Bacon Wrapped Dates

Sweet and savory bacon wrapped dates make a tasty appetizer. The contrasting flavors combine for the perfect bite!

These sweet little morsels are so easy to put together, but seem like such an elevated appetizer. You will hear some oo’s and ah’s when these are set out for consumption. Trust me!! Because, well bacon, be sure to try Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Skewers, Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball, and Bacon Wrapped Potatoes.

An Unusual Combo, But Delicious!!

Salty and sweet is a great idea once again! The crispy salty bacon complements the soft sweet date center for the perfect bite. I mean really, doesn’t everything taste better with bacon?!

These would make fabulous appetizers for any party or gathering. They not only look fantastic and pretty dang fancy, but they are easy to eat and so tasty.

For an extra something something, try adding goat cheese to the mix. It adds an entirely new layer of flavor, but the original is just perfection on it’s own too!

All About Dates

Until finding that I had two producing date trees, dates were not a fruit that I typically would have used. In fact, I don’t ever remember really eating one before. Now that I have tasted the sweet, caramely, and nutty flavored fruit I have found myself looking for all sorts of ways I could incorporate them into my cooking.

If you aren’t lucky enough to have date trees, you can find them in the produce section at the market. 

Medjool or Deglet dates are both great choices. Look for dates that have a fleshy feel. They should be shiny and can be wrinkled. They should not be hard or have sugary crystals. 

Fresh dates can be stored at room temperature for up to 14 days.

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Dates

PREP. Preheat oven to 350

BACON. Prep bacon by cutting it in half or thirds, based on how long it is and how big your dates are.

STUFF. Cut dates lengthwise along one side and pull out seed. Using a spoon, stuff a small amount of goat cheese into the date.

ASSEMBLE. Wrap bacon around stuffed dates and hold together by inserting a toothpick through the date.

BAKE. Place on side on a lightly greased foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes and then flip the date to the other side and bake an additional 10 or so minutes.

SERVE. Serve immediately.

How many to make: When planning on how many appetizers to make keep these few tips in mind:

1. If you will be having dinner later in the evening you will only need to serve 5-6 appetizers per person.
2. If you are having a cocktail type gathering and are only serving finger foods, plan for 12 appetizers per person. 
3. In either case you will have more than one appetizer option so you’ll only need about 3-4 appetizers per person per option. 

Variations 

I felt like the goat cheese filling was absolutely delicious. If you’re not a fan of goat cheese you can easily use another such as feta, ricotta, mascarpone, Asiago, smoked cheddar, Gouda cream cheese, or blue cheese. 

You can add another element of flavor and texture by placing an almond or half of a pecan in the center along with the cheese. 

You can also skip filling the dates altogether and simply remove the pit and wrap the date with bacon making a yummy sweet/salty snack.

Making Ahead + Leftovers

Make ahead of time: These are best served right out of the oven, but you can prep them up to a day before. Once you have fastened the bacon in place with the toothpick, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, spread them on the baking pan and cook as directed. You may need to add a couple extra minutes due to being chilled in the fridge.

Leftovers: If you have leftover bacon wrapped dates you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. Reheat them in the oven set to 350 degrees F for 6-8 minutes or until dates are warm. You can crisp them up under the broiler, but watch carefully as they can burn quickly. 

For more tasty appetizers, try:

• Teriyaki Chicken Wings
• Cream Cheese and Chicken Taquitos
• Crockpot Meatballs
• Spinach Puffs
• Deep Fried Pickles
• Hot Dog Nuggets
• Bacon Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites