Bacon-Wrapped Dates are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that transforms simple ingredients into an elegant treat that’ll have your guests asking for the recipe. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, planning a cozy dinner, or looking for the perfect appetizer for your Thanksgiving spread, these little bundles of joy deliver big flavor in every bite.
The magic happens when the salty richness of bacon meets the natural sweetness of dates, creating a flavor combination that’s both sophisticated and comforting. What makes this recipe even better? It’s surprisingly simple to make, requires just a handful of ingredients, and can be prepared ahead of time. You’ll love how the bacon gets perfectly crispy while keeping the dates tender and the filling warm and gooey.
Why You’ll Love These Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Effortlessly Elegant: These look fancy but are incredibly easy to make – perfect for impressing guests without the stress
Irresistible Flavor Combo: The smoky, salty bacon perfectly balances the sweet, chewy dates and creamy filling
Endless Variations: Stuff them with cream cheese, goat cheese, almonds, or even blue cheese – the possibilities are delicious
Party Perfect: Ideal for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or any time you want to serve something special
Ingredient Highlights & Notes
The beauty of Bacon-Wrapped Dates lies in their simplicity. You’ll need just a few quality ingredients to create these show-stopping appetizers. The key is choosing the right dates – look for Medjool dates that are plump and soft, as they provide the perfect sweetness and texture. For the bacon, go with regular-cut rather than thick-cut so it crisps up nicely without overcooking the dates.
Essential Ingredients:
- 12 large Medjool dates, pitted (fresh and plump work best)
- 6 strips bacon, cut in half (regular-cut crisps better than thick-cut)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (or substitute with goat cheese)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (almonds or pecans work great too)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
- Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)
Optional Add-ins:
- Crumbled blue cheese (for a bold flavor twist)
- Chopped fresh herbs (rosemary or sage)
- Balsamic glaze (for drizzling)
Equipment & Tools
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Small mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Toothpicks
- Wire cooling rack (optional but helpful)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Oven (5 minutes)
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper – this makes cleanup so much easier and prevents sticking.
2. Prepare the Filling (3 minutes)
In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with chopped walnuts and honey (if using). The mixture should be easy to spoon but not too loose. Pro tip: Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing for the smoothest texture.
3. Stuff the Dates (8 minutes)
Carefully make a small slit in each date and remove the pit if not already done. Gently open each date and stuff with about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture. Don’t overfill – you want to be able to close the date around the filling.
4. Wrap with Bacon (5 minutes)
Take a half-strip of bacon and wrap it around each stuffed date, securing with a toothpick. The bacon should wrap around once with slight overlap. Don’t wrap too tightly – the bacon needs room to shrink as it cooks.
5. Bake to Perfection (12-15 minutes)
Place the wrapped dates on your prepared baking sheet, seam-side down. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bacon is golden brown and crispy. You’ll hear them sizzling – that’s the sound of deliciousness!
6. Rest and Serve (2 minutes)
Let them cool for 2-3 minutes before serving – the filling will be very hot! Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and serve warm.
Tips, Variations & Substitutions for Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Flavor Variations:
- Mediterranean Style: Use goat cheese and chopped pistachios
- Sweet & Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cream cheese
- Nutty Delight: Stuff with whole almonds instead of cream cheese
- Blue Cheese Bold: Replace cream cheese with crumbled blue cheese for a sophisticated twist
Dietary Substitutions:
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese or simply stuff with nuts
- Lower Sodium: Choose uncured bacon or turkey bacon
- Vegan Option: Wrap in thin strips of seasoned tempeh instead of bacon
Troubleshooting:
- Bacon not crispy enough? Increase oven temperature to 425°F for the last 3-4 minutes
- Dates splitting? Choose fresher, more pliable dates and don’t overstuff
- Filling leaking out? Secure the date closed with the toothpick before wrapping with bacon
Serving Suggestions
These Bacon-Wrapped Dates are perfect as an elegant appetizer alongside other holiday favorites. Serve them warm on a beautiful platter with:
- Wine Pairings: Red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc
- Cheese Board: Add them to a charcuterie board with crackers and fresh fruit
- Holiday Spread: Perfect alongside fall-themed treats for a complete seasonal menu
- Dinner Party: Serve as a sophisticated starter before the main course
For presentation, arrange them on a wooden board with small bowls of balsamic glaze for dipping and fresh herb garnishes.
Storage, Make-Ahead & Reheating
Make-Ahead Magic:
You can assemble these Bacon-Wrapped Dates up to 4 hours ahead of time. Simply prepare them through step 4, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, pop them in the oven – they might need an extra 2-3 minutes of cooking time if they’re cold.
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers covered for up to 3 days
- Freezer: Not recommended as the texture of the dates changes
Reheating:
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Avoid the microwave as it can make the bacon soggy and the dates too soft.
Nutrition & Dietary Information
Each bacon-wrapped date contains approximately:
- Calories: 95
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fat: 6g
These treats are naturally gluten-free and provide a good source of fiber from the dates. The nuts add healthy fats and protein, making them more satisfying than typical party snacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of date?
A: While Medjool dates work best due to their size and soft texture, you can use Deglet Noor dates. They’re smaller, so you might want to use whole almonds instead of the cream cheese filling.
Q: How do I prevent the bacon from being too greasy?
A: Choose leaner bacon and place the wrapped dates on a wire rack set over the baking sheet. This allows excess fat to drip away while cooking.
Q: Can I make these without toothpicks?
A: Yes! Place them seam-side down on the baking sheet and the bacon should stay in place as it cooks and shrinks.
Q: What if my dates are too dry?
A: Soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to soften, then pat dry before stuffing and wrapping.
Q: Can I cook these on the grill?
A: Absolutely! Grill over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, turning once. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Perfect for Your Holiday Entertaining
Bacon-Wrapped Dates are the kind of appetizer that makes entertaining feel effortless while still impressing your guests. They’re elegant enough for formal dinner parties yet approachable enough for casual gatherings. The combination of sweet and salty flavors appeals to almost everyone, making them a safe choice when you’re not sure about guests’ preferences.
These little bites also pair beautifully with other seasonal activities and treats, making them perfect for autumn and winter entertaining. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, a Christmas party, or just a cozy evening with friends, these appetizers set the perfect tone for a memorable meal.
Conclusion
Bacon-Wrapped Dates prove that the best recipes often come from the simplest combinations. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create an appetizer that looks and tastes like it came from an upscale restaurant. The sweet dates, creamy filling, and crispy bacon create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that will have your guests coming back for more.
Ready to impress at your next gathering? Start by gathering your ingredients and give this recipe a try. Don’t be surprised when everyone asks for the recipe – these little bundles of deliciousness have a way of stealing the show. Whether it’s your first time making them or you’re a seasoned pro, Bacon-Wrapped Dates never fail to deliver that perfect bite of sweet and savory goodness.