Blue Cheese Stuffed Dates (Wrapped in Bacon!!)
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This recipe first appeared on Savory Experiments, where I am a contributor.
You can’t go wrong with bacon! These Bacon Wrapped Dates are stuffed with blue cheese, then wrapped in bacon and drizzled with sweet honey.
If you enjoyed this delicious appetizer, you are going to love my Whipped Blue Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms or my Whipped Goat Cheese Stuffed Plum Recipe.
Bacon Wrapped Dates Recipe
Football season may be over, but lazy Sundays and snacking are still in full effect!
I love a relaxing day with mini meals or an assortment of appetizers to pick at while watching tv and enjoying the day before we resume the workweek hustle.
If you love a good sweet and salty combo as much as I do, you are going to love this recipe.
Crispy bacon on the outside, sweet dates and melt in your mouth blue cheese on the inside. It’s truly the perfect combination.
In about 30 minutes you’ll have one of the most addicting appetizers!
Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates ingredients
You don’t need much to pull off these small bites of heaven…in fact, you may have some of these ingredients in your fridge and pantry ready to go!
- Bacon: for this recipe I used thinly sliced bacon because it gets crispy faster.
- Dates: I think the dates are one of the most important ingredients and for that reason, I recommend using medjool dates because they are a great size and taste amazing.
Tip!
You can usually find these already pitted in the produce section of the grocery store.
- Cheese: I used blue cheese (highly recommend). However, if blue cheese isn’t your favorite, you can sub out with cream cheese or goat cheese.
- Top if off: before serving, I drizzle honey on top which really completes the dish! You can also use maple syrup or date syrup.
You will also need some large toothpicks to hold everything together while baking.
*For a detailed list of ingredients and measurements, please reference the recipe card down below.
How to make Bacon Wrapped Dates
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
2. Stuff the dates. Stuff the center of each date with a small piece of blue cheese and then wrap it in a bacon strip. The Edges should overlap slightly, but not make two full rounds.
If the bacon is too thick it will not cook evenly.
3. Secure the bacon. Place two bacon wrapped dates on each toothpick and place on a large rimmed baking sheet.
4. Bake the dates. Bake for 10 minutes, turn and bake for an additional 12 minutes, or until bacon is browned. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before transferring to a serving platter and drizzling with flaky salt and honey.
Blue Cheese Stuffed Dates Recipe Variations
There are many ways to have fun with this recipe if you want to swap out ingredients or are looking for other flavor parings to match a larger menu you have planned.
Below I have listed out some of my favorites. Of course, if you try something different and it tastes like heaven make sure to let me know!
Meat: bacon is always a winner in my house, however, you can substitute this with prosciutto or pancetta!
Cheese: I know blue cheese may not be everyones flavor, so don’t be afraid to swap out your cheese, just make sure you stick with creamy cheeses.
How to store Stuffed Dates Wrapped in Bacon
You can store your leftover dates in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Since they can get a little sticky, I recommend placing parchment paper in between each layer.
FAQs for Dates Wrapped in Bacon
If you did not buy pre-pitted dates, you will need to take the pit out. Don’t worry, it’s not hard!
I find that the easiest way to pit a date is to use a super small knife (like a paring knife). Cut a line lengthwise down the date. Now, be super careful here and slowly pull the date open and remove the pit.
If performing a small surgery on 36 dates isn’t your style, you can definitely purchase them pre-pitted dates at your local grocery store!
Dates typically pair well with really soft cheeses like cream cheese, goat cheese, whipped feta, or Boursin cheese.
The ability to swap out cheese with dates and always find new flavors and it still taste amazing is one of my favorite things about this recipe.
Devils on horseback are very similar to “bacon wrapped dates,” however, there is one distinct difference…nuts!
The recipe originated out of the UK and calls for dried fruit (9 times out of 10 you will find it made with dates), cheese, nuts, and bacon.
You may be surprised, but bacon actually paires well with a lot of fruit!
– Peaches
– Apricots
– Apples
– Figs
If you place the wrapped dates on a wired rack over top of a rimmed baking sheet, the bacon grease will drip off into the pan, allowing the bacon to get crispier. Using thin cut bacon can also help make sure they get super crispy.
I cook my bacon wrapped dates for about 20 minutes, you can add a few extra minutes if you want extra crispy bacon, just make sure you keep an eye on them!
More Recipes With Bacon To Try
- Air Fryer Bacon
- Creamy Bacon Corn Chowder
- Caramelized Onion And Bacon Pizza
- Bacon Mushroom Smothered Pork Chops
- Air Fryer Cornish Hens With Creamy Mushroom Bacon Gravy
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Dates Wrapped in Bacon
Ingredients
- 11 strips of thinly sliced bacon, cut into thirds
- 32 dates, pitted and cut open down the center
- 8 ounces blue cheese
- honey, for drizzling
- Large toothpicks, soaked in water for 15 minutes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Stuff the center of each date with a small piece of blue cheese and then wrap it in a bacon strip. Edges should overlap slightly, but not make two full rounds. If the bacon is too thick it will not cook evenly.
- Place two bacon wrapped dates on each toothpick and place on a large rimmed baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 minutes, turn and bake for an additional 12 minutes, or until bacon is browned. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before transferring to a serving platter and drizzling with flaky salt and honey.
Notes
- If you start to see some cheese ooze out, don’t worry, there will be plenty still inside!
These are so addicting and so yummy! My hubby and I loved them! Quick and easy! I will definitely be making these again!
These are the PERFECT snack for parties! So kid-friendly and easy to make 😀
These look perfect for serving up to guests. Anything with bacon is good with me!
Such a great appetizer with loads of flavor!
this sweet and salty together was fabulous would have never thought to do this great recipe!
Do you have to stuff the dates, or can you use the dates alone?
You can use them without the blue cheese