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.
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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)
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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.
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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.
