Bacon-wrapped dates are the ultimate Thanksgiving and holiday appetizer. Unattractive as they may be, trust me, they will disappear from the table before you can say, “Come on in.” The combination of salty, crispy bacon with sugar sweet dates and creamy cheese inside is absolutely irresistible.
Assembling bacon-wrapped dates is really like the adult version of playing with your food, so get your little assembly line set up and get to town. Stuff a date, wrap it in bacon, stick a toothpick in it, and you’re good to go. That’s it! The recipe here makes enough for a small party, but you can scale everything up or down to the size of your gathering. Here’s how to make them.
Why You’ll Love It
Bacon-wrapped dates always bring a winner home. Make a double batch because, trust me, they’re going to disappear in two ticks.
You can prepare them ahead. You can prepare all of them a day before you want to bake them and store them covered in the refrigerator until you need them.
The key ingredients for the Bacon-Wrapped Dates recipe are:
Dates: Look for big, thumb-sized Medjool dates in the produce area of the grocery store; they won’t be in the baking aisle. Look for ones that are soft and plump, rather than shriveled and dry.
Bacon: You can use any thickness of bacon you like, but for this recipe, regular bacon is best because it’s not too super thin and not too thick. It gives the right amount of bacon-goodness in each bite, not too flimsy, not too over the top.
Cheese: Creamy goat cheese or tangy blue cheese works well.
- Bacon-Wrapped Dates How to Prepare
Preheat oven to 400°F. Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone baking mat; set aside. - Open the dates. Use a paring knife to make a slit on the side of 20 to 24 dates. Using your thumbs, open the date slightly. Remove the pits if your dates still have them inside.
- Stuff with cheese. Use a spoon to stuff a small amount of goat cheese or blue cheese into each date. Press the cheese down into the date using the back of the spoon. If you are using almonds, press one or two almonds into the cheese.
- Bacon roll dates: Roll up with a half-strip of bacon. Wrap the date with a half-strip of bacon. Use a toothpick to secure the end of the bacon. Place on the baking sheet. Arrange stuffed dates in one layer so they lie on their sides on the baking sheet.
- Place the stuffed dates so they lie on their sides on the baking sheet. Arrange evenly. Bake for 15 minutes. Bake the dates for 15 minutes.
- Flip and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. Flip the dates. Keep an eye on the dates, and remove them from the oven when the bacon has been cooked as crispy as you prefer, another 15 to 20 minutes.
- Place on a paper towel-lined plate to let excess grease drip off. If the dates are oily, blot the sides as well as the bottoms with paper towels. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Helpful Substitutions
- Dried fruit: Dried figs can be used in place of the dates if you don’t feel like using them.
- Cheese: Asiago, smoked cheddar, or gouda would be fine as a substitute.
- Nuts: Smoked almonds especially are wonderful with this recipe.
Bacon-wrapped dates are a tasty, sweet and savory, appetizer dish requiring minimal effort to prepare, always a party pleaser. Here is an easy recipe:
Ingredients:
- 20 large Medjool dates (pitted)
- 10 slices of bacon (cut in half)
- 20 almonds or cheese (optional for stuffing)
- Toothpicks (for securing)
Instructions:
Preheat oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Prepare the dates: If your dates are not pitted, use your knife and carefully cut each date, then pull out the pit.
Stuff the dates (optional): If you feel like it, insert an almond or small chunk of cheese (such as blue cheese, goat cheese, cream cheese, etc.) into each date for added flavor.
Wrap with bacon: Wrap each date with a half slice of bacon secured by a toothpick using a half slice of bacon.
Bake: Place the bacon-wrapped dates onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and cooked through, turning them over halfway through.
Cool and serve: Let cool a little before serving. They serve well warm or at room temperature.
Conclusion:
Bacon-wrapped dates are a great idea because they provide an irresistible pairing of sweet and savory flavors. The fun comes from the relatively simple preparation, excellent versatility in choosing to fill with cheese or nuts, and the appealing blend of textures.
Good for a party or as a starter, these bacon-wrapped dates should satisfy. Serve warm, and do not expect them to disappear from the table immediately!