Snacks

Bacon Wrapped Dates

Name: Bacon Wrapped Dates
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 12 large dates, pitted; 6 slices of thick-cut bacon; 1/4 cup of brown sugar; 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon of salt; 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper; 12 toothpicks; 1 tablespoon of olive oil; 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley; 1/4 cup of crumbled blue cheese

By Felix Penhallow · June 19, 2026 · Snacks

Prep20 min

Cook15 min

Total40 min

Serves12

I still remember the first time I had Bacon Wrapped Dates at a dinner party. The combination of the crispy, smoky bacon and the sweet, chewy dates was a revelation. Since then, I've made them countless times for gatherings and parties, and they always disappear quickly. The best part is that they're incredibly easy to make ahead and store, making them a perfect addition to any meal prep routine.

The key to making great Bacon Wrapped Dates is to use high-quality ingredients. You want to choose dates that are fresh and plump, and bacon that's thick and smoky. You'll also want to make sure to cook the bacon until it's crispy, which will help it hold its shape and add texture to the dish.

One of the things I love about Bacon Wrapped Dates is how versatile they are. You can serve them as a snack or appetizer, or use them as a topping for salads or other dishes. They're also a great addition to a charcuterie board or cheese plate. And because they're so easy to make ahead and store, you can have them on hand for any occasion.

In this recipe, I'll show you how to make Bacon Wrapped Dates that are sure to impress your friends and family. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you'll be able to create a dish that's both delicious and elegant. So let's get started!

Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add a new dish to their repertoire. The steps are easy to follow, and the ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores. So why not give it a try and see just how delicious Bacon Wrapped Dates can be?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

They're incredibly easy to make ahead and store, making them perfect for meal prep or parties.
The combination of sweet and savory flavors is a perfect match.
They're a great addition to any charcuterie board or cheese plate.
They can be served as a snack or appetizer, or used as a topping for salads or other dishes.
They're elegant and impressive, but also easy to make and require minimal ingredients.
They can be made in large quantities, making them perfect for gatherings or parties.
They're a great way to add some excitement to your meal routine.

Why This Recipe Works

The reason Bacon Wrapped Dates work so well is because of the combination of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the dates pairs perfectly with the smokiness of the bacon, while the crunch of the bacon adds a nice textural element to the dish. Additionally, the fact that the bacon is wrapped around the dates helps to keep them moist and flavorful.

Another key factor is the cooking technique. By cooking the bacon in the oven, you can achieve a crispy texture without having to constantly monitor the bacon. This makes it easy to cook large quantities of Bacon Wrapped Dates at once, making them perfect for parties or gatherings.

Finally, the fact that Bacon Wrapped Dates can be made ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer makes them a great addition to any meal prep routine. Simply cook the bacon and assemble the dates, then store them in an airtight container until you're ready to serve. This makes it easy to have a delicious and elegant snack or appetizer on hand at all times.

Overall, the combination of flavors, textures, and cooking techniques makes Bacon Wrapped Dates a dish that's sure to impress. Whether you're serving them at a party or just enjoying them as a quick snack, they're a great choice for anyone looking to add a little excitement to their meal routine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Bacon Wrapped Dates, you'll need just a few simple ingredients. The most important thing is to choose high-quality dates and bacon, as these will provide the majority of the flavor and texture in the dish. You'll also need some toothpicks to hold the bacon in place, and a baking sheet to cook the dates on.

When shopping for ingredients, look for dates that are fresh and plump, and bacon that's thick and smoky. You can use any type of bacon you like, but thicker bacon will hold its shape better and provide a nicer texture.

12 large dates, pittedLook for dates that are fresh and plump, with a sweet and slightly sticky texture. You can use any type of date you like, but Medjool or Deglet Noor work well.
6 slices of thick-cut baconChoose a bacon that's thick and smoky, with a nice balance of fat and lean meat. This will help the bacon hold its shape and add flavor to the dish.
1/4 cup of brown sugarBrown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like flavor to the dish, and helps to balance out the smokiness of the bacon. You can use any type of brown sugar you like, but dark brown sugar works well.
1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegarBalsamic vinegar adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor to the dish, and helps to balance out the richness of the bacon. You can use any type of balsamic vinegar you like, but a high-quality aged vinegar works well.
1/2 teaspoon of saltSalt helps to bring out the flavors in the dish, and adds a nice depth and complexity. You can use any type of salt you like, but kosher salt or sea salt work well.
1/4 teaspoon of black pepperBlack pepper adds a nice kick to the dish, and helps to balance out the sweetness of the dates. You can use any type of black pepper you like, but freshly ground pepper works well.
12 toothpicksToothpicks are used to hold the bacon in place while it's cooking, and help to keep the dates secure. You can use any type of toothpick you like, but wooden toothpicks work well.
1 tablespoon of olive oilOlive oil is used to brush the bacon and help it cook evenly. You can use any type of olive oil you like, but a high-quality extra virgin olive oil works well.
1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsleyFresh parsley adds a nice freshness and flavor to the dish, and helps to balance out the richness of the bacon. You can use any type of parsley you like, but curly-leaf parsley works well.
1/4 cup of crumbled blue cheeseBlue cheese adds a nice tangy flavor to the dish, and helps to balance out the sweetness of the dates. You can use any type of blue cheese you like, but a high-quality crumbly blue cheese works well.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large baking sheetOvenToothpicksSharp knifeCutting boardInstant-read thermometerWire rack

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Dates

1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat, and set it aside.
2
Cut the bacon into 12 equal pieces, and set them aside. You want the bacon to be thick enough to hold its shape, but thin enough to cook evenly.
3
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper. This will be the glaze for the bacon, and will help to balance out the flavors in the dish.
4
Take a date and wrap a piece of bacon around it, securing it with a toothpick. Repeat with the remaining dates and bacon, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5
Brush the tops of the bacon-wrapped dates with the olive oil, and sprinkle with the brown sugar mixture. This will help the bacon cook evenly and add flavor to the dish.
6
Place the baking sheet in the oven and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. You can check the internal temperature of the bacon with an instant-read thermometer, and it should be at least 145°F (63°C).
7
Remove the dates from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8
Once the dates have cooled, garnish them with the chopped fresh parsley and crumbled blue cheese. This will add a nice freshness and flavor to the dish, and help to balance out the richness of the bacon.
9
Serve the Bacon Wrapped Dates warm or at room temperature, and enjoy! You can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 2 months.
10
To reheat the Bacon Wrapped Dates, simply place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.
11
You can also make the Bacon Wrapped Dates ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer. Simply assemble the dates and bacon, and store them in an airtight container until you're ready to cook them.

Expert Tips

Make sure to choose high-quality ingredients, including fresh dates and thick-cut bacon.
Use a wire rack to cool the dates after cooking, as this will help them to cool evenly and prevent them from becoming soggy.
Don't overcook the bacon, as this can make it tough and dry. You want the bacon to be crispy and golden brown, but still slightly chewy.
Experiment with different types of bacon and cheese to find the combination that you like best.
Consider making a large batch of Bacon Wrapped Dates and freezing them for later use. This can be a great way to have a quick and easy snack or appetizer on hand.
To add some extra flavor to the dish, try sprinkling the dates with a pinch of salt or a grind of black pepper before serving.
If you're having trouble getting the bacon to stay in place, try using a toothpick to secure it. This will help the bacon to cook evenly and prevent it from falling off the dates.
To make the dish more substantial, consider serving the Bacon Wrapped Dates with a side of crackers or bread. This can help to soak up the flavorful sauce and add some extra texture to the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not cooking the bacon long enough, resulting in a soft and chewy texture.
Overcooking the bacon, resulting in a tough and dry texture.
Not using high-quality ingredients, resulting in a lackluster flavor and texture.
Not cooling the dates properly after cooking, resulting in a soggy and unappetizing texture.
Not storing the dates properly, resulting in a loss of flavor and texture.
Not reheating the dates properly, resulting in a cold and unappetizing texture.

Variations and Substitutions

Try using different types of bacon, such as applewood-smoked or peppered bacon, to add some extra flavor to the dish.
Experiment with different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or feta, to add some extra flavor and texture to the dish.
Add some chopped nuts or seeds, such as almonds or pumpkin seeds, to the dish for some extra crunch and flavor.
Try using different types of dates, such as Medjool or Deglet Noor, to add some extra flavor and texture to the dish.
Add some fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to the dish for some extra flavor and aroma.
Try using a different type of glaze, such as honey or maple syrup, to add some extra flavor to the dish.
Experiment with different spices, such as cumin or paprika, to add some extra flavor and depth to the dish.

What to Serve With Bacon Wrapped Dates

Bacon Wrapped Dates are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. You can serve them as a snack or appetizer, or use them as a topping for salads or other dishes. They're also a great addition to a charcuterie board or cheese plate, and can be served with a variety of sides, such as crackers or bread.

Some other ideas for serving Bacon Wrapped Dates include:

Serve with crackers or bread for a quick and easy snackUse as a topping for salads or other dishesAdd to a charcuterie board or cheese plateServe as an appetizer or hors d'oeuvreUse as a side dish for a main courseAdd to a fruit and cheese platter

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Bacon Wrapped Dates can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, simply place the dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put them in the freezer until frozen solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer.

To reheat the Bacon Wrapped Dates, simply place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook them.

When storing the Bacon Wrapped Dates, make sure to keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. You can also store them in a single layer on a baking sheet, covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, to prevent them from sticking together.

Overall, Bacon Wrapped Dates are a great dish to make ahead and store, as they can be reheated and served at a later time. This makes them perfect for meal prep or for serving at parties and gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of bacon is best to use for Bacon Wrapped Dates?

Thick-cut bacon is best to use for Bacon Wrapped Dates, as it will hold its shape and provide a nice texture to the dish. You can use any type of bacon you like, but applewood-smoked or peppered bacon work well.

How do I store Bacon Wrapped Dates?

Can I make Bacon Wrapped Dates ahead of time?

Yes, Bacon Wrapped Dates can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer. Simply assemble the dates and bacon, and store them in an airtight container until you're ready to cook them.

How do I reheat Bacon Wrapped Dates?

To reheat Bacon Wrapped Dates, simply place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook them.

What type of cheese is best to use for Bacon Wrapped Dates?

Blue cheese is a great choice for Bacon Wrapped Dates, as it provides a nice tangy flavor and creamy texture. You can use any type of cheese you like, but blue cheese or goat cheese work well.

Can I use different types of dates for Bacon Wrapped Dates?

Yes, you can use different types of dates for Bacon Wrapped Dates. Medjool or Deglet Noor dates work well, but you can use any type of date you like.

How do I prevent the bacon from falling off the dates?

To prevent the bacon from falling off the dates, make sure to secure it with a toothpick. You can also try using a little bit of cheese or sauce to help hold the bacon in place.

Can I make Bacon Wrapped Dates in a large batch?

Yes, you can make Bacon Wrapped Dates in a large batch. Simply assemble the dates and bacon, and store them in an airtight container until you're ready to cook them. This makes them perfect for meal prep or for serving at parties and gatherings.

The Full Recipe

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