Bacon Wrapped Dates Appetizer Recipe
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These Bacon Wrapped Dates are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any occasion! With just two simple ingredients—sweet, caramelized dates and smoky, crispy bacon—this appetizer comes together in minutes and wows everyone who tries it. Whether you’re hosting a party, bringing a dish to a potluck, or simply craving a savory snack, this recipe is sure to impress.
These homemade bacon-wrapped dates will be a hit of every party! Just 2 ingredients and 10 minutes of prep, this is the easiest appetizer ever!
Why You’ll Love Bacon Wrapped Dates
- Unbeatable Flavor Combination: The natural sweetness of dates pairs perfectly with the savory, smoky taste of bacon, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. It’s a classic sweet-and-salty match that’s simply irresistible.
- Quick and Easy: With just two ingredients and minimal prep time, this appetizer is perfect for when you need a last-minute crowd-pleaser. It’s effortless yet impressive!
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual get-together, holiday party, or fancy dinner, these bacon-wrapped dates fit right in. They’re always a hit with guests!
- Make Ahead Friendly: You can assemble them in advance, saving time and stress on the day of your event. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
- Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free: These little bites are naturally gluten- and dairy-free, making them a versatile appetizer for a variety of dietary needs.
I was first introduced to bacon-wrapped dates at a Spanish tapas restaurant. Bacon-wrapped dates were listed in the hot tapas menu with an asterisk next to them, indicating that it’s one of their most popular dishes! When I tasted them, I immediately knew why they are so popular. The combination of sweet caramelized dates and smoky crunchy bacon is simply irresistible!
Whoever first thought of putting bacon and dates together is a genius. This combo tastes amazing! The only problem with restaurant tapas is that the portions are so small. They only give you 5 bacon-wrapped dates, and those tapas are meant for sharing :) Who wants to share these measly 5 bacon-wrapped dates? I can eat a big plate of these yummy things all by myself! Yes, I’m that greedy ;)
What’s the perfect solution for a greedy bacon-wrapped dates lover? Yes, make them yourself! Not only will it cost a fraction of what it costs at the tapas restaurant, but you’ll have the whole tray of these bacon wrapped dates to enjoy! Save a ton of money and eat as much bacon-wrapped dates as you want – yes!
If you bring a plate of these bacon-wrapped dates to a party, you’ll be the most popular person in the room! Everyone loves bacon-wrapped dates! I’ve seen people who previously claimed that they stay away from bacon devour them :) They are so yummy, nobody can resist! This is the best party appetizer ever!
Bacon-wrapped dates look so fancy, it’s hard to believe that making them is virtually effortless! All you need is just 2 ingredients: the first one is bacon, and the second one is pitted dates. Yep, what you see is what you get! Precook the bacon in a microwave for 1 minute, then cut each bacon strip in 3 pieces, wrap each date in a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick, then bake until the bacon is crispy. Just make sure you are buying the dates without pits :) That’s all there is to it!
Ingredients For Bacon Wrapped Dates
- Bacon – Choose your favorite bacon variety for a smoky, savory flavor. Thin-cut bacon works best for even cooking.
- Pitted Dates – Sweet and chewy, dates are the perfect base for this appetizer. Make sure they’re pitted to save time.
For exact measurements, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Bacon Wrapped Dates
- Baking Sheet: To hold the bacon-wrapped dates while they bake to crispy perfection.
- Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Large Plate: Useful for arranging the bacon slices during the microwave step.
- Paper Towels: To absorb excess grease when microwaving the bacon.
- Scissors: An easy way to cut the bacon strips into thirds.
- Toothpicks: Secure the bacon around the dates and ensure they hold their shape while baking.
Bacon-wrapped dates can be made in advance. To make them in advance, skip the microwaving, cut bacon into thirds, assemble bacon-wrapped dates and store in a refrigerator. Before serving, put them on a baking sheet and bake (since they are cold, they’ll probably take 5 minutes longer). You can even make bacon-wrapped dates fully in advance, including the baking. To reheat, just microwave them right before serving.
How To Make Bacon Wrapped Dates
Step 1: Microwave Bacon For 1 Minute
Put bacon strips on a paper towel in a single layer and microwave on High for 1 minutes to jump-start the cooking process.
Step 2: Cut Bacon In 3 Pieces
The easiest way to do it is to use scissors :)
Step 3: Wrap dates with bacon and secure with toothpicks.
Put a pitted date on a piece of bacon:
Wrap the bacon around the date:
Secure with a toothpick:
Step 4: Put prepared bacon-wrapped dates on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Step 5: Bake in pre-heated 425F oven for 15 minutes.
These bacon-wrapped dates are amazing! Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates on a platter and garnish with fresh parsley or rosemary sprigs for a pop of color.
- Serve alongside other appetizers like a cheese board or vegetable platter to create a diverse spread.
- Pair with a crisp red wine or sparkling water for a refreshing complement to the rich, smoky flavors.
- Add them to a tapas-style dinner menu alongside dishes like stuffed mushrooms or Spanish tortillas.
- Use decorative toothpicks for a festive presentation at parties or holiday gatherings.
Tips For Success
- Partially Cook the Bacon: Microwaving the bacon for a minute before wrapping helps it crisp up in the oven without overcooking the dates. This step is essential for achieving that perfect texture balance.
- Choose the Right Bacon: Thin-cut bacon works best as it wraps easily and cooks evenly. Thick-cut bacon may take longer to crisp and can overpower the sweet dates.
- Check the Dates: Make sure the dates are pitted to avoid any unpleasant surprises when biting into them. If you accidentally buy dates with pits, remove them with a small knife before starting.
- Secure with Toothpicks: The toothpicks not only keep the bacon in place but also make the dates easier to serve and eat. For an elevated presentation, try decorative or colored toothpicks.
- Space Them Out: Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates in a single layer on the baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Crowding can cause uneven cooking and prevent the bacon from crisping properly.
- Bake to Perfection: Keep an eye on them during baking. Bacon can go from crispy to burned quickly, so check a couple of minutes before the recommended time.
- Serve Warm: These are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while the bacon is crispy and the dates are warm and gooey. If needed, you can reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
- Add Cheese: For an extra creamy and tangy flavor, stuff the dates with goat cheese or cream cheese before wrapping them in bacon. This adds a delightful surprise in every bite.
- Try Prosciutto: Swap out the bacon for thinly sliced prosciutto for a lighter, more delicate wrap. Prosciutto cooks faster, so keep an eye on them in the oven.
- Use Turkey Bacon: For a leaner option, replace regular bacon with turkey bacon. Note that turkey bacon may not crisp up as much, but it still delivers great flavor.
- Sweet and Spicy: Add a touch of heat by sprinkling the bacon with cayenne pepper or brushing the dates with sriracha before wrapping. The combination of sweet, smoky, and spicy is irresistible.
- Maple Glaze: Drizzle the bacon-wrapped dates with maple syrup before baking for a caramelized glaze that enhances their sweetness.
- Nutty Surprise: Insert a whole almond or pecan into each date for added crunch and a nutty twist. This creates a delightful texture contrast.
- Use Medjool Dates: Medjool dates are larger and softer than regular dates, making them an excellent choice for a more luxurious appetizer.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Place leftover bacon-wrapped dates in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation.
- Reheating in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the dates on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and the bacon crisps up again.
- Reheating in the Microwave: Arrange the dates on a microwave-safe plate and heat in short 15-20 second bursts until warmed. Be cautious as microwaving for too long can make the bacon rubbery.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked dates in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, bake them straight from frozen at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of dried fruit instead of dates?
Yes, you can substitute dates with dried figs or prunes. They provide a similar sweet flavor and pair beautifully with bacon.
Do I need to pre-cook the bacon?
Pre-cooking the bacon for about 1 minute in the microwave ensures it crisps up in the oven without overcooking the dates. It’s a helpful step but not absolutely necessary if you prefer a softer texture.
How far in advance can I prepare these?
You can assemble the bacon-wrapped dates up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Bake them fresh when ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.
What if my dates are too dry?
If your dates seem dry, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes to rehydrate them slightly. Pat them dry before wrapping in bacon.
Can I make these without toothpicks?
Yes, you can place the bacon seam-side down on the baking sheet. While toothpicks help secure the bacon and make serving easier, they aren’t mandatory.
What if I don’t have parchment paper?
You can use aluminum foil sprayed with cooking spray as a substitute to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can place the dates directly on a non-stick baking sheet.
How do I prevent the bacon from unwrapping during baking?
Make sure to wrap the bacon tightly around the dates and secure it well with a toothpick. If baking without toothpicks, place the bacon-wrapped dates seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Can I add seasoning or glaze?
Absolutely! Sprinkle the bacon with a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or brush the dates with a bit of honey or maple syrup for added sweetness before baking.
If you love bacon-wrapped dates, I bet you will love these:
Honey Candied Pecans – imagine eating a handful of those, yum!
Perfect Cheese Board – be a hero and make an epic cheese platter!
Easy Stuffed Mushrooms – everyone loves these yummy little mushrooms for an appetizer!
Spanish Tortilla Potato Omelette – for the tapas lovers in your life!
Bacon Wrapped Dates Appetizer Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 slices of bacon
- 18 pitted dates
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Large plate
- Paper towels
- Scissors
- Toothpicks
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Line a large plate with a paper towel and put bacon strips on it in a single layer. Microwave for 1 minute.
- Cut the slices of bacon in 3 pieces (using scissors is the easier way to do it).
- Wrap a piece of bacon around each date and secure with a toothpick.
- Put the bacon wrapped dates on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Put the baking sheet with bacon wrapped dates in the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
More Baked Recipes
- Oven-Roasted Whole Spaghetti Squash
- Everything Bagel Seasoned Roasted Salmon
- Low-Carb Turkey-Stuffed Bell Pepper Boats
I made these from another recipe last year, and didn’t think to pre-cook the bacon in the microwave. Ended up cooking them so long to get the bacon cooked that the dates burned! People still ate them and raved… but the pre-cooking is brilliant! Thank you!
The perfect party appetizer!
I’d gladly eat a whole plate of these by myself 😂