Make these irresistible bacon-wrapped dates with just three simple ingredients—crispy bacon, tender dates, and salty feta. This appetizer is quick to assemble, bakes in under 30 minutes, and offers a perfect sweet-and-savory balance that’s ideal for holiday parties, cocktail hours, or casual get-togethers.
They’re easy to scale for a crowd: double or triple the recipe for larger gatherings, or make a smaller batch for a light snack. If you enjoy showstopping yet simple appetizers, bacon-wrapped dates pair wonderfully with cheese boards, stuffed mushrooms, or deviled eggs.
If you haven’t tried bacon-wrapped dates before, expect them to disappear quickly—make a few extra!
How To Make Bacon Wrapped Dates
Ingredients
- Bacon — Use regular-cut bacon for a crisp texture; thick-cut will take longer to cook.
- Dates — Medjool or other soft, pitted dates work best. If your dates are not pitted, slice them open and remove the pit.
- Feta cheese — Crumbled or cut from a block. Swap for blue cheese, gorgonzola, goat cheese, or cream cheese if you prefer.
- Seasonings — A light sprinkle of coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper after baking.
Instructions
Prepare and assemble:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
- Slice each date lengthwise with a small knife, cutting just enough to remove the pit without splitting the date in half.
- Fill each date with about ½ teaspoon of feta (adjust based on date size).
- Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise to make shorter strips.
- Wrap a half-strip of bacon around each stuffed date and secure with a toothpick pushed through the bacon and date to hold it in place while baking.
Bake and serve:
- Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them so they don’t touch.
- Bake 20–25 minutes, or until the bacon reaches your desired crispiness and the dates are heated through. Oven times vary, so check them at around 18 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on a rack for a few minutes. Carefully pull out toothpicks, then season with a pinch of coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Expert Tips
- Turn dates halfway through baking using the toothpicks for even crisping.
- Use only a small amount of feta—about ½ teaspoon—so the dates close back up and the bacon wraps neatly.
- Don’t overlap bacon when wrapping; a single wrap is enough to hold the date and crisp evenly.
- Find dates in the produce or dried fruit section of most grocery stores.
What To Serve with Bacon Wrapped Dates
- Cheese board — Add these dates to a holiday cheese board for a rich, savory-sweet contrast.
- Complementary bites — Pair with other bacon-wrapped items or seafood appetizers for variety.
- Sweet treats — Balance the savory flavors with small sweet bites for dessert or a finishing course.
Bacon Wrapped Dates
8 people
10 minutes
20 minutes
30 minutes
A simple, elegant appetizer made with crispy bacon, soft dates, and tangy feta. Ready in about 30 minutes and perfect for parties.
Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon
- 16 dates
- ¼ cup feta cheese
- Coarse salt and black pepper
- Toothpicks
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice each date lengthwise and remove the pit, taking care not to cut all the way through.
- Stuff each date with about ½ teaspoon of feta.
- Cut bacon slices in half crosswise and wrap each stuffed date with a half-strip, securing with a toothpick.
- Place on a lined baking sheet, spacing evenly, and bake 20–25 minutes until bacon is crispy.
- Let cool briefly, remove toothpicks, season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.
Notes
- Turn dates halfway through cooking for even crisping.
- Do not overstuff the dates; a little cheese goes a long way.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To freeze: flash-freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat at 350°F until warmed through.
Nutrition
Serving: 1/8, Calories: 97kcal, Carbohydrates: 12g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 5g
Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guide only.