Bacon Wrapped Dates
Sweet, savory, and completely irresistible, these Bacon Wrapped Dates are the kind of appetizer that disappears almost as soon as they hit the table. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, they're easy to make yet impressive enough for parties, holidays or casual get-togethers. Once you try them, you'll see why everyone always asks for the recipe.
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Bacon Wrapped Dates Recipe
If there's one thing I love, it's a quick and easy appetizer that feels a little special without a lot of effort.
This bacon wrapped dates recipe checks all those boxes for me - simple ingredients, big flavor and guaranteed crowd appeal. The sweet and savory combination is always a win, and adding creamy goat cheese and hot honey takes it to the next level.
I'm a huge fan of appetizers that come together fast but still feel impressive enough to serve for guests. Easy apps like bacon wrapped dates and crostini are perfect for parties, holidays or even a casual get-together when you want something everyone will rave about. Once you try them, you'll understand why they never last long!
Why You'll Love this Recipe
Bacon wrapped dates are a wonderful appetizer:
- It's simple! This easy recipe has just four ingredients and makes a bunch.
- They are full of flavor. Sweet, savory, tangy and a little spicy, these bites do it all.
- They disappear fast. People love these little appetizers - trust me!
Ingredients
You only need four ingredients to make these bacon wrapped dates, so they've got to be good! Let's talk about them:
Medjool dates are the star of this recipe. You'll want to pick up already pitted dates, or you'll be pitting them for a while! Once the pit is removed, you can stuff them with cheese, nuts, sausage or whatever sounds good. I love and recommend goat cheese which has a deliciously tangy flavor, but any soft cheese like feta or blue cheese will work.
Next you'll wrap them all in uncooked bacon. You are looking for a medium cut bacon here - too thin and the sugars in the dates will burn the bacon, too thick and the bacon won't cook in time. You'll also want to grab some plain toothpicks to skewer them on.
Once they're out of the oven, they're ready to serve. I like to add a touch of heat with hot honey but you can use plain honey, agave or skip it altogether. They're plenty sweet on their own, but the honey adds a little something else if you know what I mean!
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Dates
Making Bacon Wrapped Dates is super duper simple! Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the dates lengthwise, almost all the way through, and remove the pits. Cut the bacon slices in half crosswise. Stuff each date with about ½ to 1 teaspoon of goat cheese, gently pressing it closed.
- Wrap each stuffed date with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, turning once if needed, until the bacon is crisp. Remove from the oven, drizzle with hot honey and serve warm.
Tips for Success
- Purchase pitted dates so they are easier to stuff.
- Use a medium cut of bacon. If it's too thin, it can burn. If it's too thick, it won't cook enough.
- Pierce the bites with toothpicks for easy assembly but leave them in for serving also.
What to Serve With Bacon Wrapped Dates
Bacon wrapped dates make a great appetizer or party snack. You could also add them to a cheese board with charcuterie.
Something spicy and savory, like buffalo chicken dip or dry rub wings, pairs really well with this sweet snack, or you could go for something sweet and creamy like my favorite pepper jelly and cream cheese appetizer.
FAQ
The sugars in the dates melt and caramelize in the oven. The hot sugar can burn the bacon if it is too thin.
Store them in a food-safe, airtight container for up to three days.
Bacon Wrapped Dates
Ingredients
- 12 whole medjool dates pitted
- 1 log goat cheese
- 6 slices uncooked bacon cut in half
- 3 tablespoons hot honey for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- If not pitted, slice 12 whole medjool dates almost through to remove the pit.
- Cut 6 slices uncooked bacon in half.
- Stuff each date with with ½ to 1 teaspoon of the 1 log goat cheese. Lay a stuffed date on each piece of bacon and wrap the bacon around it. Secure it closed with a toothpick.
- Bake in preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, watching closely near the end to make sure they don't overcook. Remove from the oven when the bacon begins to get crispy.
- Drizzle 3 tablespoons hot honey over dates and serve while the stuffed dates are still warm!
Nutrition
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