Feastical

Bacon-Wrapped Dates: Your New Go-To Party Hero

Hey friends, Beau here! Let’s talk about one of life’s greatest culinary truths: the most legendary party foods are often the simplest. The kind of recipe that makes people’s eyes light up, has them hovering by the tray, and has you, the brilliant host, looking like a kitchen wizard—all without breaking a sweat. That’s exactly what we’re making today: Bacon-Wrapped Dates.

Imagine this: you pop a warm, unassuming little bundle into your mouth. Your teeth break through a shatteringly crisp, smoky bacon shell. Then, you hit a pocket of impossibly soft, caramel-sweet date that just melts on your tongue. It’s a perfect one-two punch of salty and sweet, crispy and gooey, sophisticated and totally down-to-earth. This, my friends, is flavor harmony in a two-bite package.

Whether you’re gearing up for a holiday bash, a cozy game night, or just want to fancy up your Tuesday, these bacon-wrapped dates are your answer. They come together in about 30 minutes, require minimal ingredients, and are so foolproof you can whip them up while chatting with guests. They’re the appetizer that says, “I’ve got this,” with a wink and a smile. So, preheat that oven, and let’s create some magic that’ll have everyone begging for the recipe.

A Date with Destiny: My First Bite

I’ll never forget the first time I met these glorious little morsels. It was at a friend’s potluck years ago, one of those “bring whatever you can scrape together” affairs. My contribution was a slightly lopsided loaf of bread. But in the corner of the table, on a chipped platter, sat these glistening, bronzed bundles. They looked humble, almost rustic.

I took one, skeptically. The first bite was a revelation. The host, an older Italian nonna named Maria, just grinned at my wide-eyed expression. “Simple, no?” she said, patting my arm. “The best things usually are.” She explained how her mother made them for every celebration—weddings, holidays, Sunday dinners. They were a symbol of abundance (the sweet fruit) and preservation (the salted, cured meat). In that moment, it wasn’t just a snack; it was a story, a tradition, a little bite of joy passed down through generations.

That’s the spirit I want to bring to Feastical. Food that connects, that tells a story, that turns a simple ingredient into a shared moment of “Wow!” Every time I make these dates now, I think of Maria’s grin and that feeling of discovering something wonderfully delicious and beautifully simple. It’s a memory I get to taste all over again.

Gathering Your Flavor All-Stars

Here’s the beautiful part: the ingredient list is short and sweet (and salty!). But each player has a crucial role. Let’s break it down.

• 20 Medjool Dates, pitted: Medjools are the VIPs here—plump, soft, and intensely caramel-like. They’re often called “nature’s candy” for a reason. Chef’s Insight: If you can only find Deglet Noor dates, they’ll work, but they’re smaller and firmer. You may need to soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to soften up first.
• 10 slices Bacon, cut in half: This is your crispy, salty blanket. Pro Tip: Use a standard-cut bacon, not thick-cut. Thick-cut won’t crisp up as nicely in the short baking time and can be overwhelming. For a next-level flavor, try applewood-smoked bacon!
• Toothpicks: The tiny security guards that keep everything together. Soaking them in water for 10 minutes before using prevents them from burning in the oven.

Optional Fillings & Finishes (Choose Your Adventure!):

• Soft Goat Cheese or Cream Cheese: Adds a gorgeous tangy, creamy center that cuts through the richness. A little goes a long way!
• Whole Almonds or Pecans: For a fantastic crunch in the middle. It’s a textural surprise party.
• Honey or Balsamic Glaze for drizzling: The grand finale. A drizzle adds a glossy sheen and a touch of extra sweetness or tang that makes the whole thing sing.

Let’s Get Wrapping! Your Foolproof Steps

Ready? This is where the fun begins. Put on some music, and let’s transform these few ingredients into legendary party food.

1. Preheat & Prep: Crank your oven to 400°F (200°C). This hot temperature is key for rendering the bacon fat and getting it crispy, not soggy. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Kitchen Hack: Parchment is non-negotiable here! It makes cleanup a dream and prevents any sticky date syrup from welding your creations to the pan.
2. Stuff (If You Want!): If you’re using a filling, now’s the time. Gently pry open each pitted date. Using a small spoon or your fingers, insert about ½ teaspoon of cheese, or tuck in a single almond or pecan. Don’t overstuff! You just want a little surprise in the center.
3. The Wrap: Take a half-slice of bacon and wrap it snugly around the date. Start at one end and spiral it around, or just do a simple single wrap if the date is small. The goal is to have the bacon ends meet on the bottom. Chef’s Tip: Stretch the bacon slightly as you wrap. This helps it crisp up better and prevents it from shrinking too much off the ends.
4. Secure & Seat: Spear a toothpick through the center of the bundle, making sure it goes through the bacon seam to pin it closed. Place the date seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. This positioning helps the bacon ends stay put and ensures even cooking. Give them a little space—about an inch apart—so the heat can circulate.
5. Bake to Perfection: Slide the tray into your hot oven. Bake for 10 minutes, then carefully flip each date over using tongs. This ensures all-around crispiness! Bake for another 8-12 minutes, until the bacon is deeply golden brown and crisp to your liking. Watchful Eye: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on them after the flip. We want crisp, not charcoal!
6. The Rest: This is the hardest part! Let them cool on the pan for about 5 minutes. They’ll be molten-lava hot inside straight from the oven. This short rest lets the date filling settle and makes them the perfect temperature for devouring.

How to Serve These Shiny Gems

Presentation is part of the fun! You don’t need fancy platters. A simple wooden board or a colorful ceramic plate works perfectly. Arrange the warm dates in a swirling pattern or a neat little mountain. Pull out the toothpicks just before serving, or leave them in for easy grabbing.

For that chef’s touch, finish them with a drizzle. Warm a tablespoon of honey and zig-zag it over the top, or use a store-bought balsamic glaze for a pretty, tangy contrast. Scatter a few extra flakes of sea salt or chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary over them for a pop of color and fragrance.

What to serve them with? They’re stars on their own, but they love company. Pair them with a crisp white wine, a dry sparkling cider, or a bourbon cocktail. They also balance beautifully on a larger charcuterie board alongside sharp cheeses, olives, and crusty bread.

Mix It Up! 5 Tasty Twists

Once you master the classic, the playground is open. Here are some of my favorite riffs:

• The “Blue Cheese Bomb”: Swap the goat cheese for a crumble of bold blue cheese or Gorgonzola. The pungent cheese with the sweet date and smoky bacon is an unforgettable combination.
• Spicy ‘n’ Sweet: Add a kick! Before wrapping, tuck a small slice of jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes inside the date with the cheese. Or, use a peppered bacon variety.
• Mediterranean Dream: Stuff with a piece of marinated feta and a single fresh rosemary leaf before wrapping. After baking, drizzle with a little good olive oil.
• Veg-Friendly “Facon” Swap: For vegetarian friends, use high-quality, thick-cut coconut “bacon” or smoked tofu strips. The sweet-and-smoky vibe still shines through.
• Sweet & Smoky Chipotle: Mix a teaspoon of chipotle powder into your cream cheese filling. It adds a deep, smoky heat that’s absolutely addictive.

Beau’s Kitchen Notebook

This recipe has become a living thing in my kitchen. I’ve made them for fancy New Year’s Eve parties and for sad days when only comfort food would do. I once accidentally used maple syrup bacon and discovered it created a gorgeous, glazed crust—a happy accident that’s now on purpose! The biggest lesson? Don’t stress. If a date pops open in the oven, just press it back together when it comes out. If the bacon isn’t *perfectly* even, no one will notice once they take a bite. Cooking, especially for those you love, is about the joy in the process, not just pixel-perfect results. These little dates are a delicious reminder of that.

Your Questions, Answered

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: You bet! Assemble them completely (wrap and toothpick) up to a day in advance. Store them covered in the fridge on the baking sheet. Pull them out 20 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then bake as directed. They are best served warm, right out of the oven.

Q: My bacon isn’t getting crispy. Help!
A: The usual culprit is crowding the pan. If the dates are too close, they steam instead of roast. Give them space! Also, ensure your oven is fully preheated. If needed, you can finish them under the broiler for 60-90 seconds—watch them like a hawk!

Q: Can I use turkey bacon?
A: You can, but the result will be different. Turkey bacon doesn’t render fat the same way and won’t get as crisp. To help, brush the wrapped dates lightly with oil before baking. The flavor will still be good, but it’ll be leaner and chewier.

Q: Are these served hot or cold?
A> Warm is the way to go! The textures are at their peak—crispy bacon and soft, warm date. They’re still tasty at room temp, but they truly shine when warm.

Bacon-Wrapped Dates (Sweet, Salty, and Seriously Addictive)

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• Author: BeauCollier

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Description

Bacon-Wrapped Dates are the ultimate sweet-and-salty appetizer. Crispy bacon wraps around soft, caramel-like dates to create a bite that’s rich, savory, and irresistible. With just a few ingredients and about 30 minutes, you get a crowd-pleasing snack that feels fancy but couldn’t be easier to make.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 20 Medjool dates, pitted

• 10 slices bacon, cut in half

• Toothpicks (optional but helpful)

Optional Fillings

• Soft goat cheese or cream cheese

• Whole almonds or pecans

• Honey or balsamic glaze, for drizzling

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven
   Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Fill the Dates (Optional)
   If using a filling, gently open each date and add about ½ teaspoon of cheese or one nut.

3. Wrap with Bacon
   Wrap each date with half a slice of bacon, stretching slightly so it stays snug.
   Secure with a toothpick if needed.

4. Arrange on Pan
   Place dates seam-side down on the baking sheet, leaving space between each.

5. Bake
   Bake for 10 minutes, flip dates, then bake an additional 8–12 minutes until bacon is crispy and golden.

6. Cool & Serve
   Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Remove toothpicks if desired and drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze.

Notes

• Use regular-cut bacon, not thick-cut, for best crispiness

• Don’t overcrowd the pan—space helps bacon crisp instead of steam

• Soak toothpicks in water for 10 minutes to prevent burning

• Serve warm for the best texture and flavor

• If needed, broil for 1 minute at the end for extra crisp bacon

Nutritional Breakdown (For the Curious!)

Let’s keep it real: this is an indulgent treat, and that’s okay! Here’s a general look at what’s in two pieces (assuming no added cheese filling):

• Calories: ~150
• Carbohydrates: 12g (primarily natural sugars from the dates)
• Fat: 9g
• Protein: 4g

Dates are a great source of fiber and minerals like potassium. Bacon provides protein and fat, which helps make these surprisingly satisfying. As with all good things, enjoying them in moderation as part of a balanced diet is the key. Think of them as a flavorful, special-occasion appetizer that’s meant to be savored and shared.

Final Thoughts: Your Party Awaits

And there you have it—the complete guide to making the most irresistible, conversation-starting, secretly-easy appetizer in your repertoire. Bacon-Wrapped Dates are more than just a recipe; they’re a tool for connection, a guaranteed smile-maker, and proof that you don’t need complicated techniques to create something spectacular.

I hope you give them a try and make them your own. Stuff them, spice them, drizzle them. Most importantly, share them with people who make you laugh. That’s what Feastical is all about: feel-good food that brings us together.

Now, go forth and wrap! And when you make them, tag me over on the blog or socials—I’d love to see your creations. Until next time, happy cooking!

Cheers,
Beau