Easy Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates
Published Nov 29, 2024
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Looking for an appetizer that’s irresistibly sweet, savory, creamy, and crispy all at once? These bacon wrapped stuffed dates are a crowd-pleaser that’ll steal hearts this holiday season. Packed with a creamy herb cheese filling and wrapped in smoky, crispy bacon, these bites are a delicious appetizer for holiday parties, game day, or casual game nights. Let’s jump right in!
Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Dates Recipe
This is truly one of my favorite recipes! The sweet Medjool dates pair so beautifully with the creamy, herb-filled cheese stuffing and the smoky, crispy bacon wrap. To top it all off, a drizzle of hot honey adds just the right amount of heat and sweetness. If you’re a fan of hot honey you also have to try my easy hot honey jalapeno popper dip. Not only are these stuffed dates incredibly delicious, but they’re also easy to prepare with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, bringing a dish to a potluck, or looking for a unique treat to impress your family, these little bites are versatile enough to fit any occasion. Pair them with a refreshing side like my keto Meditteranean Greek salad or some crispy honey garlic chicken to round out your menu.
Their show-stopping flavor and presentation make them a guaranteed crowd favorite no matter what they’re paired with!
Ingredient Notes
- Medjool dates: These naturally sweet dates are chewy gems that are the perfect vessel for savory filling. You can swap them for regular dates if needed, but Medjools are the real MVP here.
- Cream cheese: The creamy base that balances the sweetness of the dates. Vegan cream cheese or dairy-free cream cheese works great if needed.
- Hot honey: Hot honey is widely available in grocery stores near the honey or condiments section. Honey with a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes makes a great stand-in if you don’t have any or if you prefer to make some spicy honey yourself.
- Fresh rosemary: Dried rosemary works in a pinch, just use half the amount.
- Fresh thyme: Pairs so well with the crispy bacon. Dried thyme is also a solid option if fresh isn’t handy.
- Salt and pepper
- Onion powder: Minced fresh onion can work, but go light on it.
- Garlic powder: Fresh garlic can be substituted, but keep it finely minced.
- Parmesan cheese: Nutritional yeast is a good swap for a dairy-free option.
- Bacon: Turkey bacon works too, but the flavor and texture will be a little bit different.
See the full recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and instructions.
Recipe Modifications
This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted for various dietary needs!
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as all the ingredients avoid wheat or gluten-containing products. Just double-check your bacon and cheese labels to be sure!
- Dairy-Free: Swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative like almond-based or cashew cream cheese. For Parmesan, nutritional yeast provides a similar nutty flavor without the dairy.
- Keto-Friendly: These bacon-wrapped dates are already low-carb, but for strict keto, use a sugar-free hot honey alternative or create your own by mixing sugar-free honey with cayenne.
- Vegetarian: While it won’t include bacon, you can wrap the stuffed dates in thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant ribbons for a vegetarian-friendly version.
How to Make Stuffed Dates
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling. In a medium bowl, mix softened cream cheese with a handheld mixer until smooth. Add in the hot honey, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese and mix until well combined. To a piping bag, add the cream cheese filling.
Step 3: Stuff the Dates. Carefully open each pitted date by slicing lengthwise (without cutting all the way through). Cut the end off the piping bag and fill the center of each date with about 1 1/2 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture.
Step 4: Wrap in Bacon. Wrap each stuffed date with half a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if needed. Place the wrapped dates seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Step 6: Remove from the oven and drizzle with additional hot honey while warm and garnish with fresh herbs. Arrange on a platter and serve immediately.
Mac’s Pro Tips
Expert Tips
Using a wire rack allows heat to circulate the dates for even cooking and crispy bacon.
Choose the right bacon. Thin-cut bacon works best since it crisps up beautifully without overwhelming the dates.
Taste the cream cheese mixture before stuffing the dates to make the seasoning is perfect for your taste. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these dates with a glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, or a bold red like Pinot Noir. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling apple cider or a white Christmas margarita mocktail.
- Try a dairy-free keto ranch dressing, a BBQ ranch, or a homemade mayo for people to dip their stuffed dates in.
- Insert decorative toothpicks or small skewers into each date to make them easy to pick up and enjoy, especially for larger gatherings.
- Add to a cheese board with tangy goat cheese, feta cheese, blue cheese, fresh mozzarella, brie, and any other cheese you love for the perfect finger food addition.
- Pair with prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella with hot honey balsamic dressing to complement the sweetness of the dates and add a sophisticated touch to your appetizer selection!
- These little dates are also delicious with firecracker meatballs or an easy cucumber vinegar salad.
- For a tangy and nutty combo sprinkle some creamy goat cheese and walnuts on top of each date.
- Try topping with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or almond butter and cinnamon for a sweet/savory treat.
- Serve with brie and cranberry sauce for a festive twist for the holidays.
Storage Tips
These dates can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours, making them perfect for parties and gatherings.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Recipe FAQs
Use a sharp paring knife to make a lengthwise slit, then gently pull out the pit.
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 12 -15 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
Medjool dates can be found in most grocery stores, usually in the produce section near dried fruits. If you’re having trouble finding them, check specialty food stores or online retailers. Regular dates work too, but Medjools are larger and easier to stuff.
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Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates
Ingredients
- 28 large medjool dates pitted
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 tbsp hot honey plus extra for drizzling
- 1/2 tsp fresh rosemary finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp fresh thyme finely chopped
- salt and pepper to tastre
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 14 slices bacon cut in half
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack.
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with a handheld mixer until smooth. Add in the hot honey, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese and mix until well combined. To a pipping bag, add the cream cheese filling.
- Stuff the Dates: Carefully open each pitted date by slicing lengthwise (without cutting all the way through). Cut the end off the pipping bag and fill each date with about 1 1/2 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture.
- Wrap in Bacon: Wrap each stuffed date with half a slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed. Place the wrapped dates seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
- Finish with Hot Honey: Remove from the oven and drizzle with additional hot honey while warm and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
- Serve: Arrange on a platter and serve immediately. Garnish with extra rosemary or thyme if desired.
Notes
- Choose the right bacon. Thin-cut bacon works best since it crisps up beautifully without overwhelming the dates.
- Taste the cream cheese mixture before stuffing the dates to make the seasoning is perfect for your taste. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Using a wire rack allows heat to circulate the dates for even cooking and crispy bacon.
- These dates can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours, making them perfect for parties and gatherings.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
