There’s something magical that happens when sweet, chewy dates meet salty, crispy bacon. These Bacon and Date Wrapped Appetizers are incredibly simple to put together but deliver a complex, addictive bite. They’re perfect for parties or a fancy weeknight treat.
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Why You’ll Love This Bacon and Date Wrapped Appetizers
- Effortless Elegance: Just three main ingredients deliver huge flavor and impressive presentation.
- Sweet & Salty Bite: The caramel-like date perfectly balances the salty, umami-rich bacon.
- Surprisingly Versatile: A fantastic canvas for added crunch, tang, or heat.
- Crowd-Pleasing Guarantee: Disappears fast and appeals to almost every palate.
Ingredients & Tools
- 12 large Medjool dates
- 6 slices thin-cut bacon
- 24 whole, raw almonds (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil spray
- Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
- Flaky sea salt (for finishing, optional)
Tools: A sharp paring knife, a rimmed baking sheet, parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, and toothpicks.
Notes: The quality of your dates and bacon really matters here. Look for plump, soft Medjool dates—they’re naturally sweeter and have a better texture than other varieties. For the bacon, a standard thin-cut works best as it wraps easily and gets perfectly crisp without overcooking the date.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories: | 85 kcal |
| Protein: | 2 g |
| Fat: | 4 g |
| Carbs: | 12 g |
| Fiber: | 1 g |
Serves: 6 (2 pieces per person) | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 18-22 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Before You Start: Tips & Ingredient Notes
- Pit Your Dates Carefully. Medjool dates usually come with the pits removed, but always double-check. A quick slice down one side is all it takes to open them up and make sure they’re ready for stuffing.
- Why Thin-Cut Bacon? Thick-cut bacon is delicious, but it won’t cook through in the same time it takes for the date to caramelize. Thin-cut ensures a harmonious texture where both components are perfectly done.
- Don’t Skip the Lining. Bacon releases a lot of fat as it cooks. Using parchment paper or a silicone mat on your baking sheet isn’t just for easy cleanup—it prevents burning and sticking, giving you a much more beautiful final product.
- Toothpicks are Non-Negotiable. These little guys are what hold the whole operation together. Soak them in water for 10 minutes before using to prevent them from burning in the hot oven.
How to Make Bacon and Date Wrapped Appetizers
Step 1: First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is a hot oven, and that’s intentional—we want the bacon to render and crisp up quickly. While it’s heating, line your rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. This is your insurance policy against a sticky, messy cleanup later.
Step 2: Now, prepare your dates. If your dates still have pits, use a small paring knife to make a lengthwise slit and carefully remove them. If you’re using the almonds, now’s the time to tuck one inside each date. You’ll feel it nestle in there—it adds a lovely little crunch that contrasts the soft date and crisp bacon.
Step 3: It’s bacon time! Take your six slices of thin-cut bacon and slice each one in half crosswise, so you have 12 shorter strips. The trick is to pat the bacon strips dry with a paper towel first. A drier surface helps the bacon get extra crispy. Wrap one of these half-slices snugly around each prepared date.
Step 4: Secure each bacon-wrapped date with a toothpick, piercing through the seam where the bacon ends overlap. This is what keeps the bacon from unraveling as it shrinks during cooking. Arrange them on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they aren’t touching. A little space allows for hot air to circulate, ensuring even crisping.
Step 5: Lightly brush or spray the wrapped dates with a tiny bit of oil. This might seem counterintuitive with fatty bacon, but a light coating helps the exterior of the bacon crisp up beautifully. Finish with a few grinds of fresh black pepper—it makes a world of difference.
Step 6: Bake for 18 to 22 minutes. You’re looking for the bacon to be fully cooked, crispy, and a deep golden brown. About halfway through, I like to rotate the pan for even cooking. You’ll notice the dates will have softened further and might be bubbling a little—that’s the sweet caramelization happening!
Step 7: Once they’re out of the oven, let them rest on the baking sheet for about 3-5 minutes. They are molten lava hot straight out of the oven, and this resting time allows the dates to firm up just enough to handle. This is also the perfect time to sprinkle them with a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt, if you’re using it.
Step 8: Carefully transfer your Bacon and Date Wrapped Appetizers to a serving platter. I like to leave the toothpicks in—they make for perfect little handles for your guests. Serve them warm, when the contrast between the hot, soft date and the crisp, salty bacon is at its absolute peak.
Storage & Freshness Guide
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked, assembled appetizers on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
- Reviving: Reheat in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
Complementary Dishes
- A Simple Arugula Salad — The peppery bite of arugula dressed with a sharp lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the bacon and dates beautifully, balancing the whole plate.
- Creamy Butternut Squash Soup — The sweet, earthy notes of the soup are a wonderful companion to the appetizers, making for a cozy and elegant starter course.
- Charcuterie and Cheese Board — These bacon-wrapped dates fit right in with an assortment of cured meats, cheeses, and crackers, adding a warm, prepared element to the spread.
Drinks
- A Dry Sparkling Wine or Cava — The bubbles and acidity are fantastic for cleansing the palate between each rich, savory-sweet bite.
- A Bourbon-Based Cocktail — The caramel and oak notes in bourbon, like in an Old Fashioned, mirror the caramelized flavors in the date and stand up to the smoky bacon.
- A Crisp, Cold Pilsner — A light, hoppy beer provides a refreshing counterpoint that doesn’t overwhelm the delicate balance of flavors in the appetizer.
Something Sweet
- Dark Chocolate Espresso Truffles — The bitter dark chocolate and coffee notes are a sophisticated follow-up that continues the theme of deep, rich flavors without being overly sweet.
- Lemon Sorbet — A scoop of bright, tart lemon sorbet is the ultimate palate-cleanser after the rich appetizers, leaving everyone feeling refreshed.
- Almond Biscotti — The nutty, crunchy biscotti echoes the almond inside the date (if you used it) and is perfect for dipping into a post-dinner coffee.
Top Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Thick-Cut Bacon. It simply won’t cook through in the same time it takes for the date to caramelize. You’ll either end up with undercooked bacon or burnt dates. Stick with thin-cut for the perfect sync.
- Overcrowding the Pan. If the dates are too close together, they’ll steam instead of roast. This leads to soggy, pale bacon. Give them an inch or so of breathing room for the best crisping action.
- Skipping the Toothpick Soak. I’ve messed this up before too… dry toothpicks can scorch and impart a bitter, burnt taste to your beautiful appetizers. A quick 10-minute soak in water prevents this entirely.
- Not Letting Them Rest. The dates are essentially little pockets of molten sugar straight from the oven. Biting into one immediately is a surefire way to burn your mouth. A five-minute rest is crucial for both safety and texture.
Expert Tips
- Tip: For a next-level flavor boost, lightly toast the almonds before stuffing them into the dates. Just a few minutes in a dry skillet until fragrant will deepen their nutty flavor dramatically.
- Tip: If you want to get a head start, you can assemble the bacon-wrapped dates a few hours ahead. Keep them covered in the fridge on the baking sheet, then pop them straight into the preheated oven when you’re ready—just add a minute or two to the baking time.
- Tip: For a beautiful glossy finish and a hint of spice, brush the wrapped dates with a mixture of one tablespoon of maple syrup and a pinch of cayenne pepper before baking.
- Tip: If you have a wire rack that fits inside your baking sheet, use it! Elevating the dates allows the bacon fat to drip away, resulting in an appetizer that’s crispier on all sides.
FAQs
Can I make these Bacon and Date Wrapped Appetizers ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can prep them fully a day in advance. Assemble the wrapped dates, place them on the parchment-lined baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, bake them straight from the fridge, adding maybe 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time since they’ll be cold. I don’t recommend baking them fully ahead and reheating, as the bacon can lose its perfect crisp texture.
What can I use instead of almonds for stuffing?
The possibilities are endless! A small cube of sharp manchego or parmesan cheese is fantastic. For a spicy kick, a thin slice of jalapeño works wonders. You could also use a small piece of walnut, a chunk of goat cheese, or even a thin strip of chorizo. The date and bacon combo is very forgiving and pairs well with many bold flavors.
My bacon isn’t getting crispy. What did I do wrong?
This usually comes down to one of three things: the oven wasn’t hot enough, the pan was overcrowded, or the bacon was too thick. Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F, give the dates space on the pan, and always use thin-cut bacon. If you’re still having issues, you can finish them under the broiler for the last minute—just watch them like a hawk!
Can I cook these in an air fryer?
You sure can! They come out wonderfully crisp. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you may need to work in batches) and cook at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The cooking time can vary by machine, so keep an eye on them after the 8-minute mark.
Are these served hot or at room temperature?
They are best served warm, right out of the oven when the bacon is at its crispiest and the date is soft and gooey. That said, they are still perfectly delicious at room temperature, which makes them a great option for a party platter where they might sit out for a little while.
Bacon And Date Wrapped Appetizers
Make perfect Bacon and Date Wrapped Appetizers with just 3 ingredients! This easy recipe creates addictive sweet & salty bites. Get the simple steps now!
Ingredients
For the Ingredients
-
12 large Medjool dates
-
6 slices thin-cut bacon
-
24 whole, raw almonds (optional)
-
1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil spray
-
Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
-
Flaky sea salt (for finishing, optional)
Instructions
-
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is a hot oven, and that’s intentional—we want the bacon to render and crisp up quickly. While it’s heating, line your rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. This is your insurance policy against a sticky, messy cleanup later.01
-
Now, prepare your dates. If your dates still have pits, use a small paring knife to make a lengthwise slit and carefully remove them. If you’re using the almonds, now’s the time to tuck one inside each date. You’ll feel it nestle in there—it adds a lovely little crunch that contrasts the soft date and crisp bacon.02
-
It’s bacon time! Take your six slices of thin-cut bacon and slice each one in half crosswise, so you have 12 shorter strips. The trick is to pat the bacon strips dry with a paper towel first. A drier surface helps the bacon get extra crispy. Wrap one of these half-slices snugly around each prepared date.03
-
Secure each bacon-wrapped date with a toothpick, piercing through the seam where the bacon ends overlap. This is what keeps the bacon from unraveling as it shrinks during cooking. Arrange them on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they aren’t touching. A little space allows for hot air to circulate, ensuring even crisping.04
-
Lightly brush or spray the wrapped dates with a tiny bit of oil. This might seem counterintuitive with fatty bacon, but a light coating helps the exterior of the bacon crisp up beautifully. Finish with a few grinds of fresh black pepper—it makes a world of difference.05
-
Bake for 18 to 22 minutes. You’re looking for the bacon to be fully cooked, crispy, and a deep golden brown. About halfway through, I like to rotate the pan for even cooking. You’ll notice the dates will have softened further and might be bubbling a little—that’s the sweet caramelization happening!06
-
Once they’re out of the oven, let them rest on the baking sheet for about 3-5 minutes. They are molten lava hot straight out of the oven, and this resting time allows the dates to firm up just enough to handle. This is also the perfect time to sprinkle them with a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt, if you’re using it.07
-
Carefully transfer your Bacon and Date Wrapped Appetizers to a serving platter. I like to leave the toothpicks in—they make for perfect little handles for your guests. Serve them warm, when the contrast between the hot, soft date and the crisp, salty bacon is at its absolute peak.08
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