3-Ingredient Bacon Wrapped Dates That Will Steal the Show

Oh my gosh, you HAVE to try these bacon wrapped dates! I first made them for a holiday party years ago when I needed something quick but impressive. Within minutes, the tray was empty and people kept asking, “Who made these magical little bites?” That’s the beauty of this appetizer – just three simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary. The sweet, chewy dates wrapped in salty, crispy bacon create this perfect flavor explosion that makes people go crazy for them. Trust me, once you see how easy they are to make (and how fast they disappear), you’ll be adding them to every party menu!

Why You’ll Love These Bacon Wrapped Dates

These little bites of heaven have been my go-to party trick for years, and here’s why they’ll become yours too:

• Impossibly easy: Just 3 ingredients and 10 minutes of prep – even my most kitchen-averse friends can handle this one!
• Sweet meets salty perfection: The caramel-like dates and crispy bacon create this magical contrast that makes people keep reaching for “just one more.”
• Crowd-pleasing every time: I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people’s eyes light up when these come out of the oven. They vanish faster than anything else on the table.
• Endlessly adaptable: Feeling fancy? Stuff ’em with cheese. Want some heat? Add a chili sprinkle. They’re like a blank canvas for flavor experiments.

Seriously, if you need a no-fail appetizer that looks like you spent hours (but secretly took no time at all), this is it.

Ingredients for Bacon Wrapped Dates

Here’s the beautiful part – you only need three simple things to make magic happen. I’ve learned through many parties (and many empty platters) that quality matters here:

• 12 Medjool dates, pitted: Don’t skimp here – Medjools are the plump, caramel-sweet queens of the date world. Their natural stickiness helps hold everything together. And yes, pitted saves you from emergency dental visits!
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cut in half: I’m team thick-cut all the way – it crisps up beautifully without turning into jerky. Regular bacon works in a pinch, but trust me, the extra meatiness makes all the difference.
• 24 toothpicks: These little guys are your best friends for keeping everything snug while baking. Soak them in water for 10 minutes first if you’re worried about burning.

That’s it! This magical trio makes about 24 perfect two-bite appetizers – just enough to tease your guests without filling them up before the main event. Now let’s turn these simple ingredients into something extraordinary!

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Dates

Okay, let’s get to the fun part! Making these is so simple you’ll laugh, but I’ve got some little tricks that’ll take them from good to “can-I-have-the-recipe?” amazing. Here’s exactly how I do it every time:

Step 1: Prep the Dates and Bacon

First, check your dates – even if the package says pitted, sometimes those sneaky pits hide in there! I learned this the hard way when a guest nearly broke a tooth. Run your finger through each date to be safe.

Now for the bacon – lay out your slices and cut each one cleanly in half crosswise. I like using kitchen shears for this – way easier than wrestling with a knife. If you’re feeling fancy, this is when you’d stuff those dates with goat cheese or almonds (just a tiny bit – they’ll puff up in the oven!).

Step 2: Assemble and Bake

Preheat that oven to 375°F (190°C) – don’t skip this! A hot oven means crispy bacon instead of sad, floppy strips. While it heats, wrap each date snugly with a bacon half, then secure with a toothpick through the middle. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet – the parchment is KEY for easy cleanup when that bacon grease starts bubbling.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, but start checking at 15. You want that perfect golden crispness where the bacon’s rendered its fat but isn’t burnt. If you’re using an air fryer (my new favorite method!), they’ll be done in 10-12 minutes at the same temp – just shake the basket halfway through.

Step 3: Serving Suggestions

Here’s my secret: let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. The dates get molten-hot inside, and this brief cooling time lets everything settle into perfect texture harmony. Arrange them on a pretty platter – I like using a bed of arugula for color contrast. Watch them disappear within minutes!

Pro tip: Keep extra toothpicks nearby for easy grabbing. And have napkins ready – these little guys are delightfully messy in the best possible way.

Tips for Perfect Bacon Wrapped Dates

After making these dozens of times (and fielding countless recipe requests), here are my foolproof tricks for bacon-wrapped date greatness:

• Thick-cut bacon is non-negotiable – it crisps up without shrinking into nothingness. My grocery store’s butcher counter will slice it extra-thick if I ask nicely!
• Stuffing = next-level magic – a tiny bit of creamy goat cheese or a single almond inside each date makes people think you’re a gourmet chef. Just don’t overfill!
• Watch that crispiness – set a timer for 15 minutes, then check every 2 minutes after. Perfect bacon should have some give but not be floppy. It keeps cooking a bit after coming out of the oven.
• Drain on paper towels – this 30-second step absorbs excess grease so you get crunch without the sog.

Follow these simple tips, and you’ll have people begging you to bring these to every gathering!

Bacon Wrapped Dates Variations

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can dress it up or down depending on the occasion. Once you’ve mastered the basic version, try these fun twists that always get rave reviews at my parties:

Blue Cheese Bliss

For those who love bold flavors, try stuffing each date with a small chunk of creamy blue cheese before wrapping with bacon. The tangy cheese cuts through the sweetness beautifully – it’s like fireworks in your mouth! I like using Gorgonzola dolce for its milder flavor, but any blue cheese works. Just don’t tell my lactose-intolerant cousin how much I sneak into these…

Spicy Sweet Heat

Want to wake up your taste buds? After wrapping, sprinkle the bacon with a tiny bit of chili powder or smoked paprika before baking. The heat builds slowly against the sweet dates – it’s addictive! For extra kick, I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne to the chili powder mix. Warning: These disappear even faster than the original!

Maple Glazed Goodness

For holiday parties, I brush the wrapped dates with just a whisper of maple syrup during the last 2 minutes of baking. The glaze caramelizes slightly, creating this gorgeous sticky-sweet crust that makes people swoon. Use the real maple syrup, though – none of that pancake stuff! A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top takes it over the top.

The best part? You can mix and match these variations on one platter for a stunning presentation. Just use different colored toothpicks to tell them apart – your guests will think you’re a culinary genius!

Storage and Reheating

Okay, let’s talk leftovers – though I’ll be honest, in my house we rarely have any! But just in case you miraculously end up with extra bacon wrapped dates (or you’re smart and make a double batch ahead), here’s how to keep them tasting fresh:

Storing: Pop them in an airtight container with a paper towel at the bottom to soak up any excess grease. They’ll keep happily in the fridge for about 3 days. That’s my personal tested limit – any longer and the bacon starts losing its magic crispness.

Reheating: Whatever you do, don’t microwave these beauties unless you want sad, soggy bacon (learned that lesson the hard way). Instead, spread them on a baking sheet and pop in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. My air fryer is even better – just 3-4 minutes at 350°F brings them back to crispy perfection!

Pro tip: If you’re prepping for a party, you can assemble them a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. Then just pop them in the oven when guests arrive – the smell alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s be real – we’re not eating bacon-wrapped dates for their diet-friendly qualities! But if you’re curious (or just like tracking these things), here’s the scoop on what’s in these addictive little bites. Keep in mind these are estimates – your exact numbers will depend on the bacon brand and size of your dates.

• Serving size: 2 pieces (because let’s be honest, nobody stops at just one!)
• Calories: About 120 per serving
• Fat: 6g (2g saturated)
• Carbs: 15g (with 2g fiber from those wonderful dates)
• Protein: 3g (bacon power!)
• Sodium: 180mg (less if you use lower-sodium bacon)

If you’re stuffing them with cheese or adding other goodies, just nudge those numbers up a bit. But hey – life’s short, and these are totally worth every delicious bite! Just maybe balance them out with some veggie crudités if you’re being extra “good.”

Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve gotten so many questions about these bacon wrapped dates over the years – here are the ones that pop up most often from friends and readers. These answers come straight from my trial-and-error (and many happy parties)!

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! Here’s my party-prep secret: assemble them the night before, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. The bacon actually benefits from this – it adheres better to the dates. Just add 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time since they’ll be going in cold. I’ve even prepped them in the morning for evening parties with perfect results!

Can I use turkey bacon instead?

You can, but fair warning – it won’t get as crispy or have that same rich flavor. If you do use turkey bacon, pat it very dry first (it’s often watery) and maybe brush with a tiny bit of oil to help it crisp up. My vegetarian friends have even tried coconut “bacon” with mixed results – the texture’s different, but the sweet-salty vibe still works!

Can I Freeze Bacon Wrapped Dates?

Freezing works surprisingly well! After baking, let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container with parchment between layers. They’ll keep for about a month. To reheat, pop frozen dates directly into a 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes – no thawing needed! The texture stays remarkably good, though the bacon won’t be quite as crisp as fresh.

What Diets Are These Suitable For?

Good news – these naturally fit several dietary needs! They’re:
– Gluten-free (just check your bacon labels)

– Low-lactose (unless you stuff them with cheese)
– Nut-free in the basic version
– Dairy-free if you skip cheese additions
Just be mindful of specific guest needs – I always make a separate batch without cheese for my lactose-sensitive friends, labeling them with different colored toothpicks.

Why did my bacon burn before the dates heated through?

Ah, the classic bacon-wrapping dilemma! This usually happens if your oven runs hot or the bacon slices were too thin. Next time, try:
– Lowering oven temp to 350°F
– Using thick-cut bacon
– Wrapping the bacon a bit looser so heat can circulate
– Rotating the pan halfway through baking
If you notice browning too fast, tent loosely with foil for the last few minutes.

Share Your Bacon Wrapped Dates Experience

Now it’s your turn! I’d love to hear how your bacon wrapped dates adventure goes. Did you stick with the classic version or try one of the fun variations? Maybe you discovered an amazing new twist I haven’t tried yet – spill the details!

Leave a comment below telling me:

• What your guests raved about most
• Any clever modifications you made
• How quickly they disappeared at your party

Better yet, snap a photo of your beautiful creation and tag me on Instagram – I always get such a kick out of seeing your versions! These little bites have brought so much joy to my gatherings, and I can’t wait to hear about the memories you’re making with them too.

Happy wrapping, and may your platters always be emptied with lightning speed!

Print