Save Sweet, smoky, and creamy bites featuring dates filled with tangy cream cheese and crunchy walnuts, all wrapped in crisp bacon: a perfect appetizer for any occasion.
I first made these bacon wrapped dates for a holiday party, and they disappeared in minutes. Their combination of salty and sweet with a satisfying crunch has made them our go-to appetizer.
Ingredients
- Medjool dates: 16 pieces, pitted
- Bacon: 8 slices, halved crosswise
- Cream cheese: 60 g (about 4 tbsp), softened
- Walnut halves: 32 halves (about 40 g)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut and Pit Dates:
- Make a small slit in each date and remove the pit if not already pitted.
- Stuff Dates:
- Fill each date with about ½ teaspoon of cream cheese and insert a walnut half into the center.
- Close and Wrap:
- Gently press the dates closed. Wrap each stuffed date with a half-slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Bake:
- Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18–20 minutes, turning halfway through, until bacon is crisp and golden.
- Serve:
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Save This appetizer always brings my family together at the table: my kids especially enjoy helping stuff the dates before baking.
Required Tools
Sharp knife, small spoon, baking sheet, parchment paper, and toothpicks are all you need for easy prep.
Allergen Information
This dish contains dairy and tree nuts; also pork in bacon. It is gluten-free but confirm product labels.
Nutritional Information
Each serving (2 pieces) provides about 130 calories, 7 g of fat, 14 g of carbohydrates, and 4 g of protein.
Save Serve these dates warm or at room temperature: they're always a hit at parties or family gatherings.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of dates work best?
Medjool dates are ideal due to their softness and natural sweetness, making them easy to stuff and complementing the bacon well.
- → Can I use different nuts for stuffing?
Yes, pecans or almonds can be substituted for walnuts to add a different nutty flavor and crunch.
- → How do I prevent bacon from unwrapping during baking?
Use toothpicks to secure the bacon tightly around each stuffed date to prevent unraveling while baking.
- → Is it possible to prepare these in advance?
Yes, assemble the stuffed dates wrapped in bacon and refrigerate; bake just before serving for best texture.
- → Can I add extra seasoning?
Sprinkling smoked paprika or drizzling honey before baking enhances the sweet and smoky flavors beautifully.