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 Dates Wrapped in Bacon
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully slice open each date lengthwise, creating a pocket to stuff with cheese. Remove the pits if not already pitted.
- Gently stuff each date with a small spoonful of blue cheese or goat cheese, pressing lightly to fill the cavity completely.
- Wrap each stuffed date with half a slice of bacon, starting at one end and wrapping tightly around. Secure with a toothpick at the end.
- Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow for crisping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the bacon is golden and crispy, and the cheese is visibly bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Carefully remove the toothpicks before serving to avoid any accidents.
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.
