Holiday parties often mean a sea of predictable snacks—chips, dips, and cold cuts. But sometimes, a simple ingredient like a date can be transformed into something unexpectedly delightful. I love how the sweet, sticky fruit balances the savory, smoky bacon and sharp cheese in one bite.
Why I Keep Coming Back to These
They’re simple, mess-free, and always disappear fast. The combo of sweet, smoky, and tangy makes them a crowd favorite, no matter the season. Plus, they’re easy to tweak—more cheese, less bacon, extra herbs. I keep coming back because they’re just so satisfying in the middle of a chaotic party.
What’s Inside These Little Wonders?
- Dates:: Sweet, chewy, with a caramel-like flavor—make sure they’re moist and pitted.
- Bacon:: Smoky and crispy when cooked—swap with prosciutto for a leaner option.
- Cheese:: Tangy blue or goat cheese adds a creamy punch—feta works too if you like milder.
- Toothpicks:: Hold everything together—don’t forget to remove them before serving.
- Optional nuts:: Chopped walnuts or almonds add crunch—use sparingly, they can dominate.
Tools You’ll Need for These Savory Bites
- Baking sheet: To hold the wrapped dates and bake evenly.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Sharp knife: To carefully slice open the dates.
- Toothpicks: To secure the bacon around the dates.
Step-by-Step for Stuffed Date Delights
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
Step 2: Slice open the dates lengthwise, removing pits carefully.
Step 3: Stuff each date with a small spoonful of blue cheese or goat cheese—whatever’s better that day.
Step 4: Wrap each stuffed date with a half-slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
Step 5: Arrange on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 6: Bake for 15-20 minutes, until bacon is crispy and cheese is bubbling.
Step 7: Let cool slightly before serving—watch for the cheese goo!
Cooking Checks and Tips for Perfect Bites
- Bacon should be crispy and golden, not burnt.
- Dates should be soft and oozy inside.
- Cheese should be bubbling but not spilling over.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
- Overstuffed dates.? USE TOO MUCH CHEESE? → Use just a small spoonful; overstuffed dates leak.
- Overcooked bacon.? BAKING TOO LONG? → Check at 15 minutes; bacon crisps quickly.
- Wrong oven temperature.? BAKING AT WRONG TEMP? → Keep the oven steady at 200°C (390°F).
- Bacon unraveling.? DIDN’T SECURE BACON? → Use extra toothpicks if needed, especially at ends.
Stuffed Date Bites Wrapped in Bacon
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Use a sharp knife to carefully slice each date lengthwise, creating an opening to remove the pits if needed.
- Stuff each date with a small spoonful of blue cheese or goat cheese, pressing gently to fill the cavity.
- Wrap each stuffed date with a half-slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick at the ends.
- Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and golden brown, and the cheese is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Carefully remove the toothpicks before serving to avoid any accidents.
- Optionally, sprinkle with chopped nuts for added crunch, then serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
I’m Jonny, the cook, writer, and food lover behind this flavorful corner of the internet. Whether it’s a sizzling weeknight stir-fry, a no-bake dessert that saves the day, or a comforting Sunday classic — this blog is where I share recipes that are bold, doable, and made to impress without the stress.
