Bacon-Wrapped Dates are the ultimate easy party appetizer! Made with minimal ingredients, this sweet and salty appetizer only takes minutes to prepare and is the first appetizer to disappear at a party.
![Bacon Wrapped Dates Dates stuffed with goat cheese and wrapped in bacon on platter.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Bacon-Wrapped-Dates-Recipe.jpg)
When it comes to entertaining, I love having a variety of simple appetizers on hand for my guests to choose from. Something savory, like Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms, something fresh like Bruschetta, and something sweet and salty like these Bacon-Wrapped Dates.
And honestly, these Bacon-Wrapped Dates are so irresistibly good, they can stand alone to satisfy your guests!
Reasons to Love Bacon-Wrapped Dates
- Sweet and Salty Combo. From the crispy, savory bacon to the sweet, chewy date, Bacon Wrapped Dates are simply irresistible.
- Simple Ingredients. Bacon, dates, and an optional filling are the only ingredients needed for this simple appetizer recipe.
- Easy Prep. While stuffing dates may sound tedious, I promise you that it is quite simple to do.
- Can Be Made in Advance. Bacon-Wrapped Dates can be assembled up to 48 hours in advance and refrigerated or flash-frozen up to 1 month before baking. Perfect for entertaining during the holidays or when last-minute guests show up!
- Serve Warm or at Room Temperature. These Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Dates taste delicious when served slightly warm or at room temperature and can be left out at room temperature for up to 2 hours safely.
- Allergy-Friendly Appetizer. Bacon-wrapped dates are gluten-free, and egg-free, and can easily be made nut-free and/or dairy-free if needed.
Notes on Ingredients
![Bacon-Wrapped Dates Recipe Ingredients for bacon-wrapped stuffed dates.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Stuffed-Dates-1.jpg)
The two only ingredients you need to make bacon-wrapped dates are whole dates and bacon. However, adding a filling, such as goat cheese, cream cheese, almonds, or bleu cheese adds additional flavor and texture to this simple recipe.
- Dates: Use whole, dried Medjool dates. You can find them in either the produce section in a carton or bagged near the raisins and prunes. If you can find pitted dates, purchase those to save the step of pitting the dates yourself.
- Bacon: Use thick-cut, good-quality bacon for the best flavor. While you can use turkey bacon, pork bacon will render the most flavorful appetizer.
- Filling Options: While optional, adding a filling of some sort to the cavity of the dates adds texture and additional flavor. Whole nuts, such as almonds or pecans, are a wonderful way to add crunch. Soft cheese, such as goat cheese, bleu cheese, or cream cheese, adds a rich, creamy finish to the bacon-wrapped dates.
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Dates
The following tips are provided to help you achieve perfect results. You will find the detailed instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step One: Soak Toothpicks. To secure the bacon to the dates, it is best to use wooden toothpicks. This will keep the bacon from curling up and separating from the date as it bakes. However, it is crucial to soak the toothpicks in water before baking to prevent them from burning.
![How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Dates Toothpicks in shallow blue dish in water.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Goat-Cheese-Stuffed-Bacon-Wrapped-Dates.jpg)
Step Two: Prepare Pan. To allow for even baking, using a pan with a wire baking rack is best. This will allow the air to circulate evenly around the bacon-wrapped date, crisping up the bacon from all directions.
![Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates Sheet pan lined with foil and topped with a metal rack.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Easy-stuffed-dates.jpg)
Step Three: Assemble. Whether or not you choose to stuff your dates with cheese or nuts, be sure to cut them open to ensure there is no pit remaining inside the date. Even pitted dates can have a rouge pit now and then. If desired, stuff the cavity of the date with 1 almond or 1 teaspoon of soft cheese of your choice and then wrap each date with a ½ strip of bacon, using a toothpick to secure the bacon to the date.
![Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese Dates stuffed with goat cheese, almonds, and blue cheese on cutting board next to bacon cut in half.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Devils-on-Horseback.jpg)
Step Four: Bake. Bake until the bacon is crispy, keeping a close eye to not burn the bacon. If you are using a broiler pan instead of a baking rack on top of a sheet pan, you will want to flip your dates halfway through cooking to ensure even browning of the bacon.
![Bacon Wrapped Dates stuffed with almonds Baked bacon wrapped dates on sheet pan.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Stuffed-Bacon-Wrapped-Dates-1.jpg)
Preparing in Advance
If you would like to get a jump start on preparing this appetizer for a gathering, Bacon-Wrapped Dates can be assembled up to 48 hours in advance and refrigerated or flash-frozen up to 1 month before baking.
- Refrigerate: Pit, stuff, and, wrap the dates as the recipe directs. Instead of placing them onto a baking sheet to bake, place the prepared dates into an airtight container, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. When ready to bake, remove the stuffed dates from the refrigerator place them onto a prepared baking sheet and bake as directed.
- Freeze: To freeze bacon-wrapped dates, assemble them up to baking. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, about 2 hours. Transfer the frozen bacon-wrapped dates to a freezer bag and freeze for up to 1 month. To defrost bacon-wrapped dates, just place them on a baking sheet in the fridge 12 hours before baking and bake as directed, adding 1-2 minutes if needed to the baking time to allow the bacon to crisp up fully.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Serving: Serve the bacon-wrapped dates slightly warm or at room temperature. They can be left safely at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
- Leftovers: In the highly unlikely event you have leftover Bacon-Wrapped Dates, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 400 degrees F for 5 minutes just to warm through slightly.
![Best Bacon-Wrapped Date Recipe Bacon Wrapped Date cut open to show goat cheese filling.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Easy-party-appetizer.jpg)
More Party-Worthy Appetizers
- Antipasto Skewers
- Vegetable Egg Rolls
- Taco Dip
- Sausage Balls
- Baked Brie
- Loaded Potato Skins
- Instant Pot Chicken Wings
- Deviled Eggs
If you tried these Bacon-Wrapped Dates, I would love for you to leave a comment and star review below.
![Tray of bacon wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese and almonds.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Bacon-Wrapped-Dates-360x360.jpg)
Bacon Wrapped Dates
Ingredients
- 24 whole dried dates
- 12 slices 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 the oven to 400℉. Place an oven-safe baking rack on top of a rimmed baking sheet that has been lined with foil.
- While the oven is preheating, soak toothpicks in a shallow dish of 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. If desired, 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. Secure with a pre-soaked toothpick and place onto the prepared baking dish. Alternatively, you can place the wrapped date seam side down onto the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until bacon is crispy. Keep in mind if you are using a broiler pan instead of a baking rack on top of a sheet pan, you will want to flip your dates halfway through cooking to ensure even browning of the bacon.
- Place the bacon-wrapped dates onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease. Once cooled, serve.
Equipment Needed
Notes
Nutrition
This post was originally published in 2016 but updated in 2022 with step-by-step photos and a video.
Sam
These look amazing! Making them for new years tonight for the hubby and I. Can’t wait!
Kristen Chidsey
I hope you enjoy Sam! We are having them tonight ourselves!
Rachel Hood
delicious an so easy! I made them with just dates and the bacon, but next time I will add one of the cheese options.
Kristen Chidsey
I am so glad you enjoyed Rachel! Have fun with the different combinations.
Cindy
Nice looking appetizer I can easily make tysm.
Abeer
I made these for New year's and people loved them!
Kristen Chidsey
I am so glad you all enjoyed! Happy New Year!
Erin
How long do you par bake the bacon for? I LOVE these-- I might stuff them with a little goat cheese for a little creamy-tanginess 🙂
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Erin! I actually don't precook my bacon. But you could for 5 minutes at 400 degrees to cut down on time you cook dates. And the goat cheese is a great idea.
Andrea
These look amazing!! Tried a version with hazelnuts and am excited to find ur recipe!!! I have almonds and macadamia nuts to try.... What are ur thoughts on making these ahead and freezing them, either before or after cooking? Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Andrea! I am so glad you found my recipe (and it would be delicious stuffed with macadamia nuts as well.) As for freezing, Yes! I am adding detailed instructions now. To freeze bacon wrapped dates:
Prepare them up until baking, then arrange on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, about 2 hours. Transfer the frozen bacon wrapped dates to a freezer bag and freeze for up to 1 month. To defrost bacon wrapped dates, just place them on a baking sheet in the fridge the morning before baking and bake for an additional 1-2 minutes, as needed.
Allison @ Life's a Bowl
I love the simplicity of these! And I agree - bacon has to be crispy... My mom will send back her bacon if it isn't crispy.
Kristen Chidsey
Bacon totally needs to be crispy!
Ally's Sweet & Savory Eats
Sweet and salty - the ultimate combo!
Kristen Chidsey
Totally agree Ally!
Marye
I love dates. These were really popular when I was growing up and I am so glad that shows like Mad Men are making vintage recipes popular again. I used to sneak them off the trays before they were served at my parents cocktail parties!
Kristen Chidsey
Ha! Well, now you can sneak them off the trays of your own parties!
Lynda Hardy
These sound ridiculously tasty! Thank you so much for sharing! I hope you'll come back again this week for Awesome Life Friday!
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks Lynda, it is so easy and so good.
Julie V. (Somebody's Dinner)
Wow, these sound fantastic! Pinned. I hope to see you later today for the next Retro Re-Pin Party starting at 8 p.m. ET. Also, great photography.
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks--I am really working on photography. I have a LONG way to go, but that compliment means a ton! I hope to party tonight!
Stephanie @ Sustaining the Powers
Kristen,
These look incredible!! I have some dates and bacon leftover from a party and I can't wait to make some of these!! I'm stopping by from the Retro Re-Pin Party because I wanted to let you know that I'll be featuring them at this week's party over at Sustaining the Powers. It will go live Tuesday night at 8pm ET. Thanks for sharing them with us!
-Stephanie
Kristen Chidsey
Yea!! Thanks for the feature Stephanie!! You will love these--so simple and the perfect combo of sweet and salty. See ya at the party 🙂
Miz Helen
I just love this appetizer, it is delicious. Thanks so much for starting 2015 with Full Plate Thursday and have a great week.
Happy New Year!
Miz Helen
Jocelyn@Brucrewlife
I'm pretty certain my hubby would die over these bad boys!! 😉 They sound delish!
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks Jocelyn! I hope your hubby loves them as much as mine does!!
Toni | Boulder Locavore
Yum, yum, yum; so love these!
Kelly @ Nosh and Nourish
I love the addition of the almond in place of the removed pit!! Genius!!
Lora
Love bacon!! I hate dates but somehow like them when they are wrapped in amazing bacon. 😀
Kristen Chidsey
My husband doesn't like dates or almonds but loves these:)