Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Total Time

Prep: 25 min. Bake: 10 min.

Makes

3 dozen

Updated: Jan. 21, 2023
My friends and I used to make the traditional bacon-wrapped jalapenos at cookouts. I decided to sweeten them up a bit with dates. Bacon-wrapped dates are also more kid-friendly. —Susan Hinton, Apex, North Carolina
Bacon-Wrapped Dates Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 12 bacon strips
  • 36 pitted dates
  • 2/3 cup crumbled blue cheese

Directions

  1. Cut each bacon strip into thirds. In a large skillet, cook bacon in batches over medium heat until partially cooked but not crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain; keep warm.
  2. Carefully cut a slit in the center of each date; fill with blue cheese. Wrap a bacon piece around each stuffed date; secure with wooden toothpicks.
  3. Place on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 375° for 10-12 minutes or until bacon is crisp.
Bacon-Wrapped Dates Tips

What else can you put in bacon-wrapped dates?

Try a different cheese, or a combination of cheeses. Cheddar, Swiss and cream cheese are all tasty options—or even a cheese with some spice for a sweet and spicy flavor profile. Nut lovers: Try filling the dates with almonds or pecans! Get more inspiration from other date recipes, and our favorite ways to bake with dates.

Can you make a glaze for bacon-wrapped dates?

Absolutely! You may see these appetizers simply drizzled with honey, brushed with maple syrup or served with a store-bought balsamic glaze.

Can you make bacon-wrapped dates ahead of time?

Yes! There are many different ways to make these party appetizers ahead of time. The filling can be made ahead and stuffed into the dates, and the par-cooked bacon can even be wrapped around the filled dates ahead of time. Simply pop them in the oven before the party!

–Rashanda Cobbins, Taste of Home Food Editor