This quick and easy 3-ingredient recipe for Bacon Wrapped Dates is an ideal appetizer or party snack. Sweet dates are stuffed with tangy blue cheese, wrapped in smoky bacon, and baked until crisp for a simple, crowd-pleasing bite.
Table of contents
- Step by step instructions
- Frequently asked questions
- More bacon recipes
I love wrapping savory or sweet items in bacon — it adds a smoky, crispy contrast that elevates simple ingredients. These bacon-wrapped dates are one of my go-to party appetizers because they’re fast to prepare, easy to scale for any crowd, and always disappear quickly. They pair beautifully with cocktails and make a festive addition to any holiday spread.
Step by step instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice each date about three-quarters of the way through and remove the pit. Fill the cavity with crumbled blue cheese or your preferred soft cheese.
- Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise. Wrap a half slice of bacon around each stuffed date and secure with a toothpick if needed.
- Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates on a wire rack set over a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. Elevating them lets the bacon crisp evenly while the drippings collect below for easier cleanup.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then flip each date and bake another 10–15 minutes, or until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispness.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm for the best contrast between the sweet date, creamy cheese, and crisp bacon.
Frequently asked questions
- Can you reheat bacon wrapped dates? Yes. Reheat them briefly under the broiler or in a hot oven for 2–3 minutes per side to restore the bacon’s crispness.
- What kind of dates should I use? Medjool dates are ideal because they are large and soft, which makes stuffing and wrapping easier, but other varieties will work if that’s what you have on hand.
- Can I use a different cheese? Absolutely. Gorgonzola, goat cheese, cream cheese, or brie are all excellent alternatives to blue cheese. Each offers a slightly different flavor profile—creamy and mild versus tangy and bold—so choose based on your preference.
- Are these gluten free? Yes. Bacon wrapped dates are naturally gluten free when made with plain bacon and cheese without added gluten-containing ingredients.
- Are they keto-friendly? A single bacon-wrapped date has about 5 grams of carbohydrates, so they can be enjoyed in moderation within a low-carb or keto plan depending on your daily allowance.
- Storage and make-ahead tips: You can prepare the dates a few hours ahead, refrigerate them on a tray, and bake just before serving. Leftovers keep for 2–3 days in the refrigerator; reheat in the oven to regain crispness.
More bacon recipes
If you enjoy bacon-wrapped dates, try other bacon-wrapped favorites such as:
- Bacon-wrapped teriyaki chicken skewers
- Garlic herb bacon-wrapped brie
- Nutella bacon chocolate chip cookies
- Bacon, tomato, and avocado grilled cheese
- Baked spaghetti with BBQ chicken and bacon
- Bacon roll-ups
Bacon Wrapped Dates
Sweet dates stuffed with tangy blue cheese, wrapped in smoky bacon and baked until crisp. A simple 3-ingredient appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings.
Servings: 20 bacon wrapped dates
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Author: Whitney Bond
Ingredients
- 20 dates
- 10 slices bacon, halved
- 4 oz blue cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice each date halfway through and remove the pit. Stuff each date with blue cheese.
- Cut bacon slices in half and wrap a half-slice around each stuffed date. Secure with a toothpick if necessary.
- Place the wrapped dates on a wire rack set over a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Bake 20 minutes, turn the dates over, then bake an additional 15 minutes or until the bacon is crisp.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 85 kcal (per date)
Carbohydrates: 5 g
Protein: 2 g
Fat: 6 g (Saturated fat: 2 g)
Cholesterol: 11 mg
Sodium: 152 mg
Sugar: 4 g
Tips: For easier assembly, pit dates with a small paring knife and use slightly softened cheese to make stuffing simpler. For a sweeter-savory contrast, brush a tiny amount of maple syrup on the bacon before baking or sprinkle chopped toasted nuts over the finished dates for extra texture.