Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates
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!
Servings: 28 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
Calories: 135kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 117mg | Potassium: 211mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 93IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 0.3mg