Recipe

Bacon Wrapped Dates

A sweet-salty appetizer with crispy bacon, jammy dates, and a creamy filling. Quick to prep, easy to bake, and impossible to stop eating.

By Matt Campbell

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4.8

A platter of bacon wrapped dates with crisped edges, glossy bacon, and a few toothpicks, set on a warm-toned kitchen table with soft natural light

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If you need an appetizer that makes people hover near the kitchen like it is a warming station at a fancy party, this is it. Bacon wrapped dates are the ultimate sweet-salty situation: jammy Medjool dates, a creamy little filling, then bacon that turns crisp on the edges and sticky where it hugs the fruit.

They look like you tried really hard. You did not. The only “skill” here is resisting the urge to eat half the dates while you are stuffing them. Serve them as-is, or add a quick drizzle of hot honey or balsamic glaze if you want that extra pause-mid-bite moment.

Medjool dates, bacon slices, and a bowl of goat cheese arranged on a clean kitchen counter with a cutting board and toothpicks

Why It Works

Big flavor, tiny effort: the dates caramelize in the oven while the bacon crisps, so you get sweet, smoky, salty, and rich in one bite.
Make-ahead friendly: assemble up to 8 to 12 hours ahead, refrigerate, then bake right before guests show up (add 2 to 3 minutes if baking straight from cold).
Customizable: go goat cheese for tang, cream cheese for mellow, add an almond for crunch, or finish with hot honey for a little drama.
Cleaner baking: parchment and a wire rack help render bacon fat and keep the bottoms from frying in grease.

Pairs Well With

Storage Tips

Refrigerate: Store cooled bacon wrapped dates in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat: For best crisp edges, warm in a 375°F oven or toaster oven for 6 to 10 minutes until sizzling. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the bacon softens.

Freeze: You can freeze them baked or unbaked. Freeze in a single layer on a sheet pan until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Expect the dates to get a little softer after freezing, and the bacon may not re-crisp quite like fresh. Bake from frozen at 400°F, adding 5 to 8 minutes as needed.

Common Questions

Do I need to soak the dates?

No. Medjool dates are naturally soft and jammy. If your dates feel dry or stiff, soak them in warm water for 5 minutes, then pat very dry so the bacon can crisp.

What cheese is best for stuffing dates?

Goat cheese is my favorite because it is tangy and cuts through the sweetness. Cream cheese is the most crowd-friendly and super easy to pipe. Blue cheese is bold and excellent if your crew is into it.

How do I keep the bacon from sliding off?

Use thin-cut bacon, wrap snugly, and secure with a toothpick through the seam. Also, start with cold bacon straight from the fridge. It handles cleaner.

Should I par-cook the bacon first?

Not necessary with thin-cut bacon and a hot oven. If you only have thick-cut bacon, par-cook it in a skillet for 2 to 5 minutes, just until some fat starts to render but the bacon is still pliable, then wrap and bake.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes. Air fry at 375°F for 8 to 11 minutes, turning once, until the bacon is crisp. Space them in a single layer and start checking at 7 to 8 minutes since some air fryers run hot. Work in batches and keep an eye on them because dates can brown quickly.

Any easy upgrades?

Stuff with goat cheese and an almond, then finish with hot honey or a tiny drizzle of balsamic glaze. It is a one-bite appetizer that somehow tastes like a whole menu.

Any serving tips?

Yes: remind people about the toothpicks, or pull them out and use a platter pick option before serving. Also, bacon can be plenty salty, so skip extra salt and finish with black pepper if you want a little bite.

Matt Campbell

I have always had a huge passion for the culinary arts, people, working as a team, and so on. I wanted to pursue my love for cooking initially at Virginia Commonwealth University with a culinary arts degree; however, I instead decided to apply myself and acquire more practical skills. My end goal is to eventually open my own restaurant or similar establishment.

Kitchen Essentials

Rimmed baking sheet
Parchment paper or foil
Wire rack (optional but helps crisp)
Small spoon or piping bag (or zip-top bag with the corner snipped)
Toothpicks
Small knife and cutting board

I am a sucker for recipes that feel like a cheat code, and bacon wrapped dates are one of the best. The first time I made them for friends, I set the tray down and stepped away for literally one minute to grab napkins. When I came back, the “platter” looked like it had been audited. Now I make a double batch, and I always test one fresh from the oven for quality control, obviously.