Savory Date and Cheese Bites
These delightful Savory Date and Cheese Bites, often affectionately dubbed 'Black-Eyed Susans,' embody a unique blend of sweetness and savory flavors, making them the perfect addition to any festive gathering. While they require a bit of effort to prepare, the result is a crunchy exterior that perfectly encases a sweet date stuffed with rich pecans and enveloped in a creamy cheese and margarine dough. Your guests will be unable to resist reaching for seconds once they taste these irresistible snacks. Whether you're hosting a Christmas party or celebrating a special occasion, these delectable treats will surely impress everyone at the table.
100
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pitted dates
2 lbs (pitted)
Pecan halves
1 lb (whole)
Sharp cheddar cheese
1 lb (grated, at room temperature)
Margarine
1 cup (softened)
All-purpose flour
2 cups (none)
Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (optional, but recommended)
Sugar
1/2 cup (for rolling)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (149°C).
2
Carefully stuff each pitted date with a pecan half and set them aside on a plate.
3
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the grated sharp cheddar cheese and softened margarine until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4
Gradually add the flour, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the cheese mixture. Mix thoroughly until a stiff dough forms. Ensure that the dough is firm enough to hold its shape.
5
Transfer the dough into a cookie press fitted with the box plate attachment or a piping bag.
6
Squeeze out long strips of dough onto a cutting board or flat surface, and cut the strips into 2 to 3-inch pieces.
7
Take each dough piece and wrap it around a pecan-stuffed date, completely covering it.
8
Roll each wrapped date in sugar, ensuring an even coating, and place them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.
10
Remove from the oven and let cool before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Date and Cheese Bites?
These are snacks often called 'Black-Eyed Susans' that feature a sweet date stuffed with a pecan and wrapped in a savory cheese dough.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make approximately 100 servings.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 300°F (149°C).
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of grated sharp cheddar cheese at room temperature.
What is the filling for the dates?
Each pitted date is stuffed with a pecan half.
How do you prepare the dough?
Cream together the grated cheese and softened margarine, then gradually mix in flour, salt, and optional cayenne pepper until stiff.
How is the dough shaped?
The dough is squeezed through a cookie press with a box plate or a piping bag into long strips.
How long should the dough strips be?
The strips should be cut into 2 to 3-inch pieces before being wrapped around the dates.
Do you roll the bites in anything before baking?
Yes, each wrapped date should be rolled in sugar for an even coating.
How long do these bites take to bake?
They should be baked for approximately 20-25 minutes.
How do you know when the bites are finished cooking?
They are done when they become golden brown and are slightly firm to the touch.
What is the recommended occasion for these snacks?
They are perfect for festive gatherings, Christmas parties, or any special occasion.
Can I use margarine in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1 cup of softened margarine.
Is the cayenne pepper required?
The 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper is optional but recommended to enhance the savory flavor.
What type of flour is used?
The recipe requires 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
What texture can I expect from the exterior?
The exterior of the bites is crunchy once baked.
How many pounds of dates are needed?
You will need 2 lbs of pitted dates.
How many pecans are required?
The recipe uses 1 lb of pecan halves.
Should the dates be pitted?
Yes, the recipe specifies using pitted dates.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized under Lunch/Snacks.
What amount of salt is added to the dough?
One teaspoon of salt is added to the flour and cheese mixture.
Do I need to line the baking sheet?
Yes, it is recommended to line the cookie sheet with parchment paper.
Can the cheese be cold when mixing?
It is best if the grated sharp cheddar cheese is at room temperature for smooth creaming.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 300°F (149°C).
How much sugar is needed for rolling?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of sugar for rolling the bites.
How do you handle the bites after they come out of the oven?
Remove them from the oven and let them cool completely before serving.
What is the flavor profile of the bites?
They offer a unique blend of sweetness from the dates and sugar mixed with savory cheese and pecans.
What attachment is used for the cookie press?
A box plate attachment is used to create the long dough strips.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
The description notes that they require a bit of effort to prepare, though the results are worth it.
How much cayenne pepper is suggested?
A 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper is suggested for the dough.