Bacon Wrapped Dates

These easy-to-make Bacon Wrapped Dates are stuffed with herb cream cheese, wrapped in strips of bacon, and basted with a slightly spicy honey sauce. The bite-sized sweet and savory, salty combination is almost addicting and truly a match made in heaven.

Often referred to as devils on horseback, they are a hot commodity at cocktail parties, neighborhood gatherings, bridal showers, and anytime there is a calling for good finger food. These quick and easy appetizers are quite addicting, so you might want to double the recipe.

How to make Bacon Wrapped Dates

Using a small paring knife, slit each pitted sweet date lengthwise to create a pocket for the herb cream cheese. Remove the pit if it has not been pitted. Then using a small spoon, add a small amount of herb cream cheese into the cavity. Next, wrap 1/2 piece of bacon around each date and secure it with a toothpick.

Place the wrapped dates on a parchment-covered sheet pan. Whisk together the honey, Worcestershire Sauce, and chili sauce. Bake the wrapped dates for 7 minutes. Then brush the sauce over the dates and bake in the oven for another 10 minutes turning several times and basting with the honey sauce. Cook until the bacon is browned and crispy.

Recipe notes and helpful tips

• The best dates to use are Medjool dates, but other dates will also work. If your dates are not sliced and pitted, then use a sharp knife to cut the pit lengthwise. Do not cut the all the way through. Spread the date open and remove the pit.
• Use parchment paper for even cooking, better browning, and easier cleanup.
• Thinly sliced bacon is best with this recipe. It browns and crisps faster than thick sliced bacon.
• Prosciutto or pancetta can be substituted for the bacon, but the cooking time will be reduced. 
• For added crunch, add a nut like a whole almond or pecan to the cheese mixture in the date.
• When baking, turn the dates several times so the bacon cooks and browns evenly.
• Baste with the honey glaze several times when turning the dates.
• Maple syrup can be substituted for the honey. 
• If you prefer, use plain cream cheese, blue cheese, or goat cheese.
• These appetizers can be prepped up to 48 hours in advance. Store well covered in the refrigerator.
• Everyone loves these, so you may want to prepare a double batch.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze in a heavy-duty freezer bag or sturdy container for up to 2 months.

Can you freeze bacon-wrapped dates?

Yes, you most certainly can. Prep them according to the instructions and bake them just until they start to brown but stop short of cooking all the way. Then let them fully cool. Next, place in the freezer on a level surface right on the cooled baking sheet. Once fully frozen, transfer to a sturdy freezer container. Store frozen for up to 2 months.

Remove from the freezer and place in the fridge overnight to thaw. Place the dates on a baking sheet with a little space between them. Bake at 400 degrees for 7-8 minutes or until the bacon turns golden brown and crispy.

More bacon-wrapped treats!

Bacon Wrapped Dates

Surprise your guests with these easy to make Bacon Wrapped dates stuffed with herb cream cheese and basted with a spicy honey sauce. 

5 from 14 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 17 minutes minutes

Servings: 30 -36 dates

Calories: 89kcal

Author: Beth Pierce

Ingredients

• 1 8 ounce bag pitted sweet dates (see notes)
• 5 ounces garlic and herb cream cheese
• 1 lb. bacon slices cut in half
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 teaspoon sambal oelek chili paste

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Cover a large baking sheet with parchment paper. 
• Slit each pitted date lengthwise to create a pocket for the herb cream cheese. Pipe or spoon about 1 teaspoon of cream cheese into the cavity. Wrap 1/2 slice of bacon around each date and secure with a toothpick.  Place the wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet.
• Stir together the honey, Worcestershire Sauce, and chili sauce. 
• Bake the dates for 7 minutes.  Remove the baking sheet and carefully flip the dates.  Brush the tops of the dates with the honey glaze.  Bake for another 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and flip the dates.  Brush the tops with the honey glaze.  Bake for another 5 minutes or until the bacon is golden brown and crispy. 

Notes

• If your dates are not sliced and pitted, then use a sharp knife to cut the pit lengthwise. Do not cut the all the way through. Spread the date open and remove the pit.
• Use parchment paper for even cooking, better browning, and easier cleanup.
• Thinly sliced bacon is best with this recipe. It browns and crisps faster than thick sliced bacon.
• Prosciutto or pancetta can be substituted for the bacon, but the cooking time will be reduced. 
• For added crunch, add a nut like a whole almond or pecan to the cheese mixture in the date.
• When baking, turn the dates several times so the bacon cooks and browns evenly.
• Baste with the honey glaze several times when turning the dates.
• Maple syrup can be substituted for the honey. 
• If you prefer, use plain cream cheese, blue cheese, or goat cheese.
• These appetizers can be prepped up to 48 hours in advance. Store well covered in the refrigerator.
• Everyone loves these, so you may want to prepare a double batch.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze in a heavy-duty freezer bag or sturdy container for up to 2 months.  

Nutrition

Calories: 89kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 133mg | Potassium: 38mg | Fiber: 0.03g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 8IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 0.1mg

Did You Make This Recipe?Mention @smalltownwomanfoodnut or tag #smalltownwomanfoodnut!

On the hunt for more delicious recipes?  Follow Small Town Woman on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.