bacon-wrapped dates

Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Pitted dates are filled with almonds or left plain, then wrapped in strips of bacon and secured with toothpicks. The bacon is browned in the oven or skillet, rendering its fat and crisping around the sweet, chewy dates. The combination of smoky, salty bacon with the natural sweetness of the fruit creates a layered flavor typical of this appetizer.

During cooking, the bacon crisps evenly while the dates soften slightly, melding the contrasting textures. The heat encourages caramelization on both the bacon and the dates, enhancing the flavor complexity. The finished bites are compact and easy to serve, showcasing the balance of sweet, salty, and savory notes in each piece.

Print Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Small Plates
Mediterranean
Bacon
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 12 pitted Medjool dates (big, juicy ones)
  • 6 slices of bacon, ½ slice to wrap each date
  • 24 almonds, slivered

Instructions 

Setup

  • Soak the toothpicks in water so they won’t burn in the oven.
  • Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  • Line a raised edge baking sheet with foil.

Prep

  • Slice each date down one side and stuff with almond slivers.
  • Wrap each date with ½ slice of bacon and pierce with a toothpick to hold it together.
  • Place the wrapped dates on the foil-lined baking sheet.

Bake

  • Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes.
  • Remove the dates from the oven and flip.
  • Bake for 10 more minutes or until the bacon is done.