Bacon Wrapped Dates (Devils on Horseback)

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These super easy Bacon Wrapped Dates are made from just 2 ingredients and will be the star of any dinner party. Sweet & salty and just the right size, there's just never enough of them!

top down view of bacon wrapped dates on a plate

I'm not sure when I had my first bacon-wrapped date, but I know it was a long time ago. Mallorca -07, perhaps? Or even earlier? Who knows!

By now they're such an ingrained part of my repertoire that when shopping for any dinner party these ingredients just end up in my bag without me even thinking. It's so easy, you know?

Everyone loves them, and they're the perfect party appetizer to snack on while the main dinner's getting ready. Just make sure you make enough, these always go quickly!

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Why you will love this recipe
What you need to make them
How to make them
Tips & tricks
Recipe FAQ
Possible variations
More snackable appetizers
Recipe
Reviews

Why you will love this recipe

It's so, so easy - you won't believe it
It's so quick - just a few minutes of prep and 15-20 minutes in the oven
Salty & sweet is a winning combination
Everyone loves them - yes, they will be the first thing to finish

What you need to make them

Ingredient notes

Fresh dates - I prefer Medjool dates with the pit intact
Bacon slices - you can do one strip or half a strip of bacon per date, I usually do half. If you use whole pieces of bacon, they will need at least 20 minutes in the oven.

How to make them

Remove the pit from the dates
Wrap each date in a half or whole slice of bacon
Place them on a lined oven tray seam-side down - this way they will stay wrapped up while they cook
Cook in the middle of the oven at 440°F (225°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway. When done, there will be a lot of fat on the parchment paper that's run off the bacon - that's normal.

Tips & tricks

Prep ahead by placing uncooked bacon wrapped dates in the fridge for up to 24 hours, and then cooking in a preheated oven for 20-25 minutes
Make them all the way ahead of time and just heat up in the oven or microwave just before serving - they will still taste amazing!
Load the dates with cheese for an extra treat - blue cheese, goat cheese, cream cheese and Feta cheese are great options
Serve with toothpicks so your guests can easily grab them
Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Heat leftovers in the oven or microwave
For vegetarians, make these Feta Stuffed Dates instead

Recipe FAQ

Why are bacon wrapped dates called Devils on Horseback?

Bacon wrapped dates are sometimes called "Devils on Horseback" since it emerged as a new version of the dish "Angels on Horseback" (oysters wrapped in bacon).

What kind of cheese goes with dates?

Dates go great with many types of cheese. The sweet dates have a mild flavor that pairs great with milder cheeses like Feta cheese, goat cheese like chèvre, and is also delicious with more pungent blue cheeses like Stilton and St Agur.

Can you freeze dates wrapped in bacon?

Yes, you can freeze dates wrapped in bacon. Freeze them individually and then pack in bags in the freezer.

Possible variations

There are so many ways you can vary this recipe - here are some of my favorites:

Skip the bacon and just fill the dates with cheese - I love Feta Stuffed Dates but you can also use a blue cheese like gorgonzola or roquefort, or a goat cheese like chèvre
Fill the dates with cheese and then wrap them in bacon - for an extra indulgent treat
Swap the pit for a nut (for example a whole almond or pecan) and then wrap the dates in bacon, for a delicious crunch
Brush them with honey or maple syrup for an extra sweet touch

More snackable appetizers

Looking for more snackable appetizers you can make with little time & effort?

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