Pin It 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 gathering and watched them disappear within minutes: their balance of flavors is always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- Medjool dates: 16, pitted
- Bacon: 8 slices, halved crosswise
- Cream cheese: 60 g (about 4 tbsp), softened
- Walnut halves: 32 (about 40 g)
Instructions
- Prepare oven:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prep dates:
- Make a small slit in each date and remove the pit if not already pitted.
- Fill dates:
- Stuff each date with about ½ teaspoon cream cheese and insert a walnut half into the center.
- Seal dates:
- Gently press the dates closed.
- Wrap with bacon:
- 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.
Pin It When my family gathers for special occasions, these bacon wrapped dates are always requested: they bring smiles and turn every event into a celebration.
Required Tools
Sharp knife, small spoon, baking sheet, parchment paper, toothpicks
Nutritional Information
Per serving (2 pieces): 130 calories, 7 g total fat, 14 g carbohydrates, 4 g protein
Optional Flavor Boosts
Sprinkle with smoked paprika or drizzle with honey just before serving for a unique twist. Substitute pecans for walnuts if desired.
Pin It Serve warm for the best taste. Enjoy these irresistible bites at your next gathering!
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of dates work best for this dish?
Medjool dates are preferred due to their large size and natural sweetness, providing the perfect base for filling and wrapping.
- → Can I substitute walnuts for other nuts?
Pecans or almonds can be used as alternatives, delivering a similarly crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- → How do I ensure the bacon stays crispy when baked?
Bake the bacon-wrapped dates seam side down on parchment paper and turn them halfway through cooking to achieve even crispiness.
- → Is it better to serve these warm or at room temperature?
These bites are delicious both warm to enhance creaminess and crispiness, or at room temperature for convenient serving.
- → Can I prepare them ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dates and refrigerate them before baking. Bake fresh right before serving for optimal flavor and texture.