Bacon Wrapped Dates

Name: Bacon Wrapped Dates
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 12 Medjool dates, pitted; 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, cut in half; 1 teaspoon of balsamic glaze (optional); Toothpicks, for securing

Highlighted under: Celebration Feast Ideas

We had friends coming over for game night, and I wanted to make something quick but impressive. Bacon wrapped dates came to mind because they’re not just easy to prepare but also surprisingly satisfying. Honestly, the whole thing runs about $10 and is so worth it when you see everyone enjoying them. It’s a fun little appetizer that always sparks conversation, plus who doesn’t love bacon?

Created by

The Globalbitesrecipes Team

Last updated on 2026-06-06T23:13:19.359Z

These bacon wrapped dates first showed up at a potluck I attended, and I was blown away by how convincingly satisfying they were. It’s crazy how such simple ingredients can come together to taste so gourmet, right? I decided to try my hand at making them for a casual gathering, and they vanished within minutes. I kept a few back to savor later, but honestly, I probably should've made a double batch.

One thing I learned is how important it is to get the right kind of bacon. I’ve tried using turkey bacon once, and let’s just say it didn’t have that crunchy goodness I was looking for. Using quality thick-sliced bacon really makes a difference. If you can get your hands on Medjool dates, those are definitely the way to go. They’re big, sweet, and luxurious which pairs perfectly with the savory bacon.

Why I Keep Making This

Super easy to throw together
They disappear fast, trust me
You can make them ahead of time
Sweet and savory combo is a crowd-pleaser

The Secret to This Bacon Wrapped Dates

These bacon wrapped dates are all about balance. The sweetness of the dates works really well with the salty, crispy bacon, creating a nice mix that has people reaching for more. For a twist, you can stuff the dates with cheese or almonds before wrapping them. It adds a new layer of flavor, but honestly, they're great just as they are.

The key to getting these just right is the bacon. Using thick-cut bacon helps achieve that satisfying crunch without getting too chewy once cooked. If you're short on time, you can buy pre-pitted dates, but Medjool dates are usually superior in taste and texture. They’re plump and sweet, making them a solid choice for this appetizer.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Ingredients

12 Medjool dates, pitted
6 slices of thick-cut bacon, cut in half
1 teaspoon of balsamic glaze (optional)
Toothpicks, for securing

Gather all your ingredients and let’s get cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps:

Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, grab your dates and make sure they're pitted. You don’t want any surprises while snacking!

Wrap It Up

Take a date and wrap half a piece of bacon around it, securing it with a toothpick. Don’t worry if it doesn’t look perfect; they’ll still taste amazing once they’re cooked. Repeat until all the dates are wrapped.

Bake Away

Arrange the wrapped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon gets crispy. Keep an eye on them, as the exact time can vary depending on your bacon’s thickness.

Finish and Serve

If you like, drizzle a little balsamic glaze on top before serving for extra flavor. Let them cool for a minute, then serve hot and watch your friends enjoy!

Enjoy your delicious bacon wrapped dates!

Pro Tips

If you're prepping in advance, you can wrap the dates and refrigerate them until you're ready to bake.
For a twist, try stuffing the dates with cheese before wrapping them in bacon.
Experiment with different types of bacon - maple bacon adds a nice sweetness.

Scaling Bacon Wrapped Dates for a Crowd

If you have a larger gathering, doubling or even tripling this recipe is totally doable. Just remember to space them out on your baking sheet; overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking. You might need to stagger the baking process if your oven isn’t big enough to accommodate all of them at once. Keeping an eye on the time is crucial here, so you can adjust for size.

Also, you can assemble these ahead of time and chill them in the fridge. I sometimes prepare them a few hours in advance. Then you just pop them in the oven when your guests arrive. This way, you’ll get that fresh-baked aroma wafting through your home right as everyone shows up, which is always a nice touch.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

You can, but I wouldn't - the texture and flavor just won't be the same. Bacon adds that necessary crispiness.

→ How can I tell when they're done cooking?

You'll know they're ready when the bacon looks crispy and golden brown. Just keep checking to avoid any burnt bits!

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Definitely! Wrap them the night before and pop them in the oven when your guests arrive. Super easy!

→ What dip would go well with these?

Honestly, I like them plain, but a simple ranch or creamy garlic dip could be a fun addition.