Bacon Wrapped Dates

Introduction

If you’ve ever found yourself standing at a party, reaching back into a basket for just one more bite of something impossibly good, chances are it was bacon wrapped dates. There’s something almost magical about this combination — the caramel-sweet depth of a Medjool date, the salty crunch of perfectly crisped bacon, and a gorgeous burst of creamy cheese in the middle. It’s one of those rare appetizers that feels undeniably gourmet while being shockingly simple to pull off at home.

Whether you’re prepping for a holiday gathering, a Super Bowl spread, a wine night with friends, or just want to impress guests at a dinner party, bacon wrapped dates belong on your menu. They come together in about 30 minutes, require minimal ingredients, and — here’s the best part — they actually taste better the more you make. So let’s dive in and make sure you nail this recipe every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Before we get to the good stuff, let’s talk about why bacon wrapped dates have earned a permanent spot on entertaining menus everywhere. This appetizer checks every box: it’s elegant enough for a fancy cocktail hour, casual enough for game day, and universally loved by just about everyone at the table. The contrast between the sweet, almost honey-like dates and the smoky, salty bacon creates a flavor dynamic that’s genuinely hard to beat. Plus, because most of the heavy lifting is done in the oven, you can spend more time enjoying your own party.

Ingredients

This recipe serves approximately 16–20 pieces, depending on the size of your dates. Here’s everything you’ll need:

For the Bacon Wrapped Dates:

• 20 Medjool dates (pitted)
• 10 strips of thick-cut bacon (cut in half crosswise)
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (or 4 ounces of a flavored cheese — see variations below)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Toothpicks or small skewers (optional, to hold them together)

Optional Add-Ins & Garnishes:

• ¼ cup roasted almonds, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze, for drizzling
• Pinch of flaky sea salt

Equipment You’ll Need

You won’t need anything fancy for this recipe. A rimmed baking sheet, a sheet of parchment paper or aluminum foil (for easy cleanup), and an oven preheated to 400°F (200°C) are all it takes. That’s it — no special tools, no complicated setups.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. This step alone will save you about ten minutes of scrubbing later.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, honey, and black pepper. If you’re adding chopped almonds or any other mix-ins, fold them in now. Stir until everything is smooth and well combined. This filling should be soft enough to spoon easily into the dates, so if it feels too stiff, microwave it for about 5 seconds and stir again.

Step 3: Stuff the Dates

Using a small spoon or a piping bag, fill each pitted date with about a teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture. Don’t overstuff — you want just enough filling to peek out slightly from the top. Overfilling leads to a messier bake and less even cooking.

Step 4: Wrap with Bacon

Take each half-strip of bacon and wrap it snugly around a stuffed date, starting at one end and spiraling toward the other. The bacon should cover most of the date’s surface. Secure each one with a toothpick if needed — this helps them hold their shape in the oven and makes them easier to flip.

Step 5: Arrange on the Baking Sheet

Place the bacon wrapped dates seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Give them a little space between each one so the bacon crisps up evenly on all sides. Avoid crowding the pan — if you need to, use two baking sheets.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the bacon is golden brown and crispy. Every oven runs a little differently, so keep an eye on them during the last few minutes. You’re looking for that deep, gorgeous caramel color on the bacon with no soggy spots.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for about 2–3 minutes — they’ll be very hot straight out. While they’re still warm, drizzle with balsamic glaze (if using), sprinkle with fresh herbs and a pinch of flaky sea salt, and transfer to a serving platter. Serve immediately for the best possible texture.

Tips for the Best Bacon Wrapped Dates

Choose the Right Dates

Medjool dates are the gold standard for this recipe. They’re large, naturally sweet, and have a soft, almost caramel-like texture that holds up beautifully when baked. Avoid smaller date varieties — they can be too firm and dry out in the oven.

Don’t Skip the Thick-Cut Bacon

Thin bacon will shrink dramatically and may burn before the dates are fully heated through. Thick-cut bacon gives you that satisfying crunch while staying juicy and flavorful.

Make Sure the Cream Cheese Is Soft

Cold cream cheese is nearly impossible to work with when stuffing dates. Pull it out of the fridge at least 20–30 minutes before you start, or soften it gently in the microwave.

Watch Your Oven Temperature

If your bacon is burning before it gets crispy, your oven may be running hot. Try lowering the temperature to 375°F and adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Line That Baking Sheet

Bacon renders a lot of fat as it cooks. Parchment paper or foil catches all of it, making cleanup almost effortless.

Variations to Try

Classic Blue Cheese Dates

Swap the cream cheese for crumbled blue cheese. The sharp, tangy flavor pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the dates and the smokiness of the bacon.

Goat Cheese & Walnut Dates

Use softened goat cheese as your filling and top each date with a walnut half before wrapping in bacon. This version feels especially elegant and works wonderfully at wine-and-cheese gatherings.

Spicy Jalapeño Dates

Mix diced fresh jalapeño (seeds removed) into the cream cheese filling for a kick of heat. A small drizzle of hot honey on top after baking takes this variation to the next level.

Brie & Fig Jam Dates

Place a small piece of brie inside each date along with a tiny smear of fig jam. This version leans into a more sophisticated, sweet-savory profile that’s perfect for holiday entertaining.

Vegan-Friendly Option

Use your favorite plant-based cream cheese and substitute turkey bacon or a coconut-oil-based bacon alternative. The results won’t be identical, but they’re still surprisingly satisfying.

Nutrition Information (Per Piece, Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	110 kcal
Total Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	3g
Protein	3g
Total Carbohydrates	10g
Sugars	8g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	230mg

Nutrition values are approximate and will vary based on the specific brands and variations used.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

One of the best things about bacon wrapped dates is how well they can be prepped in advance. You can stuff the dates and wrap them in bacon up to 24 hours ahead — just cover the baking sheet tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This makes them a dream for party planning.

As for leftovers (if there are any), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes until warmed through and the bacon is crispy again. Avoid the microwave — it’ll make the bacon soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make bacon wrapped dates in an air fryer? Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and cook in a single layer for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your basket, but the results are wonderfully crispy.

What kind of bacon works best? Thick-cut bacon is the way to go. It has enough fat to stay juicy and flexible for wrapping while still crisping up beautifully in the oven. Hickory-smoked is a classic choice, but any flavor you enjoy will work.

Can I use a different type of date? Medjool dates are ideal because of their size and sweetness, but Deglet Noor dates can work in a pinch. Just be aware they’re smaller and a bit firmer, so you may need to adjust your stuffing quantity and bake time slightly.

Are bacon wrapped dates gluten-free? Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. Just double-check the labels on your bacon and cream cheese to be safe, as some brands may contain added ingredients with gluten.

How far in advance can I prep these? You can fully assemble them (stuff, wrap, and arrange on a baking sheet) up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them refrigerated and uncovered in the fridge until baking time.

What should I serve bacon wrapped dates with? They pair beautifully with a dry red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or a light cranberry spritzer is refreshing alongside them. On a platter, they complement other finger foods like bruschetta, stuffed mushrooms, or a simple cheese board.

Did you try this recipe? We’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your photos and leave a comment below.