Name: Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 16 slices bacon slices (preferably thin-cut); 16 pieces dates (pitted); Optional cheese or nuts (for stuffing inside the dates); 1-2 teaspoons dark brown sugar or honey (for glazing (optional))

I stumbled on this recipe years ago during a chaotic holiday dinner, and it’s stuck ever since. There’s something about the combo of sweet, chewy dates and crispy bacon that feels like a little miracle on a plate. It’s the kind of snack that makes you forget about fancy plating and just dig in with fingers.

Why I Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

It’s the perfect combo of salty and sweet, crispy and chewy. Easy to make, yet feels fancy enough for guests. That burst of flavor from each bite always surprises me, no matter how many times I make it.

Breaking Down the Key Ingredients

Dates: Sweet, chewy, with a caramel-like flavor that balances the smoky bacon.
Bacon: Salty, crispy, and smoky—use good quality for best results.
Toothpicks: Hold everything together—don’t skip them.
Optional fillings: Cheese or nuts can add extra layers of flavor.
Dark brown sugar or honey (optional): For a glossy, caramelized exterior if you like it extra sweet.

Tools & Equipment for Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Baking sheet with rim: To hold the bacon-wrapped dates and catch drippings.
Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Sharp paring knife: To pit the dates cleanly.
Toothpicks: To secure the bacon around the dates.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect 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 pits.

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

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

Step 5: Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and golden.

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

Cooking Checkpoints for Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Bacon should be crispy and browned, not burnt.
Dates should be soft but not falling apart.
The filling (if added) should be warm and slightly oozy.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Bacon too thick or uneven.? Use a thinner bacon slice for easier wrapping.
Bacon not crispy enough.? Pre-cook bacon until just starting to crisp, then finish in oven.
Dates too moist, causing bacon to steam.? Ensure dates are pitted and dried if they’re sticky.
Uneven cooking or burning.? Rotate tray halfway for even crisping.

Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Bacon-wrapped dates are a savory-sweet snack featuring tender, caramel-like dates snugly wrapped in crispy bacon. The dish is baked until the bacon is golden and crunchy, creating a delightful contrast with the chewy, sticky interior. Perfect as an appetizer or party treat, they combine smoky, salty, and sweet flavors in every bite.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Servings: 8

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 120

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

16 slices bacon slices preferably thin-cut
16 pieces dates pitted
Optional cheese or nuts for stuffing inside the dates
1-2 teaspoons dark brown sugar or honey for glazing (optional)

Equipment

Baking sheet with rim
Parchment paper
Sharp paring knife
Toothpicks

Method

Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Use a sharp paring knife to carefully slit each date lengthwise, then gently remove the pits, creating a pocket for optional fillings like cheese or nuts if desired.
If adding fillings, stuff each date with a small piece of cheese or nut before wrapping.
Wrap each date with a half slice of bacon, making sure to cover the opening completely, and secure it with a toothpick piercing through to hold it in place.
Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly so they don’t touch.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and golden brown, and the dates are caramelized and sticky.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven, discard the toothpicks, and let the dates rest for 5 minutes; they will be hot and slightly oozy inside.
If desired, brush the finished dates with a little honey or sprinkle with brown sugar for an extra glossy, caramelized finish.
Serve warm or at room temperature, enjoying the crispy bacon with the sweet, chewy interior for a perfect bite every time.

Notes

For extra flavor, try adding a small piece of cheese or a nut inside the dates before wrapping. Keep an eye on the bacon to prevent burning, especially if using thicker slices. These make a fantastic party appetizer or a savory-sweet snack.

These little bites are deceptively simple but pack a punch of flavor. The sweet dates contrast beautifully with the smoky bacon, and the process is so straightforward that they’re perfect for last-minute guests or a quick snack. Feel free to experiment with fillings like blue cheese or almonds for extra flair. Just keep an eye on them in the oven—overcooked bacon loses its charm fast.

Anjali Arora

Hi, I’m Anjali Arora the curious heart behind Dramatically Stirring. I’ve always been most at ease in my own company. I’m not exactly a people-person (small talk still makes me cringe), but there are two things I’ve always loved with my whole heart: animals and food.