Name: Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 16 pieces dates (pitted); 8 slices bacon (cut in half lengthwise if thick); optional cheese or nuts (for stuffing); to taste black pepper (freshly cracked); drizzle balsamic glaze (optional, for serving); chopped fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme, optional)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Bacon-wrapped dates are one of those recipes that feel fancy but are dead simple. I love that they combine the richness of bacon with the natural sweetness of dates, creating a flavor combo that’s both nostalgic and exciting. They’re a go-to for parties or just a snack when I crave something both salty and sweet.

Why I Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

They’re quick, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. I love that each batch feels like a little secret, a perfect bite of sweet and smoky that’s just enough to keep me reaching for more. It’s a recipe that’s carried me through many gatherings, always earning a round of compliments or a second helping.

Inside the Ingredient Magic

Dates: Sweet, sticky, and soft. They bring that natural caramel flavor that’s irresistible.
Bacon: Smoky, salty, and crispy—adds texture and depth to each bite.
Optional stuffings: Cheese, nuts, or spices to add extra layers of flavor—play around.
Balsamic glaze: A drizzle adds a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness.
Fresh herbs: Chopped parsley or thyme can brighten the plate and contrast the sweetness.
Hot sauce: A dash inside the date for a spicy kick that surprises.
Black pepper: Freshly cracked, adds a subtle heat to balance sweetness.

Tools & Equipment for Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Baking sheet: To hold the wrapped dates as they bake, ensuring even heat.
Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Sharp knife: To carefully pit the dates without crushing them.
Toothpicks: To secure the bacon around the dates during baking.

Step-by-Step Guide to Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).

Step 2: Pit the dates carefully, making a small slit and removing the pit.

Step 3: Wrap each date with a slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick.

Step 4: Arrange the wrapped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 5: Bake for 20-25 minutes, until bacon is crispy and dates are caramelized.

Step 6: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.

Step 7: Serve warm, possibly with a drizzle of balsamic or a sprinkle of chopped herbs.

Cooking Checkpoints & Tips for Perfect Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Bacon should be evenly wrapped and not too tight, to allow crisping.
Keep an eye on the oven to prevent burning, especially towards the end.
Dates should be soft and oozy, not dry or hard.
Bacon should be crispy and golden, not soggy or burnt.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

Bacon unravels or falls off during baking.? Use a toothpick to hold bacon tightly around the date.
Bacon isn’t crispy enough.? Check oven temperature and bake longer if not crispy.
Dates are too moist, causing bacon to steam instead of crisp.? Make sure to pat dates dry before stuffing or wrapping.
Bacon slices stick or don’t crisp evenly.? Don’t overcrowd the pan.

Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Bacon-wrapped dates are a delicious appetizer featuring sweet, sticky dates encased in smoky, crispy bacon. The dish involves simple wrapping and baking, resulting in bite-sized treats with a caramelized interior and crispy exterior. Perfect for parties or as a satisfying snack, they combine salty and sweet flavors with a pleasing texture contrast.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Servings: 8

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

16 pieces dates pitted
8 slices bacon cut in half lengthwise if thick
optional cheese or nuts for stuffing
to taste black pepper freshly cracked
drizzle balsamic glaze optional, for serving
chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, optional

Equipment

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Sharp knife
Toothpicks

Method

Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Use a sharp knife to make a small slit in each date and gently remove the pit, keeping the date intact.
If desired, stuff the dates with small bits of cheese or nuts for extra flavor and texture.
Wrap each date with a half slice of bacon, ensuring it covers the entire length, and secure with a toothpick to hold it in place.
Place the wrapped dates seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the bacon is golden and crispy, and the dates are caramelized and bubbly.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the dates rest for 5 minutes to cool slightly and allow the flavors to settle.
Optional: Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with chopped herbs or freshly cracked black pepper for a burst of flavor.
Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

Ensure bacon is not too thick for even crisping. Pat dates dry before wrapping to prevent excess moisture. Keep an eye on the oven to prevent burning, especially near the end of baking.

These bites are a mix of sweet, smoky, and salty that sparks conversation every time. They’re perfect for when you want to impress without fuss, or just need that salty-sweet fix. Play around with different stuffings—goat cheese, blue cheese, or a dash of hot sauce inside the date for extra flair. No matter how you tweak it, they’re bound to disappear fast.

Himani Jawa

Hi there! I’m Himani and welcome to Val’s Recipe Box. This little corner of the internet didn’t begin with me.
It began with Val my neighbourhood aunt whose kitchen held more warmth than any fireplace ever could.