Bacon-Wrapped Dates
These Bacon-Wrapped Dates are the easiest yet most impressive appetizer made with 6 ingredients. Perfect for a holiday menu, they are sure to be a crowdpleaser.
Servings: 28 servings
Calories: 135kcal
Ingredients
- 28 Medjool dates
- 4 ounces soft cheese (sweet flavored goat cheese, blue cheese or sweetened cream cheese) see note about choice of cheese
- 14 slices bacon cut in half
- 1/3 cup honey or hot honey
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
- salt and black pepper amount as desired
- 2 tablespoons minced toasted pecans or candied pecans optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- If using cream cheese, blend 4 ounces with 1-2 tablespoons of your desired sweet and/or savory jam or preserves.
- Slice each date lengthwise (not all the way through) and remove the pit if needed. Fill each date with about 1-2 teaspoons of cheese, then gently press closed.
- Wrap each stuffed date with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Place seam side down on the prepared rack or baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, stir together honey, chopped rosemary, salt, pepper, and a 1/2 tablespoon of water. Brush half of the mixture over each bacon-wrapped date. Bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the oven. Carefully flip each date. Brush on the remaining honey mixture. Bake again for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is caramelized and crispy.
- Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with crushed pecans if desired. Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
Expert Tips
- Bake time will vary. It's best to use regular bacon so that the texture is crispy and browns evenly in the oven. If your bacon is thinner, it'll cook faster. If thicker, it'll take longer. Check for doneness and adjust the bake time as needed.
- Don't slice all the way through the date. You want to create a pocket within the date to add the cheese so it doesn't seep out during baking.
- Soften the cheese to room temperature for easy stuffing. This will make it super simple and easy to stuff each date.
- Try a different cheese as desired. I've made these with sweet flavored goat cheese, blue cheese, as well as cream cheese for variety. If using cream cheese, I prefer to mix it with a sweet and/or savory jam or preserves. You can even make half with one cheese and half with another!
- Lightly brush the honey mixture onto the bacon. It doesn't need to be a heavy coat on the bacon or else it could prevent the bacon from cooking as evenly on all sides.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven, or better yet the air fryer, until warmed through and the bacon is crispy again. We don't recommend freezing these dates as it will change both their texture and flavor once thawed.Nutrition
Calories: 135kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 88mg | Potassium: 192mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 82IU | Vitamin C: 0.02mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 0.4mg
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