The Best Bacon Wrapped Dates You’ll Ever Try (Sweet, Salty & So Addictive!)
Let me be honest with you—I didn’t expect bacon wrapped dates to be this good. I saw them at a party once and thought, “Okay, this is a weird combo.”
But then I tried one… and let’s just say I ended up standing by the tray eating more than I should admit.
That’s why I’m writing this. If you’ve never made them, you need to try. They’re so simple, they look fancy, and people will think you spent way more time than you actually did.
And the best part? They’re sweet, salty, smoky, chewy, and crispy all at once. Basically, everything good in one bite.
Now let’s get into it—I’ll walk you through why I love this recipe, how to make it, and some little tricks to take it to the next level.
Why Bacon Wrapped Dates Work So Well
It sounds like a strange pair, right? Bacon and dates. But here’s the magic:
- Sweet + Salty Combo – The date is naturally super sweet, and the bacon brings that salty crunch.
- Soft + Crispy Texture – You bite in, and it’s chewy from the date but crispy outside from the bacon.
- Smoky Flavor – The bacon’s smoky taste makes the sweetness of the date pop even more.
That’s why this appetizer always disappears fast. It just hits all the right notes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is how short the ingredient list is. You really don’t need much:
- Medjool dates (big, soft, sweet ones are best)
- Bacon strips (thin-cut works better because it crisps faster)
- Optional fillings (goat cheese, almonds, or blue cheese if you want to get fancy)
- Toothpicks (so the bacon doesn’t unwrap while cooking)
That’s it. You’re four ingredients away from the best party snack ever.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Dates
Step 1: Prep the Dates
If your dates have pits, slice them open and remove the pit. Don’t slice all the way through—you just want a little pocket.
Step 2: Add the Filling (Optional but Amazing)
You can leave them plain, but IMO, stuffing them takes things to the next level. Goat cheese makes them creamy, almonds give a nice crunch, and blue cheese gives a bold, tangy twist.
Step 3: Wrap with Bacon
Cut each bacon strip in half. Wrap one piece around each date and secure with a toothpick. Make sure it’s snug.
Step 4: Bake or Air Fry
- Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20–25 minutes until the bacon is crispy.
- Air fryer: Cook at 375°F for 12–15 minutes.
Flip halfway so the bacon crisps evenly.
Tips to Make Them Perfect
- Don’t use thick bacon – It takes forever to crisp and can overpower the date.
- Line your baking sheet – Bacon fat gets messy, so parchment paper saves cleanup.
- Serve warm – They taste best fresh from the oven, not cold.
- Experiment with fillings – Goat cheese is my favorite, but play around with nuts or even cream cheese.
When to Serve Bacon Wrapped Dates
This recipe is a total crowd-pleaser, so I pull it out whenever I want to impress people with minimal effort. Some perfect times:
- Holiday parties
- Family get-togethers
- Game day snacks
- Fancy dinners (they make a classy appetizer)
- Honestly, even random movie nights at home
You’ll notice how people’s eyes light up when you bring out a plate of these. It’s one of those “wow” snacks that isn’t actually hard at all.
Variations You Should Try
Goat Cheese & Bacon Wrapped Dates
The creamy goat cheese filling makes them rich and a little tangy. This is the version most people rave about.
Almond Stuffed Dates
Add a whole roasted almond inside before wrapping with bacon. It gives the best little crunch when you bite down.
Spicy Bacon Wrapped Dates
Brush the bacon with a little hot honey or sprinkle with cayenne before baking. Sweet, salty, AND spicy—it’s insane.
FAQs About Bacon Wrapped Dates
1. Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them a few hours ahead and keep them in the fridge. Just bake them right before serving so they’re crispy.
2. What kind of dates should I use?
Medjool dates are the best because they’re big, soft, and naturally sweet.
3. Can I use turkey bacon?
You can, but it won’t get as crispy or flavorful as regular bacon. If you’re going lighter, just know the texture will be different.
4. How do I keep them from burning?
Keep the oven temp around 375°F and flip them halfway. If the bacon looks like it’s cooking too fast, lower the temp slightly.
5. Do I really need toothpicks?
Yes, unless you want bacon unwrapping in the oven and making a mess. Trust me, toothpicks are worth it.
Final Thoughts
Look, I could go on and on about how good bacon wrapped dates are, but you won’t really get it until you try. They’re one of those rare recipes that are ridiculously easy but taste like you spent hours making them.
So next time you want to wow your guests—or just treat yourself—grab some dates, bacon, and toothpicks. Bake a batch, and watch how fast they disappear.
Seriously, these little bites are addictive. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
