Name: Bacon Wrapped Dates
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 24 Medjool dates, pitted; 4 oz goat cheese, softened; 12 slices thin-cut bacon, halved crosswise; 24 toothpicks; 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey (optional); 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional)

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What Are Bacon Wrapped Dates?

If you’ve ever bitten into something so ridiculously simple yet impossibly delicious that you wondered why you hadn’t been making it your whole life, bacon wrapped dates are about to become your new obsession. Also affectionately known as “Devils on Horseback,” this classic appetizer brings together three of the most magical flavors in the culinary world: the caramel-like sweetness of dates, the salty smokiness of crispy bacon, and — if you’re going all in — the creamy tang of goat cheese.

The beauty of bacon wrapped dates lies in their contrast. Each bite delivers a symphony of textures and flavors that somehow feel both rustic and elegant at the same time. They’re the kind of appetizer that disappears from the platter before guests have even finished pouring their drinks. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, a casual dinner gathering, or just craving a sophisticated snack for game day, this recipe is your go-to.

With only a handful of ingredients and about 30 minutes from start to finish, bacon wrapped dates are one of the easiest crowd-pleasers you’ll ever make. Trust us — once you try them, you’ll be bringing these to every single event on your calendar.

Ingredients

Before you get started, gather these simple pantry-friendly staples. Most of these are easy to find at any grocery store.

For the Base:

24 large Medjool dates, pitted
12 slices thin-cut bacon (not thick-cut)
4 oz. creamy goat cheese, softened

For the Optional Glaze:

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or honey
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

For Garnish:

Fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
Flaky sea salt (optional)

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Dates: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. For the crispiest results, place a wire cooling rack on top of the baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate underneath each date, giving you bacon that’s golden and crunchy on every single side — not just the top.

Step 2: Stuff the Dates

Using a small spoon or a piping bag fitted with a round tip, fill each pitted Medjool date with about one teaspoon of softened goat cheese. Don’t overstuff them — you want the cheese to stay tucked neatly inside so it doesn’t ooze out and burn in the oven. Press the date gently closed around the filling.

Step 3: Wrap with Bacon

Cut each slice of bacon in half crosswise. Wrap one half-slice of bacon snugly around each stuffed date, overlapping the bacon slightly at the seam. Secure each one with a toothpick pushed through the center. This keeps everything together during baking and also makes flipping a breeze.

Step 4: Add the Glaze (Optional)

If you’re using a glaze, whisk together the maple syrup and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl. Brush a thin layer over each bacon-wrapped date before placing them on the prepared rack. This step adds a gorgeous caramelized finish and an extra layer of sweet-savory depth.

Step 5: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Arrange the dates in a single layer on the wire rack. Bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping them over halfway through cooking, until the bacon is deeply golden and crispy all around. Keep a close eye on them — they can go from perfectly done to burnt in under a minute.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let them cool for just one or two minutes — they’ll be scorching hot straight out. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and a pinch of flaky sea salt if you like. Serve immediately on a warm platter and watch them vanish.

Tips for the Best Bacon Wrapped Dates

Choose the Right Bacon

Always go with thin-cut bacon for this recipe. Thick-cut bacon takes significantly longer to cook and can end up chewy by the time the dates are done. You want bacon that crisps up beautifully in the short bake time.

Use Medjool Dates

Medjool dates are the gold standard here. They’re large, soft, and have a naturally rich, caramel-like sweetness that pairs flawlessly with bacon. Avoid smaller, drier date varieties — they won’t give you that luxurious, tender bite.

Don’t Skip the Wire Rack

If you want bacon that’s crispy on all sides without having to fuss with flipping, a wire rack placed on top of your baking sheet is a game-changer. It lets air circulate evenly around every date.

Make Ahead Like a Pro

You can stuff, wrap, and toothpick your bacon wrapped dates up to one full day ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, brush on your glaze and bake as directed. This makes them a stress-free party appetizer.

Serve Warm

While these are technically edible at room temperature, they are absolutely irresistible when served warm and fresh out of the oven. The contrast between sizzling bacon and melty cheese is everything.

Variations to Try

One of the best things about bacon wrapped dates is how endlessly customizable they are. Here are some fun twists to experiment with:

Nutty Crunch: Skip the goat cheese and stuff each date with a whole Marcona almond, a pecan half, or a pistachio. The nuts add a satisfying crunch that plays beautifully off the chewy date and crispy bacon.

Blue Cheese Bliss: Swap the goat cheese for crumbled blue cheese for a bolder, more pungent flavor profile. It pairs especially well with a honey glaze.

Spiced Goat Cheese: Mix your softened goat cheese with a pinch of smoked paprika, a little black pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder before stuffing. Instant flavor upgrade.

Bourbon Honey Glaze: For a showstopper finish, mix ¼ cup of honey with 1 tablespoon of bourbon and brush it over the dates right as they come out of the oven. It’s simple, luxurious, and incredibly addictive.

Prosciutto Swap: Replace the bacon with thinly sliced prosciutto for a lighter, more delicate version. Note that prosciutto cooks much faster, so reduce your bake time to about 8–10 minutes and watch closely.

Hot Honey Drizzle: After baking, drizzle your dates with store-bought or homemade hot honey for a subtle spicy kick that plays off the sweetness beautifully.

Nutrition Information

Approximate nutrition per bacon-wrapped date (with goat cheese stuffing). Values may vary slightly depending on ingredients and portion size.

Nutrient	Per Date
Calories	146 kcal
Total Fat	6 g
Saturated Fat	3 g
Cholesterol	11 mg
Sodium	105 mg
Total Carbohydrates	21 g
Dietary Fiber	2 g
Sugars	18 g
Protein	3 g
Potassium	200 mg
Vitamin A	128 IU

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make bacon wrapped dates ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble the dates — stuff, wrap, and secure with toothpicks — up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, add any glaze and bake as instructed. This makes them perfect for entertaining without the last-minute stress.

Can I freeze bacon wrapped dates? Yes! Arrange your assembled (but unbaked) bacon wrapped dates in a single layer on a freezer-safe tray and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and store for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

What kind of dates should I use? Medjool dates are the best choice by far. They’re large, soft, and have a deep, naturally sweet flavor. If you can’t find them, any large pitted date will work, but the texture and taste won’t be quite as rich.

Do I have to stuff them with cheese? Not at all! Bacon wrapped dates are delicious with just two ingredients — dates and bacon. Many people also prefer stuffing them with almonds or pecans instead of cheese. It’s entirely up to your taste.

What temperature should I bake them at? A temperature of 400°F (200°C) works beautifully for most ovens. It’s hot enough to crisp the bacon quickly without burning the dates. If your oven runs hot, knock it down to 375°F and add a couple of extra minutes to the cook time.

How do I keep the bacon from falling off? The toothpick is your best friend here. Push it all the way through the center of the date after wrapping. It holds everything together and also doubles as a handle for flipping during baking.

What can I serve with bacon wrapped dates? These are wonderful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a charcuterie board, a simple arugula salad, or a glass of sparkling wine or prosecco. A balsamic glaze on the side for dipping is another crowd favorite.

Did you make this recipe? We’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below and let us know your favorite variation. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your Pinterest board for later!