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Bacon Wrapped Dates are my go-to when I need an appetizer that looks fancy but comes together in minutes, and they vanish off the platter faster than anything else I set out. If you love a good sweet-and-salty bite like our baked ham and Swiss sliders, these little cream-cheese-stuffed dates are about to be your new party staple.
Sweet Medjool dates, creamy walnut filling, and crispy bacon come together for the ultimate sweet, salty, and savory bite.
Bacon Wrapped Dates Quick Look
- 🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes
- 🌡️ Cook Time: 20 minutes
- ⏳ Total Time: 40 minutes
- 🍽️ Serving: 12 dates
- ⚡ Calories: 218kcal
- 🌶️ Flavor Profile: Sweet, salty, savory, crispy
- ✋ Difficulty: Easy, a make-ahead party app like our baked ham and Swiss sliders
Quick Answer
Mix softened cream cheese with chopped walnuts and cinnamon. Pit the Medjool dates and stuff each one with the filling, then wrap in a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Arrange on a sheet tray, brush with melted honey butter, and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 25 minutes until the bacon is crispy.
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Why This Recipe Works
Click to see the technique science
- Medjool dates are naturally sweet. Their soft, caramel-like sweetness is the perfect contrast to the salty, crispy bacon.
- Cream cheese and walnuts add richness. The creamy, nutty filling balances the sweetness of the dates and the smokiness of the bacon.
- Honey butter glaze caramelizes. Brushing the dates with honey butter helps the bacon crisp and adds a glossy, sweet finish.
- Toothpicks keep them tidy. Securing each date with a toothpick keeps the bacon wrapped tight and makes them easy to grab.
- They are make-ahead friendly. Assemble them earlier in the day and bake right before serving for a stress-free appetizer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They hit every craving at once: sweet, salty, savory, creamy, and crispy in one little bite.
- They look impressive on a platter but only take a few simple ingredients and minutes to assemble.
- They are an easy crowd-pleaser for holidays and game day, right alongside our baked ham and Swiss sliders.
Key Ingredients
Just seven simple ingredients turn into the most addictive party appetizer. Here is what each one brings.
- Medjool dates: Big, soft, and naturally sweet. They are the best variety for stuffing and wrapping.
- Bacon: Wrap each date in a slice of regular-cut bacon so it crisps up without overpowering the date.
- Cream cheese: Softened and mixed with walnuts for a creamy, rich filling.
- Walnuts: Add crunch and a toasty, nutty bite to the filling.
- Honey and butter: Whisked together into a glaze that caramelizes the bacon and adds sweet shine.
See recipe card for exact quantities.
Variations and Substitutions
These bacon wrapped dates are easy to customize for any crowd. Here are a few favorites.
- Switch the cheese: Use goat cheese or blue cheese for a tangier filling.
- Go nut-free: Skip the walnuts and just use plain cream cheese.
- Add heat: Tuck a tiny slice of jalapeno inside with the cream cheese.
- Make them savory: Stuff with a smoked almond or a piece of Parmesan instead of cream cheese.
- Build a spread: Serve them with other easy bites like our baked ham and Swiss sliders.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Dates
- In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, chopped walnuts, and ground cinnamon until combined.
- Remove the pit from each Medjool date and fill it generously with the cream cheese mixture.
- Wrap each stuffed date in a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Whisk the melted butter and honey together to make a quick glaze.
- Arrange the dates stuffing side up on a parchment lined tray and brush them with the honey butter.
- Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 25 minutes, until the bacon is crispy. Serve warm.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Use regular-cut bacon, not thick-cut. Thinner bacon crisps up in the same time it takes the dates to warm through.
- Soften the cream cheese fully so the filling is easy to mix and pipe into the dates.
- Do not skip the toothpicks. They keep the bacon from unwrapping as it bakes.
- Line your tray with parchment or foil for the easiest cleanup, since the honey and bacon fat can stick.
- Broil for the last minute if you want extra crispy bacon, watching closely so they do not burn.
- Serve them warm for the best gooey, melty texture.
Serving Ideas and Suggestions
These bacon wrapped dates are made to be passed around at parties. Pile them on a platter with a sprig of rosemary and watch them disappear.
They are right at home on a holiday appetizer spread, a charcuterie board, or a game day table next to other finger foods.
For a fuller spread, serve them alongside our baked ham and Swiss sliders and a few dips so guests have plenty to nibble on.
A drizzle of extra honey or a sprinkle of flaky salt right before serving takes them over the top.
Bacon Wrapped Dates FAQs
Yes. Assemble them up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Brush with honey butter and bake right before serving for the crispiest bacon.
Medjool dates are the best choice. They are large, soft, and sweet, which makes them easy to pit and stuff.
Yes, unless you buy pitted dates. Just slice each date open lengthwise, remove the pit, and fill with the cream cheese mixture.
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven to re-crisp the bacon.
Absolutely. Stuff the dates with goat cheese, blue cheese, a smoked almond, or a piece of Parmesan instead.
Use thinner regular-cut bacon and give them a minute or two under the broiler at the end to crisp the bacon without overcooking the dates.
Hosting a crowd? Add our baked ham and Swiss sliders to the menu for another easy, crowd-pleasing bite.
Bacon Wrapped Dates
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 12 Medjool dates
- 12 slices bacon
- 2 tablespoons salted butter melted
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a sheet tray with parchment paper, set aside.
- Mix softened cream cheese and chopped walnuts in a small bowl. Then add the ground cinnamon and combine.
- Remove each date pit, and fill them with the cream cheese mixture. Stuffing should be up to the top.
- Wrap each stuffed date with a slice of bacon and secure them with a toothpick.
- Arrange dates, stuffing side up on the prepared sheet tray.
- Finally, mix melted butter with honey and brush dates with it.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bacon is crispy.
Notes
- You can replace the honey with brown sugar.
- We like to use regular cut bacon for this so it gets crispy.
- These can be frozen, see above on how to do that.
- Add some herbs to your filling, see above on some ideas.
- Easily double this recipe to serve more people.
- Swap out the walnuts for pecans.
Nutrition
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