Bacon wrapped dates….savory, sweet perfection!

One of my first introductions to the savory/sweet combination…..is these bacon wrapped dates. I don’t even remember where I stumbled upon this recipe, but from the moment I made them they became a family favorite. My husband and children demand that we eat them every year for our Christmas festivities, and whenever we bring these as an appetizer to share anywhere…..they are devoured quickly! Of course it’s hard to go wrong when there’s bacon involved. 

I find it best to not always mention or volunteer that the bacon is stuffed with dates. For some odd reason…especially with men and children….they either don’t think they like dates, or have some terrible childhood memory associated with dried fruit…prunes maybe….fruitcake….? 

Regardless….when someone plucks one from the dish and asks what’s this….I tell them that they have to try it….they’ll love it. They are always very surprised later when I tell them they are dates. Since the dates become all warm and gooey, they really don’t resemble a dried date or fruit anyway. So you have the sweet goodness of the dates paired with the saltiness of the bacon. It’s the perfect match!

So from my home to yours…..just in time for the Super Bowl. Enjoy!!

Bacon wrapped dates

Soak toothpicks in water for about 15 minutes before assembly so they do not burn in the oven. 

  1. Preheat oven to 500 degrees.
  2. Cut any packages of bacon you are using in half.
  3. Wrap each date with one half slice of bacon and spear with toothpick.
  4. Line up dates on a cookie sheet. 
  5. Bake until tops are well browned, about 6-7 minutes, and then turn over and cook another 2-4 minutes. 
  6. Drain on paper towels and place on serving platter. 

The more you make, the better…..so I usually buy the big bag of pitted dates and 4 lbs of bacon at Costco.  I certainly don’t want to run out of these…..it wouldn’t be a pretty sight.  The ratio is 1/2 slice bacon to 1 date…so make as many as you think you need.  I find that one package of bacon is not enough.  You need at least 2 lbs, so that would make somewhere in the neighborhood of 48 bacon wrapped dates. 

Also….I’ve always speared the end result with a toothpick to keep the bacon on the date and for easy grabbing. I will probably still do this, but this last Christmas I ran out of toothpicks and the ones I just rolled and cooked turned out just as well. And the preparation went much faster. Though I do get my kids and hubby to help with the rolling and spearing of dates.  They love to do it…well my kids do anyway. Hubby likes the end product….so anything that speeds up the process is okay with him. And we just spread out on the big kitchen island and all work together. I’ve even made these without the toothpicks when I was out, and they turned out fine. Fun times!!

If there are leftovers, they store well in zip loc bags in the fridge. They can warmed later or eaten cold (like hubby frequently does…even for breakfast).

These savory bites of perfection will melt in your mouth.  They are absolutely addicting, and will definitely stand out as a favorite at any Super Bowl gathering you attend. 

For a few other great additions to your super bowl party try:

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21 Responses to Bacon wrapped dates….savory, sweet perfection!

  1. ButterYum says:

    Don't you just LOVE Costco?!!! I'll be giving these a try. Thanks so much.

    🙂
    ButterYum

  2. Anonymous says:

    Wow,that sounds good i will give it a try.

  3. Jennie says:

    This is certainly what I would call "savory-sweet perfection"! I love bacon wrapped dates. And bacon wrapped figs too! Thanks for sharing!

  4. Chow and Chatter says:

    oh wow this looks so good great idea

  5. Baltimore Foodie says:

    I was thinking of posting this, too. I love them!

  6. Liza says:

    try putting an almond in the middle where the pit would be… i think you would love.

  7. Jane says:

    Hi,
    Those look yummy! You have some great recipes here!

  8. Bel says:

    Have yet to try these myself. Did you know these are called "Devils on horseback"

    I have seen alternate recipes which stuff the dates with cheese.

  9. Lauren @ delicateflavors says:

    Wow. I didn't know Costco has Campari tomatoes. This recipe looks so yummy, I will have to try it for sure. Thank you for sharing. 🙂

  10. Sofia Reino says:

    This is a FANTASTIC recipe. I have done this all my life. I also love making them with prunes.

  11. friedgreentomatoes says:

    Found your blog and it's so cute! I make these too but I stuff them with goat cheese http://friedgreentomatoes.wordpress.com/2009/11/28/yummy-appetizers/

  12. Alison Lewis says:

    I am sure these go fantastic together!

  13. Oh yummmmmo! I love these bites!!
    Kate@Diethood recently posted..Caramel & Coffee-Infused Crème Brulee

  14. Love this combo! I also sometimes stuff the dates with blue cheese to make them even more over the top : )
    Georgia Pellegrini recently posted..“How to Can Tomatoes & Other Tomato Tips”

  15. kita says:

    Holy wow these look delicious!
    kita recently posted..Snapshot Saturday: Fair Days

  16. I first had something like this at a local restaurant; the only difference is they stuff the dates with a pecan. But either way…the sweet, savory, chewy, crispy combo? One of my very favorites for something so easy to make!
    Barbara | Creative Culinary recently posted..Upside Down Sweet Cherry Cake

  17. Joanna says:

    These sound great! We do a similar recipe at our holiday festivities, but it’s bacon wrapped liver instead of dates. Personally, I think yours sounds MUCH better!

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  19. These are one of my favorite appetizers!

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