Make these irresistible bacon-wrapped dates with only three simple ingredients: crispy bacon, tender dates, and salty feta. They’re a fast, elegant appetizer that balances sweet and savory—perfect for holiday gatherings, cocktail parties, or any time you want an easy crowd-pleaser.
These bites look impressive but are incredibly simple to prepare, which is why they’re my go-to for Christmas and New Year’s parties. If you want other easy showstoppers, pair them with a baked brie, cocktail meatballs, or classic party favorites like stuffed mushrooms and deviled eggs.
If you’ve never tried bacon-wrapped dates before, plan to make extra—they disappear fast. The combination of sweet dates, salty cheese, and smoky bacon is addictive. This recipe scales easily, so double or triple it for a larger crowd, or make a small batch for a snack.
How To Make Bacon Wrapped Dates
Ingredients
- Bacon — Use regular-cut bacon for a crisp finish; thick-cut takes longer and won’t get as crispy.
- Dates — Medjool dates are ideal. Use pre-pitted dates or remove the pits yourself by slicing a small slit lengthwise.
- Feta cheese — Crumbled feta or a small block both work. If you prefer, swap for blue cheese, gorgonzola, goat cheese, Boursin, or cream cheese.
- Seasonings — Finish with a pinch of coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Instructions
Prepare and wrap the dates:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Slice each date lengthwise just enough to remove the pit—don’t cut all the way through.
- Fill each pitted date with roughly ½ teaspoon of feta, adjusting by date size.
- Cut bacon slices in half crosswise to make shorter strips.
- Wrap each stuffed date with a half-strip of bacon and secure with a toothpick inserted through the bacon and date to hold everything in place.
Bake and serve:
- Arrange the wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them so the bacon crisps evenly.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the bacon reaches your preferred crispness and the dates are warmed through. Oven times vary, so check after 18 minutes if your oven runs hot.
- Remove from the oven and let cool briefly on a rack. Carefully remove toothpicks, season with coarse salt and black pepper, and serve warm.
Expert Tips
- Turn dates halfway through baking using the toothpicks to promote even, extra-crispy bacon.
- Use a light hand when stuffing—too much cheese can leak during cooking.
- Don’t overlap bacon when wrapping; one snug layer is enough to hold the date and crisp properly.
- Find dates near the produce section or packaged dried fruit aisle at most grocery stores.
What To Serve with Bacon Wrapped Dates
- Cheese board — They pair beautifully with a holiday cheese board and add a salty-sweet contrast to mild and aged cheeses.
- Complementary bites — Serve alongside other bacon appetizers or seafood bites to echo the smoky flavor.
- Sweet elements — Balance savory flavors with small sweet treats or fruit to round out the spread.
Bacon Wrapped Dates
Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon
- 16 dates
- ¼ cup feta cheese
- Coarse salt and black pepper
- Toothpicks
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Slice each date lengthwise with a small knife, opening just enough to remove the pit without cutting the date into two pieces.
-
Stuff about ½ teaspoon of feta into each date where the pit was removed.
-
Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise to form shorter strips.
-
Wrap each stuffed date with a half-strip of bacon and secure with a toothpick to hold it through baking.
-
Place the wrapped dates on a lined baking sheet and space them evenly so the bacon crisps.
-
Bake 20–25 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and dates are heated through.
-
Allow to cool briefly, remove toothpicks, season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.
Notes
- Turn the dates halfway through baking for even crisping.
- Don’t overstuff the dates to prevent the cheese from spilling out.
- Use regular-cut bacon for best texture.
- Arrange dates in a single layer without overlapping for uniform cooking.
- To Store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To Freeze: Flash-freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month.
- To Reheat: Thaw in the fridge if frozen, then reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.