3-Ingredient Bacon Wrapped Dates - I Heart Naptime (2024)

3-Ingredient Bacon Wrapped Dates - I Heart Naptime (1)

Jamielyn Nye
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Delicious bacon wrapped dates made with just 3 simple ingredients. This easy appetizer is the perfect balance of sweet and savory!

3-Ingredient Bacon Wrapped Dates - I Heart Naptime (2)

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Table of Contents

  • Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese
  • 3 Simple Ingredients
  • How to Make Bacon Wrapped Dates
  • Cooking Tips
  • Variations
  • To Make in Advance
  • More Easy Appetizers
  • Bacon Wrapped Dates Recipe Printable Recipe

Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese

I happen to believe that anything wrapped in bacon is exponentially better. And it seems many others think so too, since bacon appetizers are usually the first gone at a party. This recipe is always a popular one, as well as bacon-wrapped bread bites, bacon-wrapped smokies, and jalapeno poppers.

With the Super Bowl coming up, I thought I’d share one of the easiest (and most delicious!) appetizer recipes out there. Bacon wrapped dates are always a a huge hit at parties and have a wonderful sweet and savory combo. The best part? Only 3 ingredients!

The sweet dates are stuffed with a tangy goat cheese and wrapped in a savory piece of bacon. What’s not to love? My kids prefer them without cheese, so I always make half the batch plain. Sometimes I’ll even add in an almond for an extra crunch. They are so simple and delicious!

3-Ingredient Bacon Wrapped Dates - I Heart Naptime (3)

3 Simple Ingredients

  1. Bacon: Use thin-cut bacon – it’s more flexible and will wrap around the dates easier without breaking.
  2. Dates: I like to buy pitted dates to make it easier. If you buy Medjool dates, make sure to remove the pit beforehand.
  3. Goat cheese: This is optional, although I love the tangy flavor it adds.

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Dates

STUFF. Cut a slit in the top of each date, then press open. Stuff with about 1 teaspoon goat cheese and add an almond in the center if desired. Then close the tops.

WRAP. Wrap each date with a small piece of bacon, then secure with a toothpick. Place the dates on their sides on a lined baking sheet.

BAKE. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then flip and bake an additional 15-20 minutes. Remove from oven when bacon is crisp and move to a plate lined with paper towels. Enjoy!

3-Ingredient Bacon Wrapped Dates - I Heart Naptime (4)

Cooking Tips

  • Line your pan so that any bacon grease can’t get through. It makes the cleanup way easier.
  • Soak your toothpicks in water for about 10 minutes before preparing to prevent them from burning.
  • Snip a small cut in the corner of the goat cheese packaging and pipe the cheese into the date.
  • If you only have thick bacon, use a rolling pin to flatten.
  • Make sure to flip half way through so the bacon cooks evenly. Nothing worse than bacon that isn’t cooked all the way.
3-Ingredient Bacon Wrapped Dates - I Heart Naptime (5)

Variations

Below are a few fun variations that taste just as delicious!

  • Use prosciutto and Gorgonzola instead of bacon and goat cheese.
  • Place an almond on top of the goat cheese for an added crunch.
  • Sprinkle a little brown sugar on top of the bacon before baking.
  • Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
  • Use cream cheese instead of goat cheese.

To Make in Advance

The great thing about bacon wrapped dates is they can be prepped up to 24 hours in advance. Simply stuff and wrap the dates, then place on a baking sheet. Cover with foil or plastic wrap and store in fridge until ready to bake. Then bake according to directions. Easy peasy!

3-Ingredient Bacon Wrapped Dates - I Heart Naptime (6)

More Easy Appetizers

  • Sausage Balls
  • Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
  • Lil Smokies Recipe (3 Ingredients)

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3-Ingredient Bacon Wrapped Dates - I Heart Naptime (11)

Bacon Wrapped Dates Recipe

5 from 4 votes

↑ Click stars to rate now!

Author: Jamielyn Nye

Delicious bacon wrapped dates made with just 3 simple ingredients. This easy appetizer is the perfect balance of sweet and savory!

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 30 minutes mins

Total Time: 40 minutes mins

Servings: 36

Equipment

  • Baking sheet

  • Parchment paper

  • Toothpicks, soaked in water

Ingredients

  • 36 pitted dates
  • 1 pound bacon (thin cut) , cut in thirds
  • 2 ounces goat cheese

Optional: 36 almonds

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    • Use a small knife to cut a slit in the top of each date. Then press open. Stuff about 1 teaspoon of cheese into the date and add an almond to the center if desired. Then press close.

    • Wrap each date with a small piece bacon. Secure with a toothpick and then place the dates on their side on the baking sheet.

    • Bake for 15 minutes, then flip and bake another 15-20 minutes or until bacon is crisp.

    • Transfer to a paper towel lined plate to absorb any extra grease.

    Notes

    Make ahead: These dates can be prepped up to 24 hours in advance. Cover with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate the pan until ready to bake.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 76kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 89mg | Potassium: 71mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 21IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

    Course: Appetizer

    Cuisine: American

    Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

    Categorized as: 5 Ingredients Or Less, American, Appetizers, Mini appetizers, Super Bowl

    3-Ingredient Bacon Wrapped Dates - I Heart Naptime (12)

    Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is also the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook. Here you will find easy family-friendly recipes for every occasion.

    More about Jamielyn Nye

    Add a comment

    3 comments

      • Nicole
      • 3-Ingredient Bacon Wrapped Dates - I Heart Naptime (13)

      Easy and delicious appetizer, everyone always loves these

      • Reply
      • Jane Saunders
      • 3-Ingredient Bacon Wrapped Dates - I Heart Naptime (14)

      These are so simple to make and as you predicted they would be – gone in a flash! A great recipe to get the kids to help with too when time is short too.

      • Reply
      • Linda
      • 3-Ingredient Bacon Wrapped Dates - I Heart Naptime (15)

      What a fantastic appetizer! I wanted to try it before making it for the big game and it was so delicious I know I’ll be making it this Sunday. You had me at the goat cheese but the combo of the bacon, which I sprinkled with a little brown sugar, and the sweet date was awesome.

      • Reply
    3-Ingredient Bacon Wrapped Dates - I Heart Naptime (2024)

    FAQs

    What goes well with bacon wrapped dates? ›

    Nuts are nice because they give some crunch. You could also drizzle them with truffle honey for a luxurious touch. Any kind of spicy chutney works great too. The bacon-wrapped dates are a great addition to any co*cktail party and they pair especially well with wine.

    How many calories are in bacon wrapped dates? ›

    4 dates of bacon wrapped dates contains 540 Calories. The macronutrient breakdown is 52% carbs, 41% fat, and 7% protein. This is a good source of protein (18% of your Daily Value), fiber (29% of your Daily Value), and potassium (17% of your Daily Value).

    What are bacon wrapped dates made of? ›

    My favorite bacon-wrapped dates recipe is made with (actually!) crispy bacon, tender Medjool dates, and stuffed with your choice of cheese. Easy to make and always a party favorite! I've made this 3-ingredient easy appetizer more times than I can count for happy hours, dinner parties, holiday gatherings…you name it.

    What is the history of bacon wrapped dates? ›

    While this appetizer was en vogue in the 1970s and 1980s, it has never gone out of style. In fact, it dates back to Victorian England, when bacon-wrapped oysters or prunes (also known as angels or devils on horseback) were eaten before or after a meal.

    What tastes good on dates? ›

    Either stuff the pitted dates with a nut each or leave them out separately to pick at.
    • Dates + Dark Chocolate. Stuff pitted dates with small pieces of good, slightly bitter dark chocolate for a snack that also doubles as dessert. ...
    • Dates + Prosciutto. This one is sweet and salty bliss. ...
    • Dates + Soft Cheese. ...
    • Dates + Marzipan.
    May 1, 2019

    What cheese goes best with dates? ›

    Various cheeses pair wonderfully with dates. Some popular options include creamy Brie, tangy blue cheese, sharp cheddar, aged Gouda, or even crumbly goat cheese. The sweetness of the dates complements the flavors of these cheeses.

    What is special about Medjool dates? ›

    Medjool dates are low on the glycemic index which means the sugars from the dates process slower in our body than traditional sugars, making them an excellent source of energy and healthy nutrients.

    Are dates healthy for you? ›

    Dates are a healthy fruit to include in your diet. They are high in several nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants, all of which may provide health benefits ranging from improved digestion to a reduced risk of disease. There are several ways to add dates to your diet.

    How many calories are in 4 pieces of dates? ›

    How Many Calories Do Dates Have?
    Portion SizeCalories
    1 date calories (1 piece 8 g)23
    Calories in 2 dates (pitted 14.2 g)40
    4 dates calories92
    Dates calories in 100 g277
    5 more rows

    Are prunes and dates the same thing? ›

    Are dates and prunes the same? Although they may look similar and are both dried, dates and prunes are totally different fruits. In fact, prunes are actually dried plums (but not all plums can become prunes), and they originate in Asia. In comparison to dates, they're a lot darker in colour and stickier in texture.

    Why put dates in smoothies? ›

    Dates naturally sweeten smoothies with their vanilla-caramel flavor, making for a refined sugar-free treat that's healthy and delicious! Vanilla date smoothies are a perfect sweet treat any time of day! Whether for breakfast, snack or after the gym, they're decadent and so easy to make!

    How long are dates good for? ›

    Answer. Dates should be kept in an air-tight container and can be stored at room temperature or refrigerated up to 6 months, and frozen for up to 1 year. If purchasing dates in bulk meets your personal needs, you may opt to refrigerate or freeze any excess dates.

    How to reheat bacon wrapped dates? ›

    Can bacon wrapped dates be reheated? Bacon-wrapped dates are best served warm, when the dates are soft and the bacon is crisp. You can make a day ahead and bake before serving, or bake a few hours ahead and reheat in a 350-degree oven for about six minutes.

    What is wrapped bacon called? ›

    Bacon-wrapped foods are foods that are prepared by being covered in bacon. They may be baked, fried, or grilled. Popular bacon-wrapped dishes include angels on horseback, devils on horseback, and pigs in blankets. Bacon has long been used for barding roasts, especially game birds.

    What do you serve with dates? ›

    Dates pair well with cured meats, cheeses, and nuts (aka the most common additions to boards). Thus, you cannot go wrong by adding these dried fruits to your next charcuterie board. Dates can be presented on their own or stuffed with other tasty ingredients.

    What can be mixed with dates? ›

    Make your own trail mix by mixing dates in with your favorite nuts such as almonds, peanuts, pecans and walnuts and other dried fruits. A Different Drizzle. Blend dates with a small amount of milk until smooth then drizzle over whole wheat waffles, oatmeal, or French toast.

    How do you eat packed dates? ›

    How To Eat Dry Dates: Dry dates are hard to touch and need to be soaked in water for up to 5 hours to turn soft. Remove the seed and consume the pulp. Do not throw away the water yet as it gets infused with various nutrients and drinks it to ease digestion and constipation.

    What compliments bacon? ›

    THE TOP 10 BACON PAIRINGS: BACON AND BOURBON'S ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BACON
    • Bacon Comes in Many Different Shapes and Sizes.
    • Pairing #1: Bacon & Brown Sugar.
    • Bacon Pairing #2: Bacon & Biscuits.
    • Pairing #3: Pork Belly & Local Colorado Whiskey.
    • Pairing #4: Big Wave Golden Ale & a BLT.
    • Pairing #5: Apples & Bacon.
    Apr 23, 2024

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