Bacon-Wrapped Dates: An Irresistible Classic Appetizer Recipe
A sweet, salty, and creamy crowd-pleaser that elevates any celebration.
Bacon-Wrapped Dates: The Ultimate Party Appetizer
Few finger foods have stood the test of time quite like bacon-wrapped dates. A brilliant fusion of sweet, salty, creamy, and spicy, this appetizer turns a handful of simple ingredients into the star of any gathering. Once considered a retro marvel of cocktail parties, these poppable bites are rooted in a culinary tradition almost two centuries old—and today, they’ve earned a place at modern holiday feasts and festive snack tables alike.
Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, ringing in the New Year, or searching for a dish that vanishes in minutes at family gatherings, these stuffed dates enveloped in crispy bacon are impossible to resist. Let’s dive into the history, flavor secrets, and a foolproof step-by-step recipe to craft the perfect platter of bacon-wrapped dates.
Why Bacon-Wrapped Dates Are a Party Classic
- Flavor Explosion: Their sweet dates balance with salty bacon, elevated by creamy cheese and a touch of jalapeño heat.
- Versatility: Swap cheeses or customize the filling to suit any guest’s preference.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep ahead, bake when ready, and they reheat beautifully for stress-free entertaining.
- Universal Appeal: Their bite-sized format guarantees they’ll disappear fast at any celebration.
The Old-School Origins: Devils on Horseback
Bacon-wrapped dates might feel like a product of ‘70s dinner parties, but their origin story stretches back about 200 years. In Victorian England, a festive treat known as “devils on horseback” was served at Christmas. The concept was simple yet magical: stuff sticky-sweet dates (or sometimes prunes) with something savory, wrap in bacon, and bake until crisp. The modern version upgrades this classic with creamy cheese, a spicy twist, and a honey glaze for extra shine.
Ingredients for Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Quality ingredients are the key to getting that perfect burst of flavors. Here’s what you’ll need for about 20 bites:
- 2 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1 tbsp. thinly sliced fresh chives (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 tsp. paprika
- 20 large medjool dates, pitted (from a 12 oz. package)
- 10 slices regular bacon (not thick-cut), halved crosswise
- 2 jalapeños, cut into 20 thin (1/4-inch) slices
- 2 tbsp. honey
Ingredient Selection Tips
- Dates: Use medjool dates for their large size and lush, caramel-like sweetness. Choose dates that are soft but intact.
- Cheese: Blue cheese brings funky complexity, but creamy goat cheese or sharp white cheddar are delicious substitutes.
- Bacon: Pick regular (not thick-cut), as thick bacon may not crisp up fully before the dates overcook.
- Jalapeños: Fresh for a fiery kick, or swap for pickled jalapeños if you prefer milder heat.
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Dates: Step-by-Step
This recipe is designed for both beginners and experienced home cooks, easily scaled for a crowd or an intimate gathering. Here’s how to make show-stopping bacon-wrapped dates:
- Prep the Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and set aside.
- Mix the Filling:
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, blue cheese crumbles, fresh chives, and paprika until smooth and evenly mixed.
- Stuff the Dates:
With a sharp paring knife, make a lengthwise slit down each date—enough to open them like a book without cutting through the far side. Gently remove pits if needed. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cheese mixture into each date, then close them gently.
- Wrap with Bacon and Jalapeño:
Wrap each stuffed date in a half-slice of bacon. Place a jalapeño slice on top, then secure with a toothpick (so everything stays together during baking).
- Bake:
Arrange dates on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping once after 15 minutes, until the bacon is crisp and rendered.
- Finish and Serve:
Remove from the oven and immediately brush or drizzle with honey for a glossy, sweet finish. Garnish with additional chives and serve hot, ideally as soon as the bacon has cooled enough to handle.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Assemble Ahead: Prepare the filled, wrapped dates up to one day in advance, then cover and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for the freshest results.
- Reheating: If baked a few hours ahead, reheat in a 350°F oven for 6–8 minutes until warmed and bacon is crisp.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.
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Ingredient Swaps and Pro Variations
- Cheese Options: Replace blue cheese with goat cheese, feta, or sharp cheddar for a milder or different flavor profile.
- Go Almond: For crunch, tuck a roasted almond inside with the cheese filling before wrapping with bacon.
- Sweeter Option: Skip the jalapeño and instead add a sprinkle of chopped pecans for a milder bite.
- Alternative Glazes: After baking, brush with maple syrup or a balsamic reduction instead of honey for a unique finish.
Choosing and Storing the Best Dates
For this recipe, medjool dates are favored for their natural size and ultra-soft texture. Dried dates, if not kept well-sealed, can lose their tenderness quickly.
- Store dates in an airtight container in the fridge to preserve freshness and keep them moist until ready to use.
- If your dates seem overly dry, soak briefly in warm water and dry thoroughly before stuffing.
What Bacon Is Best for Stuffed Dates?
Regular smoked or unsmoked bacon (not thick-cut) is ideal for this appetizer—the thinner slices will crisp up perfectly during baking without overcooking the delicate filling. For an extra punch, try using applewood smoked bacon for its sweet-savory undertones. Avoid thick-cut bacon, which tends to remain chewy and may overpower the other ingredients.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Parties & Holidays: Serve alongside other classic appetizers like deviled eggs, cheese boards, or marinated olives.
- Garnish: Finish with flaky sea salt or more chopped chives for added visual appeal and flavor.
- Beverage Pairings: These bites pair beautifully with sparkling wine, dry sherry, or crisp pale ales.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can bacon-wrapped dates be made ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dates up to 24 hours in advance, then cover and chill until baking. Serve hot straight from the oven for the best flavor and texture.
What if I don’t like blue cheese?
No problem—swap in goat cheese, feta, or even a little sharp cheddar for a milder flavor profile that still complements the sweet dates and salty bacon.
How spicy are they with jalapeño?
Fresh jalapeño slices add a noticeable (but manageable) kick. For less heat, use pickled jalapeños or omit them entirely for a milder bite that still shines.
Is there a vegetarian version?
For a vegetarian take, omit the bacon and instead roll the stuffed dates in smoked paprika or chopped toasted nuts before baking for flavor and crunch.
How do you keep bacon-wrapped dates warm for parties?
Keep them snug on a warmed platter inside a low oven (around 200°F), or reheat briefly if needed. Serve with cocktail picks for easy grabbing.
Recipe at a Glance: Quick Reference Table
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat oven to 400°F; line baking sheet with foil |
| 2 | Combine cheeses, chives, and paprika |
| 3 | Slit and pit dates; stuff with cheese mixture |
| 4 | Wrap each with bacon half; add jalapeño; secure with toothpick |
| 5 | Bake 20–25 min, flipping midway |
| 6 | Brush with honey; garnish; serve hot |
Final Tips for Success
- Secure Tight: Toothpicks are essential for holding everything together—especially as the bacon shrinks during baking.
- Flip Halfway: Turning the dates ensures even browning and crispness all over.
- Don’t Overstuff: Too much filling can cause the cheese to escape during baking; a heaping teaspoon per date is plenty.
- Serve Warm: The cheese is oozy and the bacon crispest right after baking.
Try More Flavor Combos
Once you master this base recipe, experiment with regional cheeses, flavored honeys, or nuts tucked inside for crunch. For a showy centerpiece, double the recipe or mix and match fillings for a colorful, crowd-pleasing platter.
Conclusion: A Bite-Sized Favorite for Every Celebration
Bacon-wrapped dates offer a sublime combination of flavors and textures that never go out of style. Whether you stick to the classic blue cheese and jalapeño, or craft your own signature version, these appetizers bring something unforgettable to the table. Their ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing qualities make them a go-to recipe for both special occasions and spontaneous celebrations. Serve warm, watch them disappear!
References
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zu4jWAhP5O4
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a42028842/bacon-wrapped-dates-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a60744537/bacon-horseradish-dates/
- https://dk.pinterest.com/pin/339036678198938328/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/appetizers/
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