Bacon Wrapped Dates
The savory aroma of bacon sizzling in the oven mingling with the sweet, caramelized scent of dates creates an unforgettable experience that fills the kitchen. These bacon-wrapped dates are a delightful indulgence, offering a sensational contrast of textures and flavors—crispy, salty bacon enveloping the tender, sweet date, and a rich, creamy filling that oozes with every bite. Just imagining that first bite makes my mouth water!
I remember making bacon-wrapped dates for a lively holiday gathering with friends; laughter filled the room as we sat around the table enjoying these little bites of joy. They disappeared faster than I could replace them on the platter! Whether you’re planning for a festive celebration, a cozy game night, or just whipping up a quick snack for yourself, these bacon-wrapped dates are sure to be a hit. Go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into making this delicious treat together.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just about 75 minutes, including prep!
- Irresistible Flavor: The perfect balance of sweet and savory with a creamy, cheesy filling.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: They look impressively cute, making them perfect for gatherings.
- Flexible Serving: Ideal for parties, as snacks, or even as a fancy breakfast treat.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily swap ingredients to fit dietary preferences, such as using turkey bacon for a lighter option.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 28 Medjool dates – Known for their succulent sweetness, these dates are key. If unavailable, you can use other varieties but expect some differences in flavor and texture.
- 4 ounces soft cheese (sweet flavored goat cheese, blue cheese, or sweetened cream cheese) – Creaminess balances the salty bacon. If you’re looking for a subtler flavor, consider a sweetened cream cheese with a touch of jam.
- 14 slices bacon cut in half – Bacon brings that irresistible savory bite. Opt for thick-cut bacon for a heartier crunch or turkey bacon for a lighter version.
- 1/3 cup honey or hot honey – Sweet honey drizzled over the dates adds a luscious glaze. Hot honey can bring an unexpected kick if you’re feeling adventurous.
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary – This herby essence brightens the flavors. Feel free to substitute with thyme or omit if you prefer a classic taste.
- Salt and black pepper amount as desired – Seasoning to taste is crucial; just don’t overdo it since bacon contributes its own saltiness.
- 2 tablespoons minced toasted pecans or candied pecans (optional) – These add lovely texture and extra flavor, but feel free to skip if nuts aren’t your thing.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Dates
Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to catch any drips from the bacon and make cleanup a breeze. This simple step sets the stage for perfectly roasted dates.
Mix Cheese Filling: If you’re using cream cheese, take 4 ounces and blend it with 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite sweet or savory jam or preserves. This extra layer of flavor not only complements the dates but also personalizes the dish to your taste. The creaminess will enhance the overall experience!
Prepare the Dates: For each date, make a slice down the length of it, careful not to cut all the way through. Remove the pit and then fill the opening with about 1-2 teaspoons of your chosen cheese. Gently press the date closed so that the filling stays snug inside, making sure all that deliciousness remains securely hidden.
Wrap with Bacon: Take a half-slice of bacon and wrap it around each stuffed date, securing it with a toothpick. Place the dates seam side down on your prepared baking sheet or rack. This alignment helps keep the filling from oozing out while it cooks, creating a tasty savory shell.
Brush with Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the honey, minced rosemary, a bit of salt, pepper, and half a tablespoon of water. Now, brush half of this mixture generously over each bacon-wrapped date before placing them in the oven. This will caramelize beautifully, enhancing the flavor as the dates bake.
Bake to Perfection: Bake the dates for the first 20 minutes. Then, carefully remove the baking sheet and flip each date over to ensure even cooking. Give these treats a loving coat with the rest of the honey mixture and return them to the oven. Continue roasting for another 20-25 minutes until the bacon is perfectly crispy and caramelized, with delightful bubbling around the edges.
Serve and Garnish: Once they are golden and fragrant, transfer the dates to a serving platter. Optional: Give them a final sprinkle of crushed pecans for an elegant touch. Serve these delicious bites immediately; trust me, they won’t last long!
Storing & Reheating
To store leftover bacon-wrapped dates, allow them to cool before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for about an hour and then should be refrigerated, where they’ll stay fresh for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, place them back in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, until they are heated through. Note that reheating may slightly alter their crispy texture, but a quick blast in the oven will bring back some of that initial crispiness.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- When wrapping your dates, ensure the bacon overlaps slightly to help the bacon stay on during cooking.
- Pay attention to your cooking time. If your bacon is getting too dark before the dates are heated through, cover them loosely with foil.
- Experiment with cheese! Goat cheese or cream cheese with herbs can create a delightful savory bite.
- If using hot honey, adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance to find the perfect balance for your palate.
- Make these up ahead of time and store in the fridge until you’re ready to bake; they make a fantastic, stress-free appetizer for any gathering.
These bacon-wrapped dates are bound to become a favorite at any gathering, bursting with flavor and perfectly complementing drinks or other appetizers. Feel free to get creative with the fillings or complements, as there’s no wrong way to enjoy them!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make bacon-wrapped dates ahead of time?
What cheeses pair well with bacon-wrapped dates?
Can I use a different type of meat besides bacon?
How spicy do these bacon-wrapped dates get with hot honey?
More Desserts & Appetizers Recipes
- Carrot Cake Cookies
- Candied Pecans
- 5 Ingredient Creamsicle Fudge
- Mini Powdered Donut Bird Nests
- Crispy Pretzel Salad
👉 If you make my Bacon Wrapped Dates recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating — it really helps others discover the recipe.
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Bacon Wrapped Dates
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 28 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Bacon Wrapped Dates are a perfect blend of sweet and savory. With just a few ingredients like medjool dates and crispy bacon, they make a quick, satisfying appetizer for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 28 medjool dates
- 4 ounces soft cheese (sweet flavored goat cheese, blue cheese or sweetened cream cheese)
- 14 slices bacon cut in half
- 1/3 cup honey or hot honey
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
- salt and black pepper amount as desired
- 2 tablespoons minced toasted pecans or candied pecans optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- If using cream cheese, mix it with 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite sweet or savory jam.
- Slice each date down the middle, removing the pit if necessary. Fill with 1-2 teaspoons of cheese and gently close.
- Wrap each date with half a slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick. Place them seam side down on the baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, combine honey, minced rosemary, salt, pepper, and 1/2 tablespoon of water. Brush half of this mixture over bacon-wrapped dates and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the oven and carefully flip each date. Brush with the remaining honey mixture and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized.
- Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with crushed pecans if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Feel free to mix and match cheeses based on your preference!
These make a great finger food for parties and gatherings.
Serving them warm enhances the delightful flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 date
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
