Bacon and date bites are the ultimate combination of sweet and savory, offering the perfect balance of flavors in every bite. The crisp, smoky bacon pairs beautifully with the rich sweetness of the dates, creating an irresistible treat that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re preparing them for a party, a family gathering, or just as a tasty snack, these little bites are both easy to make and incredibly delicious.
To make bacon and date bites, start by choosing pitted Medjool dates for their soft, caramel-like sweetness. The dates are the perfect vehicle for the salty bacon to shine through. Slice each date in half and remove the pit if needed. Then, stuff each date with a small piece of cheese (cream cheese or goat cheese work well), or leave them plain for a simpler bite.
Next, wrap each stuffed date (or plain date) with a slice of bacon. The bacon should be cut into smaller pieces, just enough to wrap around the date and hold it together. Secure the bacon with a toothpick to keep it in place as it cooks.
The key to making these bacon and date bites perfectly crispy is baking them at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes. During this time, the bacon will cook through and crisp up, while the dates will soften and release their natural sweetness. Keep an eye on them, as the bacon can quickly turn from golden to overly crispy.
For extra flavor, you can brush the bacon with a drizzle of maple syrup or a balsamic glaze before baking, enhancing the sweet-salty combination. You can also sprinkle some black pepper or chili flakes on top for a bit of heat.
Once baked, these bites are best served warm. The combination of the crispy bacon, soft dates, and creamy cheese creates a mouthwatering contrast of textures and flavors. They’re perfect for snacking, pairing with drinks, or serving as an appetizer at your next gathering.
Bacon and date bites are simple to make but pack a flavorful punch, making them an unforgettable addition to any occasion. Sweet, savory, and full of deliciousness- what’s not to love?
Ingredients
- 12 pieces dates pitted
- 6 slices bacon cut in half
- 1/4 cup toothpicks for securing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wrap each date with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Place the wrapped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
These were a hit at my party! Everyone loved the sweet and salty combo.
Not a fan, too much bacon. The dates were sweet but the bacon ruined it for me.
I burnt mine in the oven. Loss of 3 strips of bacon was too much. 😢
Made these for my football party, and they were gone in minutes! So good!
I don’t really get the hype. The bacon overpowered the date flavor. 🤷♂️
These were dangerously easy. The bacon got perfectly crispy at 15 minutes and the dates were sweet without being overpowering. Will definitely make again for parties.
Yummy! But I added some chili powder for a kick. Love sweet and spicy! 😍
This recipe is easy peasy, even my kids helped! They’ll be making again!
That sounds fun! Cooking with kids is the best way to bond. I’ll have to try this with my little ones too!
Bacon and date? Don’t sound right but must try. I’ll give it 4 stars cause bacon.
My friend said this recipe was simple, but I struggled with the wrapping. Help!
Can u make these ahead of time? Like prep and then freeze? Need help!
Yes! You can freeze them before baking. Just prepare them and then pop them in the freezer. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen, but add a few minutes to the baking time.
I tried this and it was a total flop! The bacon didn’t get crispy.
Total flop? Really? That sucks. But maybe your oven temperature was off? Mine cooked perfectly.
I’m sorry to hear that! Did you use thick bacon? Sometimes that can take longer to get crispy.
Yum! Who knew wrapping bacon around fruit would taste so good!
I dunno, wasn’t a fan. The bacon was too greasy for my taste. My friends liked them though.
I totally get that! Bacon can be really oily sometimes. Maybe try using turkey bacon next time? It’s a bit leaner.
Bacon’s not greasy if you cook it right! Just need to get the oven temp right and keep an eye on it. Also, my friends gobbled them down!
These bites r delicious! My family loved them! 100/10 would recommend.
I tried these last weekend and OMG they are amazing! So easy to make too!
These are perfect! I made them for a party and everyone loved them!
Yum! I added some cream cheese inside the dates too – took it to another level! 😋
I didn’t have toothpicks, so I just used skewers. Still tasted great!
So easy! I don’t cook much, but even I could do this. Thanks for sharing this, it’s a keeper!
I used turkey bacon instead and it still worked out! Yum!
Why would anyone put bacon in dates? Sounds gross!
Meh. They’re okay, but for the effort I’d rather just eat bacon on its own. My dates tasted a bit dry.
So good! But I might try adding some cheese next time.
These are awesome! So simple but so delicious!
I thought bacon was unhealthy, but these bites are soooo goood!
1/4 cup toothpicks? That’s oddly specific lol. I eyeballed it and ended up with plenty, so don’t stress.
Wait… toothpicks in 1/4 cup?? How many is that like 10? I think I’ll just use the forks I have, same thing, right? Also 400°F seems too hot for bacon/date, might burn the dates.
Haha yeah “1/4 cup toothpicks” feels like a spy code 😂 I just use whatever fits and it’s never been an issue—thanks for the reassurance!
Tried these for a party and they disappeared fast. Sweet + salty is such a good combo, and 15 minutes is perfect for keeping the bacon crispy.
Made these for our game night and I swear they vanished in minutes 😅 The sweet-salty combo is so addictive, and the 15 min timing is clutch for keeping the bacon crispy.
I tried it but mine came out chewy, not crispy. I think 400°F was too low? Also I used regular skewers instead of toothpicks—maybe that’s why they fell apart. Still tasty tho!
I followed the recipe exactly, but mine turned out way too greasy! Maybe I used too much bacon? 2 stars.
Just made these, but my bacon burnt 😭. I think I baked too long.
Yum! Nothing beats sweet and salty! So good I could eat them for breakfast.