Bacon Wrapped Dates

Bacon-wrapped dates, also known as Devils on Horseback, are a simple, 3-ingredient appetizer that is the perfect contrast of flavors and textures. 

While you only need bacon, dates, and almonds for this recipe, you can also opt to add goat cheese, cream cheese, or blue cheese to the cavity of the date for an additional creamy, pungent flavor to this appetizer.

Party Perfection

There are many reasons these Bacon-Wrapped Dates are the perfect option for parties.

• They can be made in minutes.
• They only have 3 ingredients!!
• They are perfect for people with dietary restrictions as they are gluten-free, dairy-free, and Paleo-friendly.
• EVERYONE loves them!

Ingredients Needed

There are technically only 2 ingredients needed for this appetizer--bacon and whole dates. However, don't miss the opportunity to fill the cavity with another ingredient to add additional flavor and texture.

For the filling options for Bacon Wrapped Dates, I personally like to fill my pitted date to add an element of flavor and texture. I often opt for almonds for a crunch factor, but cream cheese, goat cheese, or blue cheese are options as well.

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Dates

• If using wooden toothpicks or skewers, soak for 20-30 minutes in water. This will prevent them from burning while baking.

• Carefully cut open up the date lengthwise, to reveal the empty cavity.
• Place an almond, cream cheese, goat cheese, or blue cheese inside the date.

• Wrap the date in ½ of a strip of bacon.
• Skewer with a toothpick to skewer bacon to date.
• Place prepared dates on a broiler pan or baking sheet topped with a metal rack.

• Bake until bacon is rendered and crispy, flipping halfway through the baking process.

Tips and Modifications for Bacon Wrapped Dates

• To Prepare in Advance: Assemble the dates up to baking and refrigerate up to 48 hours or until ready to bake. Bake right before serving.
• Serving: Bacon-Wrapped Dates will safely keep at room temperature for 2 hours.
• If you want to keep this appetizer Paleo and Dairy Free, be sure to use almonds as your filling for bacon-wrapped dates.
• What if you don't have toothpicks or skewers? No problem, just place your bacon seam side down on the baking sheet, without the toothpick.
• Easy Clean-Up: Line your pan with foil to make clean up easier.

More Party-Worthy Appetizers

• Antipasto Skewers--Made with tortellini, cherry tomatoes, basil, and pepperoni these skewers are easy to make and stunning to look at.
• Baked Sauerkraut Balls--A New Year's Eve staple, these sauerkraut balls have been significantly lightened up from the classic recipe.
• Vegetable Egg Rolls--Made with fresh vegetables, these egg rolls are crispy, fresh, and light!
• Taco Dip--No party is complete without Taco Dip and this dip is truly amazing.
• Simple Greek Pinwheel--Spinach, roasted red peppers, and kalamative olives are rolled up into puff pastry and served with Tzatziki.
• Instant Pot Chicken Wings--Incredibly tender, you won't believe how delicious and easy these chicken wings turn out!

If you gave these Bacon-Wrapped Dates a try, I would love for you to leave a comment and star review below. 

Bacon Wrapped Dates

Bacon Wrapped Dates are a simple appetizer that is loved by EVERYONE! Crispy bacon is wrapped around a sweet date for a sweet and salty, irresistible appetizer!

4.6 from 15 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 24

Calories: 71kcal

Author: Kristen Chidsey

Ingredients

• ▢ 24 whole dates
• ▢ 12 slices of Bacon cut in half

Filling Options for Bacon Wrapped Dates (optional)

• ▢ 24 whole almonds
• ▢ 4 ounces cream cheese softened
• ▢ 4 ounces blue cheese
• ▢ 4 ounces goat cheese

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place an oven-safe baking rack on top of a rimmed baking sheet, lined with foil.
• While the oven is preheating, soak toothpicks in water for 20 minutes and then drain from the water.
• Slice the dates lengthwise on one side to create an opening. Remove the pit if needed. Fill the cavity with either 1 almond, or 1 teaspoon each of either goat cheese, cream cheese, or blue cheese. Use a spoon or your fingers to be sure filling is inserted fully into the date and not oozing out the sides.
• Cut each strip of bacon in half. Wrap one piece of cut bacon around each date. Either secure with a pre-soaked toothpick or place seam side down onto the prepared baking dish.
• Bake for 7 minutes. Remove from the oven and flip the dates. Bake for additional 5-8 minutes, or until bacon is crispy.
• Place the bacon-wrapped dates onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb grease and then serve.

Equipment Needed

• Baking Sheet with Rack

Notes

Serving: You can keep this appetizer at room temperature for 2 hours safely.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. 

To Prepare in Advance: Assemble the dates up to baking and refrigerate up to 48 hours or until ready to bake. Bake right before serving.

Pan: In place of a rimmed baking sheet with a rack, use a broiler pan. 

 

Nutrition

Calories: 71kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 72mg | Potassium: 74mg | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 0.2mg

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This post was originally published in 2016 but updated in 2020 with step-by-step photos.