Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Name: Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 - 10
Ingredients: 2 oz. cream cheese, softened; 2/3 c. blue cheese crumbles; 1 tbsp. thinly sliced chives, plus more for garnish; 1/4 tsp. paprika; 20 medjool dates, pitted (from 12 oz. package); 10 slices bacon (not thick-cut), halved crosswise; 2 jalapeños, cut into 20 (1/4-inch thick) slices; 2 tbsp. honey

It's a sweet and smoky appetizer for your next party!

By Hannah Klinger; Recipe by Sloane LaytonPublished: Dec 21, 2022

3 Ratings

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the pioneer woman's bacon wrapped dates recipe

Will Dickey

Yields:

8 - 10

Prep Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

45 mins

Bacon-wrapped dates are a classic bacon appetizer that never goes out of style! Though they were a staple of dinner parties in the '70s, the recipe is about 200 years older—an English Christmas dish called "devils on horseback" (now that's a party name). The combo of sticky-sweet date, funky blue cheese, and crispy, salty bacon is as delicious as ever. This recipe adds a jalapeño slice for kick and a final brush of honey for a glossy finish. If you don't want to use blue cheese, crumbled goat cheese or even grated sharp white cheddar would be a fine substitution (though this dish could make a blue cheese lover out of anyone). Be sure to make extra as a Christmas party appetizer, a New Year's Eve appetizer, or a snack for any special party—they'll disappear fast!

Can bacon wrapped dates be reheated?

Bacon-wrapped dates are best served warm, when the dates are soft and the bacon is crisp. You can make a day ahead and bake before serving, or bake a few hours ahead and reheat in a 350-degree oven for about six minutes.

What kind of bacon is used for bacon wrapped dates?

Use regular bacon, not thick-cut bacon, for this recipe, as the dates won't be in the oven long enough to properly crisp the thicker kind. Extra smoky bacon adds another incredible layer of flavor to this appetizer, but stick to the classic if that seems a little overpowering.

How do you store dried dates?

Dried dates tend to dry out quicker in your pantry and lose their tender texture. Try keeping in an airtight container in your fridge.

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Ingredients

2 oz.
cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup
blue cheese crumbles
1 Tbsp.
thinly sliced chives, plus more for garnish
1/4 tsp.
paprika
20
medjool dates, pitted (from 12 oz. package)
10
slices bacon (not thick-cut), halved crosswise
2
jalapeños, cut into 20 (1/4-inch thick) slices
2 Tbsp.
honey

Directions

1. Step 1Preheat the oven to 400°. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and set aside.
2. Step 2Stir together the blue cheese, cream cheese, chives, and paprika in a small bowl.
3. Step 3Cut lengthwise down the side of each date, cutting just far enough so the date can be opened up like a book, but not all the way through the other side. Stuff each date with about 1 teaspoon of the blue cheese filling and fold date closed. Wrap each date with a bacon piece, top with a jalapeño slice and secure with a toothpick. Arrange dates on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Step 4Bake dates until the bacon is rendered and beginning to crisp, 20 to 25 minutes, flipping dates once after 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle the hot dates with the honey. Transfer dates to a serving platter and garnish with chives. Serve hot.

Tip: The dates can be assembled up to one day in advance and baked off just before serving. For less spice, you could use pickled jalapeño slices instead of fresh.

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