The Best Bacon-Wrapped Dates Recipe for Sweet-Savory Magic

Crispy and indulgent bacon-wrapped dates dance between sweet and savory, creating a mouthwatering appetizer that sparks instant hunger.

Soft medjool dates nestle perfectly inside salty, crisp bacon strips.

Contrast plays magic in this simple yet impressive dish.

Each bite promises a delightful explosion of rich flavors.

Small gatherings or big parties welcome this crowd-pleasing snack with open arms.

We love how quickly these bite-sized treats come together.

Peek into your kitchen and start rolling – these irresistible morsels are calling you.

Why Bacon-Wrapped Dates Are the Ultimate Appetizer

• Speedy Appetizer Sensation: Delight guests with this quick and impressive starter that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering crowd-pleaser.
• Versatile Flavor Customization: Easily personalize each bite by stuffing dates with creamy goat cheese or crunchy nuts, allowing for endless taste variations.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Create a stunning appetizer using just a few pantry staples, making this recipe perfect for spontaneous entertaining or last-minute gatherings.
• Foolproof Cooking Method: Achieve restaurant-quality results with simple baking techniques that guarantee crispy bacon and perfectly cooked dates every single time.

Inside These Sweet & Savory Bacon-Wrapped Bites

• Dates: Sweet, soft fruits that provide a rich base for this appetizer.
• Bacon: Salty, crispy meat that wraps and adds flavor to the dates.

• Goat Cheese, Nuts: Creamy or crunchy fillings that enhance the date's natural sweetness.

• Toothpicks: Small wooden picks used to secure the bacon around each date.
• Parchment Paper, Silicone Mat: Non-stick surfaces that prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.

How to Wrap, Bake, and Serve These Flavor Bombs

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Enhance the Dates

• Creamy goat cheese
• Crunchy almonds
• Tangy blue cheese
• Roasted pecans

Step 3: Wrap with Crispy Bacon

Take a half-slice of bacon and carefully wrap each stuffed date.

Secure the bacon with a toothpick to keep it in place during baking.

Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place the bacon-wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet.

Leave a small space between each piece to ensure even cooking and crispy edges.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 18-22 minutes, turning the dates halfway through cooking. Look for golden, crispy bacon that’s irresistibly crunchy.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Remove the toothpicks before serving. Plate the warm, savory-sweet bites and watch them disappear quickly at your gathering.

Enjoy these mouthwatering appetizers while they’re hot and crispy!

Pro Moves for Perfect Bacon-Wrapped Dates

• Opt for thick-cut bacon to ensure a crispy, flavorful exterior that perfectly complements the sweet dates.
• Remove toothpicks immediately after baking to prevent guests from accidentally biting into them.
• Experiment with different cheese fillings like blue cheese or cream cheese for unique flavor variations.
• Prepare dates ahead of time and refrigerate before baking to help bacon crisp up more effectively.
• For a low-carb option, replace dates with jalapeños and create bacon-wrapped poppers with the same technique.

Flavorful Spins on the Classic Bacon-Wrapped Date

• Spicy Jalapeño Poppers: Stuff dates with cream cheese and diced jalapeños, wrap in bacon for a fiery kick.
• Mediterranean Mix: Fill dates with feta cheese and chopped fresh herbs like basil or oregano, then wrap in prosciutto instead of bacon.
• Nutty Crunch: Stuff dates with roasted almonds or pecans, then wrap in maple-glazed bacon for added sweetness and texture.
• Blue Cheese Blast: Stuff dates with tangy blue cheese crumbles, wrap in crispy bacon, and drizzle with honey after baking.

Drinks and Dips That Love These Appetizers

• Spark a Spanish Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Rioja or Tempranillo to complement the rich, salty bacon and sweet dates, creating a harmonious flavor explosion.
• Craft a Cocktail Companion: Mix a smoky mezcal margarita with a touch of agave syrup, which echoes the sweet-savory profile of the bacon-wrapped dates.
• Design a Cheese Board Partner: Create a small appetizer board with aged manchego, marcona almonds, and quince paste to enhance the dish's Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
• Elevate with Sparkling Contrast: Pour a dry prosecco or cava to cut through the bacon's richness and provide a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.

The Right Way to Store These Little Bites

• Refrigerate: Store leftover bacon-wrapped dates in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Freeze: Arrange cooled dates on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Keep frozen for up to 1 month.
• Reheat Oven: Warm refrigerated or thawed dates at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving to maintain bacon's crispness.
• Quick Tip: Let refrigerated dates sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before reheating to ensure even warming.

Bacon-Wrapped Dates FAQs to Keep It Simple

• What type of bacon works best for this recipe?

Choose thin-sliced bacon that will crisp up nicely and wrap easily around the dates. Avoid thick-cut bacon as it might not cook evenly.

• Can I prepare these dates in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the bacon-wrapped dates a few hours before baking and store them covered in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they’re cold.

• Are there alternatives to goat cheese for stuffing?

Definitely! You can use cream cheese, blue cheese, or even marcona almonds as delicious filling options. Each adds a unique flavor and texture to the dates.

• How do I prevent the bacon from unraveling during cooking?

Secure each bacon-wrapped date with a toothpick before baking. This helps keep the bacon in place and ensures a neat, tidy presentation when serving.

Bacon-Wrapped Dates Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent bacon-wrapped dates offer a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that dance on your palate. Crispy bacon hugs tender dates, creating an irresistible appetizer that will delight guests and satisfy cravings in one delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 20 Medjool dates, pitted
• 10 slices thick-cut bacon, halved

Optional Stuffing Ingredients:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) goat cheese or cream cheese
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) chopped pecans or almonds

Serving Accessory:

• Toothpicks

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Using a sharp knife, delicately create a small opening in each date, creating a pocket for filling.
3. Carefully insert a small dollop of creamy goat cheese or crunchy nuts inside the date cavity.
4. Take a half slice of bacon and meticulously wrap each stuffed date, securing with a toothpick to prevent unraveling.
5. Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other for even cooking.
6. Place in the preheated oven and roast for 18-22 minutes, turning them midway to ensure uniform crispiness and golden-brown color.
7. Once the bacon reaches a perfect crisp texture, remove the baking sheet from the oven.
8. Gently extract the toothpicks before serving to prevent any potential choking hazards.
9. Serve immediately while warm to enjoy the optimal blend of crispy bacon and sweet, creamy dates.

Notes

• Choose soft, pitted dates for easier stuffing and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Experiment with different cheese fillings like blue cheese or cream cheese for unique flavor variations.
• Use thin-cut bacon to ensure crispy, evenly cooked wrapping that doesn’t overwhelm the delicate date.
• Prepare these appetizers ahead of time and refrigerate before baking for a convenient party-ready snack.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg