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Bacon-Wrapped Dates are one of those appetizers that look fancy but secretly require very little effort. With just a handful of ingredients and about 10 minutes of prep, you get a sweet-and-salty bite that is crisp, chewy, and rich all at once.
Whether served alongside Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms and Tomato Bruschetta, for a holiday party or next to Refried Bean Warm Taco Dip and Pull Apart Pizza Bread for a game day spread, you can't go wrong with these Bacon-Wrapped Dates.
Kristen's Keys for Bacon-Wrapped Dates
A few small details make a big difference here. These are the make-or-break tips that ensure crispy bacon and perfectly tender dates.
- Medjool dates are best. They are soft, creamy, and absorb the bacon grease as they bake without turning into hard bricks. If you only have Deglet Noor dates, soak them in hot water for 10-15 minutes so they soften before stuffing.
- Soak your toothpicks. A quick soak in water prevents toothpicks from burning in the oven.
- Use a rack if you can. Elevating the dates on a baking rack above a rimmed sheet pan allows hot air to circulate all around them, which helps the bacon crisp evenly on all sides.
- Don't overstuff. A small amount of filling adds flavor without pushing the bacon loose as it cooks
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Making stuffed dates wrapped in bacon is as easy as stuff, wrap, and bake. Let me walk you through the process in detail.
Step One: Soak Toothpicks
Place the toothpicks in a shallow dish and cover with water. Let soak for at least 20 minutes.
Step Two: Stuff Dates (Optional)
You can absolutely skip the filling if desired, but you still need to cut the dates open and remove the pits. Even pitted dates can have a rouge pit now and then.
Then, if desired, stuff the cavity of the date with an almond or a teaspoon of soft cheese (goat cheese, bleu cheese, or cream cheese).
Step Three: Wrap in Bacon
Cut the bacon strips in half to better fit the dates. Overlapping the bacon, results in uneven cooking and sad, soggy bacon. Once sliced, wrap each date in the bacon, using a toothpick to secure the bacon to the date.
Step Four: Bake
Bake until the bacon is crispy, keeping a close eye to not burn the bacon. If you are not using a rack you will want to flip your dates halfway through cooking to ensure even browning of the bacon.
Step Five: Serve
These are best served slightly warm or at room temperature. They can safely sit out for up to 2 hours, making them perfect for parties.
Preparing in Advance
These are an excellent make-ahead appetizer, which is exactly what you want when entertaining.
- Refrigerate: Assemble the dates up to 48 hours in advance, store them in an airtight container, and bake just before serving.
- Freeze: Freeze assembled (but unbaked) dates on a sheet pan until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They will keep for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding 1-2 minutes if needed.
Recipe FAQs
You can, but keep in mind that pork bacon renders better and crisps more reliably. Turkey bacon may need a few extra minutes and won't be quite as crispy.
Absolutely. Skip the filling entirely, or choose one that works for your needs. The dates and bacon are delicious on their own.
Yes, but they will need to be soaked in hot water for 20 minute prior to stuffing to soften and will never be quite as soft and chewy. Do this when you soak the toothpicks.
More Party-Worthy Appetizers
Bacon Wrapped Dates
Video
Ingredients
- 24 whole Medjool 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℉ (200℃). 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
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This post was originally published in 2016 but updated in 2022 with step-by-step photos and a video.
Nice looking appetizer I can easily make tysm.
I made these for New year's and people loved them!
I am so glad you all enjoyed! Happy New Year!
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 🙂
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.
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!
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.
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.
Bacon totally needs to be crispy!
Sweet and salty - the ultimate combo!
Totally agree Ally!
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!
Ha! Well, now you can sneak them off the trays of your own parties!
These sound ridiculously tasty! Thank you so much for sharing! I hope you'll come back again this week for Awesome Life Friday!
Thanks Lynda, it is so easy and so good.