrapped dates; this helps seal the bacon seam, and renders the bacon fat evenly, and creates crisp edges without the cheese leaking out.
Roast until crispy, flipping and pressing again. Continue cooking all sides. The bacon should be deep golden and crisp, and the dates tender. You will need to drain some bacon fat from the pan during the cooking. 

4. Finish & Serve 

Transfer to a serving platter with fresh thyme sprigs. Serve warm. 

Chef’s Press Tip 

The Chef’s Press ensures bacon cooks evenly and crisps perfectly, whether it’s wrapped around dates, scallops, or vegetables. It minimizes curling and helps caramelize sugars for that irresistible glaze.