Every holiday season, I get obsessed with how to make traditional snacks feel fresh and a little unexpected. These bacon-wrapped dates started as a simple experiment and turned into a go-to party favorite. The secret lies in balancing sweet, savory, and a hint of spice, all in one bite.
Why I Keep Making These Year After Year
They’re unpredictable—crisp bacon contrasts with melting dates and spicy cheese. Every time I make them, someone asks for the recipe. It’s satisfying to watch guests reach for seconds and smile at the sweet-salty chaos. Plus, they’re easy to tweak for different tastes, which keeps it fun.
What Goes Into These Holiday Bites?
- Dates: I love Medjool for their size and richness, but Deglet Noor works in a pinch. They’re sticky, sweet, and make a beautiful gooey interior.: Sweet, chewy, with a caramel aroma that invites bites.
- Bacon: Thick-cut adds smoky richness and holds up well in the oven. Its savory saltiness is key.: Crispy, salty, with a smoky punch that balances the sweetness.
- Blue cheese or almonds: For stuffing, I prefer blue cheese for a tangy kick, but almonds add crunch and nuttiness.: Oozy cheese or crunchy nuts—a textural surprise.
- Spices and herbs: A pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne adds warmth and depth.: A smoky, spicy undertone that keeps the flavor interesting.
- Herbs for garnish: Fresh thyme or parsley lends a pop of color and freshness.: Bright, herbal aroma that complements the richness.
Tools and Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet with parchment paper: To hold the dates while baking and prevent sticking.
- Sharp knife: To pit the dates and slice the bacon.
- Toothpicks: To secure the bacon around the dates during baking.
- Cooling rack: To cool the dates evenly and keep the bacon crispy.
Step-by-Step for Perfectly Spiced Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
Step 2: Slice the bacon into thirds. Each strip should be about 10 inches long.
Step 3: Pit the dates and stuff each with a small piece of blue cheese or almond for crunch.
Step 4: Wrap each date with a bacon strip, securing with a toothpick.
Step 5: Arrange the wrapped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the bacon is crispy and caramelized.
Step 7: Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes to set the bacon.
Step 8: Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped herbs.
Cooking Checkpoints and Tips
- Bacon should be crispy and golden, not burnt. Keep an eye on the oven.
- Dates should be soft and oozy inside, with a caramel sheen outside.
- If bacon is cooking unevenly, rotate the baking sheet halfway through.
- For a smoky flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the cheese filling.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
- Overly greasy bacon wrapping.? Bacon is too greasy → Bake on a wire rack to drain excess fat.
- Dry or tough dates.? Dates are too dry or tough → Soak dates in warm water for 10 minutes before stuffing.
- Overcooked or burnt bacon.? Bacon burns → Lower oven temperature slightly or cover with foil partway through cooking.
- Filling oozing during baking.? Filling leaks out → Use smaller filling or secure tightly with toothpick.
Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Blue Cheese and Spices
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Slice each bacon strip into thirds, making 24 pieces that are about 10 inches long each.
- Pit the dates if they aren’t already pitted, then gently stuff each with a small piece of blue cheese or an almond for crunch. This adds a flavorful surprise inside.
- Wrap each stuffed date with a bacon piece, making sure to cover the filling completely, and secure it with a toothpick to hold it in place.
- Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly so they cook uniformly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown, and the dates look caramelized and soft inside.
- Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and let the dates cool on a cooling rack for about 5 minutes to allow the bacon to set and become crispy.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped thyme or parsley over the top for a burst of herbal freshness and vibrant color.
- Serve the bacon-wrapped dates warm or at room temperature as a savory-sweet appetizer that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
Notes
Hi, I’m Katie Dawson, a paediatric speech-language pathologist by day and a passionate food storyteller by night. Based in Seattle but with a love for global flavours (and a soft spot for Indian chai), I created this blog to bridge the gap between therapeutic nutrition and the simple joy of eating.
