Bacon Wrapped Dates Recipe: Discover the Secret to the Best Appetizer Ever!

If you’ve ever enjoyed biting into a bacon-wrapped date, you know what I mean when I say it’s like the perfect sweet and savory combo wrapped into one bite-sized treat.

The crispy, smoky bacon pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of dates, creating a delicious contrast that’s impossible to resist.

Whether serving them at a party, bringing them to a potluck, or simply craving a snack, these Bacon Wrapped Dates will steal the show. So, let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

To make this irresistible appetizer, you’ll need the following:

• Dates – About 20 large, pitted dates. Medjool dates are the best for this recipe, as they’re soft, chewy, and have a rich sweetness.
• Bacon—Around 10 slices of thick-cut bacon. The thicker the bacon, the crispier it will be and the better it holds up during cooking.
• Optional Stuffing – You can get creative here. Goat cheese or blue cheese adds a creamy, tangy punch, or if you prefer something crunchier, try stuffing your dates with whole almonds.
• Toothpicks – To hold everything together while cooking. Trust me, you don’t want these bad boys falling apart on you in the oven!

Instructions

Let’s break this down into simple steps to ensure your Bacon Wrapped Dates are always perfect.

1. Prepare the Dates

If the dates aren’t already pitted, start by pitting them (a quick snip with a paring knife works great). Then, make a small incision along one side of each date and remove the pit.

Now’s the fun part – you can stuff them! If you’re adding cheese or almonds, simply stuff the center of each date with your choice of filling. Go ahead and get generous – a little extra cheese never hurt anyone.

2. Slice the Bacon

Now, take your thick-cut bacon and cut each slice in half. The bacon should be long enough to wrap around each date once, so if it’s too long, feel free to cut it into thirds.

3. Wrap the Dates

Next, grab your stuffed dates and carefully wrap each one in a piece of bacon. Use a toothpick to secure the bacon around the date, ensuring it stays in place while cooking. Pro tip: Position the toothpick through the bacon so it holds everything snugly.

4. Cook the Bacon Wrapped Dates

You’ve got a few cooking methods to choose from, so pick the one that best suits your kitchen setup.

Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Arrange your bacon-wrapped dates on the baking sheet, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. Flip them halfway through for an even cook.

Grill Method: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the dates directly on the grill grates or a grill-safe pan. Grill them for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and caramelized. Be sure to keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!

Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the bacon-wrapped dates in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure the bacon crisps up evenly.

5. Serve and Enjoy

It’s time to dig in once the bacon is crispy and your dates are golden! Remove the toothpicks (unless you want to serve them with them for a fun presentation) and arrange them on a platter.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few ways to switch things up and make these Bacon Wrapped Dates even more delicious:

Add a Glaze or Sauce: Drizzle a balsamic reduction or a bit of honey over the finished dates for an extra layer of flavor. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add a little heat to balance the sweetness.

Try Different Bacon: Maple bacon is a great option for a sweeter finish. Alternatively, smoked bacon will give your dates a smoky kick that adds a different depth of flavor.

Stuffing Options: If you’re not into cheese or almonds, try stuffing your dates with prosciutto, chorizo, or even a sprinkle of herbs like rosemary or thyme for an herbal touch.

Make Them Ahead: You can prep the bacon-wrapped dates a day or two ahead. Simply store them in the fridge before cooking. When you’re ready, just pop them in the oven or grill!

Serving Suggestions

Bacon Wrapped Dates are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Serve them as an appetizer at your next party, or bring them to a potluck where they will disappear quickly.

Pair them with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, or if you’re feeling adventurous, a smoky whiskey or bourbon. They also go great with a refreshing cocktail like a mojito, gin, and tonic.

Nutritional Information

While these little bites are undoubtedly tasty, it’s worth noting that they’re a bit indulgent. Each date wrapped in bacon will likely have around 70-100 calories, depending on the size of the bacon slice and the filling inside.

If you want to make them a bit lighter, try swapping out regular bacon for turkey bacon. Just be aware that turkey bacon won’t crisp up quite the same way, but it’ll still give you that sweet and salty flavor combination.

Conclusion

There’s something incredibly satisfying about the combination of bacon and dates. The smokiness of the bacon, paired with the natural sweetness of the dates, makes these little bites absolutely irresistible.

Whether served for a special occasion or just as a weekend snack, Bacon-Wrapped Dates will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.

FAQs

Can I make Bacon Wrapped Dates ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them up to two days in advance. Simply wrap the dates, secure with toothpicks, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. When you’re ready, just bake, grill, or fry them to perfection.

How do I store leftovers?
Leftover Bacon-Wrapped Dates can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To crisp them back up, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.

Can I use other types of dates for this recipe?
Medjool dates are the best for this recipe because they’re large, soft, and sweet. However, if you use smaller varieties like Deglet Noor, just be aware they may require more delicate handling during the wrapping process.

What else can I stuff the dates with?
In addition to cheese and almonds, you can stuff your dates with bacon bits, sausage, or even a little bit of chutney for a unique flavor twist.

With this Bacon Wrapped Dates recipe, you will surely have a crowd-pleasing snack or appetizer that everyone will rave about. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and just downright delicious. Enjoy every crispy, sweet, and savory bite!