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GET IT NOWBacon Wrapped Dates (Devils On Horseback) Are The Easiest Gourmet Appetizer Ever
I first tried bacon wrapped dates on a trip to Coachella Valley, where most of the U.S. dates are grown. My husband and I did a little weekend getaway there, and dates were everywhere! But it was this bacon wrapped version called devils on horseback that won our hearts. Here’s why I’ve been making them at home again and again since:
- Sweet, salty, crispy and creamy perfection – The combination of smoky bacon, tangy goat cheese, and sweet dates might sound simple, but the balance of flavors hits every note. The honey drizzle brings it all together with a glossy, caramelized finish.
- Tried and tested for the best texture – After testing a few different ways, I found I get the cripiest bacon and the best caramelized finish when I cut the bacon into thirds and drizzle on the honey towards the end of cooking.
- Just 4 simple ingredients – Plus toothpicks to keep it all wrapped.
- Easy to make ahead – I usually stuff these bacon wrapped dates with goat cheese and wrap them ahead of time, then bake right before serving — or right before heading out if I’m taking them to someone’s house. They’re one of my favorite easy appetizer recipes to bring!
Make this bacon wrapped dates recipe with me, and you’ll see why it’s such a winner at parties!
“Omg! These [devils on horseback] were such a hit at our dinner party. Wow, wow, wow, these are AMAZING! Thank you for the recipe. I’ll be making them often now.”
-Julia
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my bacon wrapped dates recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
- Dates – I recommend Medjool dates, because they’re easy to find (I get them at my local warehouse club) and large enough for filling. I usually grab the pitted ones to save time, but you can pit them yourself, too. If you have extras, make bliss balls with them!
- Bacon – Get regular, not thick cut. Turkey bacon, pancetta, or prosciutto all work as well, but don’t get as crispy.
- Goat Cheese – The creamy, tangy goat cheese is so good with the sweet dates. I use the soft, spreadable kind that comes in a log, which is much easier to stuff inside the dates than the crumbled kind. Cream cheese works nicely, too.
- Honey – I use my Wholesome Yum Zero Sugar Honey here, as the dates already have plenty of sugar. You can also use my sugar-free maple syrup.
Filling Variations:
You can mash chopped sun dried tomatoes, nuts (I love almonds, walnuts, or pecans for crunch), dried cranberries, or fresh herbs into the cheese before stuffing the mixture into the sweet dates.
How To Make Bacon Wrapped Dates With Goat Cheese
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
- Stuff the dates. Use a small paring knife to cut a slit in each date so it opens like a little book, then scoop and spread the cream cheese inside.
- Wrap the bacon. Roll the stuffed dates with bacon and secure it with a toothpick, then place on a baking sheet with a rack or in a baking dish. I find it works best to use strips of bacon cut into thirds.
- Bake. Pop the bacon wrapped dates in the oven. In the last few minutes, drizzle with honey and bake again until caramelized.
My Recipe Tips
- Use room temperature cream cheese if you can. Cold still works, but it’s easier to spread inside the dates if it’s room temp.
- I used to cut the bacon slices in half, but now I prefer cutting them into thirds. It means less overlap, so the bacon cooks more evenly. A lot of overlapping prevents it from crisping up well.
- Don’t stretch the bacon before wrapping the dates. It shrinks as it cooks, so stretching can cause it to unravel, even with the toothpicks.
- I used a baking dish in these photos and it works fine, but now I prefer using this rack and baking sheet set. That way, the bacon wrapped dates don’t sit in grease and the bacon gets crispier.
- Flip the dates over before drizzling the honey. This helps the bacon cook more evenly and get crispy all around.
- I’ve also made these stuffed dates without bacon for a vegetarian friend. Just drizzle with honey and bake for a few minutes until caramelized. When I make both versions, I bake the bacon-wrapped ones first, then add the plain dates, drizzle everything with honey, and finish baking together until golden.
- Want a little heat? Mix some sriracha into the honey, or use my jalapeno hot honey instead. You can also sprinkle on a little cayenne pepper for a kick.
- Let them rest before serving. A few minutes out of the oven helps the cheese set slightly and the bacon gets even more crisp.
Bacon Wrapped Dates (4 Ingredient Appetizer)
Bacon wrapped dates (a.k.a. devils on horseback) are sweet, salty, and creamy all in one. An easy appetizer with just 4 simple ingredients!
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Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
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Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
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Slice the dates lengthwise, but not all the way through. They should open like a clamshell. Remove the pits at this stage if your dates are not already pitted.
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Use a spoon to stuff the dates with goat cheese.
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Wrap each date with a third slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Place in the baking dish or baking sheet (I prefer this set), in a single layer. Don’t crowd the dish too much.
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Bake bacon wrapped dates in the oven for 10 minutes.
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Remove the baking dish and drizzle the honey over the dates. Put the baking dish back and bake for about 10 more minutes, or until the bacon is crispy to your liking.
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Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes.
LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 2 bacon wrapped dates
- Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get perfectly crispy bacon, plus a couple variations.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Meal prep: Stuff and wrap the dates ahead of time, then refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. Perfect for getting a head start on party prep!
- Reheat: Pop these in the oven again to crisp the bacon. I don’t recommend the microwave, which makes them soggy.
- Freeze: You can freeze bacon wrapped dates either cooked or uncooked. To prevent sticking together, I freeze on a sheet pan first, then transfer to a zip lock bag once solid. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
- Note on nutrition info: I used Wholesome Yum Zero Sugar Honey for these numbers. The sugar content comes from the dates. Regular honey will be even higher in sugar.
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy.
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Bacon Wrapped Dates (Devils On Horseback)
More Bacon Wrapped Appetizers
If you like these devils on horseback appetizers, try one of my other bacon wrapped appetizers next:
5 Comments
Dee
0Are dates keto?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Dee, No, they are not.
Julia
0Omg! These were such a hit at our dinner party!! wow wow wow these are AMAZING!!! Thank you for the recipe! I will be making them often now.
Katie
0This is such a fun party snack for get togethers with friends! We love it.
Jessica
0Mmm!! I love the addition of honey in this recipe! It makes so much sense and adds that perfect touch of sweetness!