Name: Perfect Bacon Wrapped Dates
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 20 whole pitted Medjool dates; 10 slices bacon (cut in half); 1 cup blue cheese or goat cheese (for stuffing); 1 tbsp balsamic glaze (for drizzling)

Alright, folks, gather ’round the kitchen island, because today we’re tackling a dish that sounds fancy but is secretly the easiest, most addictively delicious thing you’ll ever make: Perfect Bacon Wrapped Dates. Seriously, if you can wrap a present (badly, like me), you can make these. They’re sweet, salty, crispy, chewy… it’s like a flavor explosion in your mouth, and trust me, you’re going to want these for every party, potluck, or Tuesday night “I need a win” moment.

My husband, bless his heart, acts like these are a mythical delicacy reserved for the gods, which is hilarious considering they’re literally two ingredients wrapped together. Last time I made a batch, I turned my back for five minutes to wrangle a rogue toddler, and half the platter was GONE. He swears he only “sampled” a few, but the trail of sticky date pits and bacon grease-stained napkins told a very different story. The kids, meanwhile, just call them “dessert bacon” and demand them daily. It’s chaos, but honestly, it’s worth it for the sheer joy (and momentary peace) these little bites bring.

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Why You’ll Love This Perfect Bacon Wrapped Dates

Because it’s basically adult candy, but you can pretend it’s an appetizer, making you seem sophisticated.
Only two main ingredients! Which means fewer things to forget at the grocery store. Winning.
They hit every single craving: sweet, savory, salty, crispy, chewy. It’s a full-on flavor party in your mouth.
You can literally *not* mess these up. Even if you burn a few, they’re probably still delicious in a “rustic” sort of way.

Time-Saving Hacks

Shortcut that keeps you sane: Buy pre-cooked bacon. Seriously, a few extra bucks for not having to deal with raw bacon slime and a greasy stovetop? Worth. Every. Penny.
Hack that saves dishes but still looks like effort: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Not only does it make cleanup a breeze (just crumple and toss!), but it also helps the bacon crisp up beautifully.
The sneaky “cheat” you always pull when you’re in a rush: Skip the toothpicks if you’re really lazy. Just lay the bacon-wrapped dates seam-side down on the parchment. They usually hold just fine, and you don’t have to stab yourself with a toothpick later.

Kitchen Confessions

The disaster story: One time I forgot to set a timer (because multitasking with toddlers is a myth) and ended up with charcoal-wrapped dates. My husband, ever the optimist, tried to chip off the burnt bits. He failed.
A silly mistake you or your family made with this recipe: My son, thinking it was a fun game, once unwrapped every single date I had painstakingly prepared. I nearly cried.
Honest admission: the messy part you secretly skip: I almost never bother to properly pit the dates if they’re not already pitted. I just kinda squeeze the pit out, leaving a slightly mangled but still delicious date. Perfection is overrated.

What to Serve It With

Honestly, they’re perfect on their own, disappearing straight from the baking sheet. But if you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of balsamic glaze takes them to another level. They also make an amazing addition to any charcuterie board, adding that sweet-savory punch. A crisp white wine or a hoppy IPA would be a superb pairing, if you’re into adult beverages.

✔Tips & Mistakes

Make sure your dates are soft and plump – dried-out ones don’t have the same luscious texture. Don’t crowd your baking sheet; giving each date-bacon bundle a little space helps the bacon crisp up instead of steam. If your bacon isn’t crisping enough, flip them halfway through or pop them under the broiler for a minute or two (but watch them like a hawk, because broiler-to-charcoal happens fast). And for the love of all that is delicious, don’t use thick-cut bacon; regular or thin-cut works best here for crispiness.

Storage Tips

Keep it in the fridge… assuming there’s anything left. Midnight cold bites? Honestly better than fresh.

Variations and Substitutions

Swap whatever—honey ↔ sugar, tamari ↔ soy sauce—or skip a step and call it rustic. Still edible. For these, try adding a sliver of almond or a dollop of goat cheese inside the date before wrapping for an extra layer of flavor. You could even sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper on the bacon for a little kick!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I ensure the bacon gets perfectly crispy without overcooking the dates?

The key is to use thin or regular-cut bacon and bake them at a relatively high temperature (around 375-400°F). You can also start by baking them seam-side down to help seal the bacon, then flip them halfway through. If they’re still not crispy enough, a quick minute or two under the broiler at the end can do wonders – but keep a close eye on them!

Can I prepare bacon-wrapped dates in advance for a party?

Absolutely! You can assemble the bacon-wrapped dates up to 24 hours ahead of time. Just arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and store them in the fridge. Bake them right before your guests arrive for the freshest, crispiest results.

My bacon keeps unraveling during baking, any tips?

First, make sure your bacon strips aren’t too wide; cutting them in half lengthwise usually works best for wrapping. Tightly wrapping the bacon and placing them seam-side down on the baking sheet will help them stay put. If they’re still being finicky, a simple toothpick can secure each date until the bacon crisps up and holds its shape.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover bacon-wrapped dates?

To bring back that glorious crispiness, reheat your leftovers in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and the bacon is crisp again. Microwaving isn’t ideal as it can make the bacon chewy and the dates mushy. They’re also surprisingly good cold, straight from the fridge!

Are there specific types of dates that work best for this recipe?

Medjool dates are highly recommended because they are naturally large, soft, and very sweet, providing the perfect chewy contrast to the crispy bacon. Their size makes them easy to stuff and wrap. If you can’t find Medjool, any large, soft, pitted date variety will work well.

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