Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates
These bacon-wrapped dates are stuffed with tangy goat cheese and make the most amazing sweet and salty bite. The dates become caramelized and sticky in the oven while the smoky bacon crisps up around the outside making them impossible to resist. They're easy to prep in advance and always the first thing to disappear at a party!
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Devils on Horseback Recipe (Bacon Wrapped Dates)
This is one of my all-time favorite recipes to serve a crowd, whether I'm entertaining at home or bringing a dish to a party. The combination of sweet caramelly dates with the salty bacon and creamy goat cheese is absolutely unbeatable!
This is such an easy recipe and makes the perfect appetizer for holiday entertaining since they're easy to prep in advance and also easy to transport.
Not to mention, the recipe is easy to scale up if you have more people to feed.
Plus, everyone absolutely loves them! They're always the first to go at a party.
What are Devils on Horseback?
Devils on Horseback is a traditional British appetizer that dates back to the Victorian era. The name is a play on Angels on Horseback, which typically refers to shrimp or oysters wrapped in bacon
While the exact origin of the name is unclear, it's believed to refer to the rich, dark color of the bacon-wrapped stuffed date once baked.
Over time, this simple recipe became a party staple known for its perfect balance of smoky bacon, sweet dates and creamy cheese.
Want more elegant appetizer recipes? Try my classic Beef Carpaccio, fresh Tuna Tartare with capers and olives or a creamy White Bean Dip.
Why This Recipe Works
- An easy appetizer to prep ahead and bring along to parties.
- Has the perfect balance of salty and sweet flavors.
- Comes together quickly but still tastes impressive.
- A crowd favorite that's always first appetizer to disappear.
Bacon Wrapped Dates Recipe Ingredients
Medjool Dates - Use pitted Medjool dates, which are larger and have a soft, meaty texture. Smaller varieties can also work if you prefer a more bite-sized appetizer.
Goat Cheese - Creamy and slightly tangy, this cheese pairs beautifully with the sweet dates. You can also use feta, brie, blue cheese or aged cheddar depending on your taste preferences.
Honey - A drizzle of honey enhances the natural sweetness of the dates and gives a glossy finish.
Bacon - For the best crispy bacon use standard-cut regular bacon or thin strips. Avoid thick-cut bacon which will be more meaty and less crisp. You can even make your own homemade bacon for the richest flavor.
Rosemary - A few sprigs of fresh rosemary balance the saltiness of the bacon. Thyme can be used as an alternative for a lighter flavor, or omit it altogether.
*Find the full ingredient list in the recipe card below!
Helpful Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Paring knife
- Small spoon
- Toothpicks
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Paper towel
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Prepare the dates by using a small knife to cut them in half lengthwise, creating even halves for stuffing.
- Use a spoon to fill the cavity of each date half with goat cheese so that the filling is level with the edges.
- Once each half is filled, press them back together to form 20 whole stuffed dates.
- Cut each strip of bacon in half to make 20 short pieces. Wrap one piece of bacon around each date and secure it with a toothpick.
- Arrange the wrapped dates on sheet pan or a parchment paper-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup.
How Long to Cook Bacon Wrapped Dates
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the bacon is golden and the cheese has melted.
Pro Tip: Keep a close eye on these towards the end of baking to make sure they don't burn.
- Allow the bacon-wrapped dates to cool for a few minutes before drizzling with honey and garnishing with rosemary. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Success
- Be gentle when cutting the dates so they don't tear.
- Rotate the pan half way through for even cooking.
- Assemble the dates up to 3 days ahead and bake right before serving for maximum freshness.
- Rest them briefly on a paper towel after baking to absorb excess bacon drippings.
Devils on Horseback Variations
- Swap the goat cheese for blue cheese for a bolder bite, perfect for blue cheese lovers.
- Add a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet and spicy kick.
- For a more bite-sized appetizer, use smaller dates or halve the larger ones.
- Replace bacon with prosciutto or jamón serrano.
How to Serve Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates
Serve these bacon-wrapped dates as part of an elegant spread alongside briny Citrus Marinated Olives, crispy Panelle or a light Arugula Salad drizzled with this simple Balsamic Vinaigrette.
The perfect combination of salty and sweet makes them a great recipe for the holiday season or any gathering that calls for elegant yet easy-to-make appetizers!
Storing Dates Wrapped in Bacon
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 8 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat in an air fryer at medium heat for 4-5 minutes to restore their crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bacon rubbery.
FAQs
Yes, you can assemble them up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate in an airtight container. Bake them just before serving for the best texture.
Absolutely! Try blue cheese, brie, or feta for different savory flavors that still complement the tender Medjool dates.
Wrap each date snugly with a half slice of bacon and secure the edge with a toothpick. This ensures it stays in place while baking.
Yes, the kind of bacon you use makes a difference. Thin bacon will be crispier and produce a more balanced bite than thick-cut.
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Dates Wrapped in Bacon
Ingredients
- 20 Medjool Dates pitted
- ½ cup goat cheese
- 10 strips of bacon
- ¼ cup honey
- rosemary for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice each date in half lengthwise, then carefully remove the pit if present. You should have two even halves.
- Use a small spoon to fill the cavity of each half with goat cheese, smoothing so the filling is level with the sides.
- Press the two halves back together to form 20 stuffed whole dates.
- Cut the bacon slices in half crosswise to make 20 shorter pieces. Wrap one piece of bacon around each stuffed date and secure with a toothpick.
- Arrange the wrapped dates evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted.
- Allow the dates to cool for a few minutes. Drizzle with honey, garnish with fresh rosemary, and serve warm.
Notes
- Be gentle when cutting the dates so they don't tear.
- Rotate the pan half way through for even cooking.
- Assemble the dates up to 3 days ahead and bake right before serving for maximum freshness.
- Rest them briefly on a paper towel after baking to absorb excess bacon drippings.
