Bacon Wrapped Dates

If you’re looking for a party appetizer recipe that’s the ideal trifecta: easy, mouthwatering and impressive, look no further than Bacon Wrapped Dates (also called ‘Devils on Horseback‘). They are the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and savory — an appetizer that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.

It’s the flavor complexity that makes these easy appetizers so irresistible – crisp bacon wrapped around soft dates stuffed with a creamy cheese (like goat cheese, feta or blue cheese) and nuts, (like almonds or pecans). They are completely versatile, come together in minutes, and clean up is a snap!

Ingredients You Need to Make Bacon Wrapped Dates

• Dates: Opt for larger dates (pitted or with pits), as they provide more space for stuffing. Medjool dates or Deglet Noor are good choices. If they have pits, don’t worry; removing them is easy. Just follow the instructions and photos provided below.
• Cheese: The choice is yours between goat cheese, feta, or blue cheese. Each has its distinct flavor profile, so go with what you or your guests prefer.
• Bacon: Thin bacon slices are your best bet as they wrap snugly around the dates and cook evenly. If you prefer extra crispy bacon, consider partially cooking it before wrapping the stuffed dates.
• Nuts: Toasted almonds or pecans can add a deeper flavor note. But if you’re short on time or just prefer it, raw nuts will still give that lovely crunch.

Recipe Options

When we throw a dinner party or holiday party, I like to stuff dates with an assortment of nuts and cheeses so that our guests have choices. They make an excellent 3 or 4 ingredient appetizer. Here are some of my favorite combinations (as you’ll see in the recipe video below):

• Just Cheese: Stuff dates with goat cheese, feta cheese, or blue cheese before wrapping in bacon. One to two teaspoons of cheese per date, depending on the size of the pocket left in the date once you remove the pit.
• Just Nuts: Stuff dates with toasted nuts, either almonds or pecans, before wrapping in bacon. (Great for Paleo diets.)
• Cheese and Nuts: Stuff dates with goat cheese and an almond, blue cheese and a pecan, or feta and an almond before wrapping in bacon.

Additional Flavor Enhancers:

• Dried Fruits: Tuck a piece of dried apricot, cranberry, or fig inside with or without cheese. It brings an added layer of sweetness and texture.
• Spice it Up: A tiny sprinkle of smoked paprika or a touch of cayenne pepper can introduce an intriguing kick.
• Herbs: Finely chop fresh rosemary or thyme and sprinkle a pinch inside the date for a fragrant touch.

How to Pit Dates

You can buy pitted dates, but I like to buy them with the pit as they tend to be softer. To pit a date, cut a slit down the middle of the date lengthwise leaving the ends intact. With your thumbs, pry the slit open wide and remove the pit. Now you have the perfect pocket to stuff!

Make in Advance: Refrigerator & Freezer Options

Preparing Bacon Wrapped Dates ahead of time can be a great way to reduce stress on the day of your event. Here’s how:

Short-term Preparation (Refrigerator):

1. Assemble the dates as per the main recipe.
2. Place them in a single layer on a tray and cover with plastic wrap.
3. Refrigerate until you’re ready to bake, then follow the baking instructions in the main recipe.

Long-term Storage (Freezer):

1. After assembling the dates, lay them out on a tray and freeze until solid to prevent them from sticking together.
2. Once frozen, transfer the dates to a zip-top freezer bag and store for up to 1 month.
3. Before baking, thaw the dates in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Then, proceed with the baking instructions provided in the main recipe.

How to Store and Reheat 

Store leftover dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, arrange them on a parchment lined baking sheet for easy clean up and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.

More Party Food Ideas

• Crispy Baked Coconut Shrimp
• Baked Goat Cheese
• Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings
• Pita Bread made from scratch and dips to go with it like Tzatziki and White Bean Hummus

More Bacon Wrapped Recipes:

• Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs
• Bacon Wrapped Pork Chops
• Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
• Grilled Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
• Bacon Wrapped Scallops

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Dates

Pry open slit in a pitted date to reveal pocket. Fill pocket with 1 to 2 teaspoons creamy cheese, such as goat cheese, feta, or blue cheese. If desired, press nut into cheese and squeeze date edges to enclose stuffing.

Wrap stuffed date with 1/2 slice of thin bacon and secure with cocktail pick or toothpick. Repeat with remaining dates.

Arrange dates on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper (or brushed lightly with oil). Bake at 375˚F for 15-20 minutes until bacon is crisp, turning dates after 10 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.