Bacon Wrapped Dates

This easy appetizer is a quick go-to recipe that everyone will love. It is a perfect addition to holiday get togethers and kid friendly charcuterie boards.

The sweet and salty combination of bacon and dates is perfect for kids and adults alike! For an extra foodie flavor, add some goat cheese to the dates before you wrap in bacon. These are so delicious.

Ingredients needed:

You only need a few ingredients for this recipe! For the full amounts, please make sure you scroll down to the recipe card below.

• Bacon – You will want to buy a really high quality bacon here. You want a medium cut bacon – too thick and it won’t crisp up, and too thin and it doesn’t cover well. I really like the flavor that a maple bacon gives, but applewood smoked bacon is also great.
• Dates – You want to use a good quality Medjool date – they have the best size, flavor, and texture. Note whether or not the dates have been pitted when you buy them. If they still have the pits you will need to remove them before baking.
• Goat Cheese (Optional) – This is entirely optional, but makes a really good addition! The creamy slightly tangy flavor of the goat cheese pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory flavors. You can omit this, or use cream cheese.

How to make bacon wrapped dates

This recipe is very simple to make! Here is a brief overview of the recipe to give you an idea of how it works. For the full set of directions and measurements, please make sure you scroll down to the recipe card below!

1. Preheat the oven and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Slice the dates lengthwise on one side to make an opening, and remove the pit.
3. Cut the bacon slices in half.
4. Wrap each date with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
5. Arrange evenly on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
6. Turn each date over. Bake for an additional 5-8 minutes or until the bacon is crisped but not burnt.
7. Remove from the oven and place on a paper towel to drain and cool for 5-10 minutes before seeing.

TIP: The bacon should wrap about the date about 2 full times. If you get much more than that on, the bacon won’t crisp up on the oven. Use a pair of kitchen shears to trim off excess bacon.

Storage Information

These are best when eaten hot and crispy straight from the oven. But they are also great when eaten warm. And amazingly, they are also great cold straight from the fridge. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Eat cold or warm in the microwave.

How these are kid friendly

Bacon wrapped dates are a great kid friendly appetizer because they are both slightly sweet and wrapped in bacon!

• Because they are so simple to make, they are a great recipe for kids to help with! Kids of all ages can help make these dates.
• Once your kids are a fan of plain bacon wrapped date, try stuffing them! If your kiddos are not a fan of goat cheese, start with something milder like cream cheese. You can then move up to goat cheese or even feta cheese.

If you are looking for more sophisticated but kid friendly appetizers, you have got to try garlic parmesan wings! They are so easy but so delicious!