Save Sweet, smoky, and creamy bites featuring dates filled with tangy cream cheese and crunchy walnuts, all wrapped in crisp bacon—a perfect appetizer for any occasion.
The first time I made these bacon wrapped dates, my friends kept reaching for seconds. They're always a hit at parties and disappear fast!
Ingredients
- Medjool dates: 16, pitted
- Bacon: 8 slices, halved crosswise
- Cream cheese: 60 g (about 4 tbsp), softened
- Walnut halves: 32 (about 40 g)
Instructions
- Prep oven and tray:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare dates:
- Make a small slit in each date and remove the pit if not already pitted.
- Stuff the dates:
- Fill each date with about ½ teaspoon of cream cheese and insert a walnut half into the center.
- Close dates:
- Gently press the dates closed.
- Wrap with bacon:
- Wrap each stuffed date with a half-slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Arrange for baking:
- Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake:
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, turning halfway through, until bacon is crisp and golden.
- Serve:
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Save My kids love helping stuff the dates before I wrap them with bacon. It's a simple family cooking moment we repeat for gatherings or movie night treats.
Required Tools
Sharp knife, small spoon, baking sheet, parchment paper, toothpicks
Nutritional Information
Per serving (2 pieces): Calories 130, Total Fat 7 g, Carbohydrates 14 g, Protein 4 g
Notes
Sprinkle dates with smoked paprika for a boost or drizzle with honey before serving. Substitute pecans for walnuts if you prefer and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Save Serve these right from the oven for maximum crunch or at room temperature when entertaining. They're sure to vanish quickly!
Recipe Questions
- → What type of dates works best?
Medjool dates are preferred for their softness and sweetness, which complement the savory bacon and creamy filling perfectly.
- → Can I substitute walnuts?
Yes, pecans or other crunchy nuts make great alternatives if you prefer a different texture or flavor.
- → How do I ensure bacon is crispy?
Bake the wrapped dates at 200°C (400°F) and turn halfway through cooking to achieve a crispy, golden finish.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but verifying labels on processed items like bacon is recommended.
- → Can these be served cold or only warm?
They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, which makes them versatile for different serving occasions.