There’s something utterly delightful about the combination of sweet and savory, and these 3-Ingredient Bacon Wrapped Dates take that notion to a whole new level. As the first crisp notes of bacon fill the air, you can’t help but feel an excited anticipation for the treat awaiting you. The moment you take a bite and the warm, gooey cheese melts alongside the succulent sweetness of the Medjool dates, it’s an experience that transports you straight to flavor paradise.
I discovered this fabulous recipe during a casual dinner party, needing a crowd-pleasing appetizer that didn’t require hours of prep. Imagine my joy when I realized how simple and quick it was to prepare these show-stopping bites. With just bacon, dates, and a sprinkle of cheese, you can whip up an impressive dish that makes everyone feel like you’re a culinary genius! Perfect for gatherings, game nights, or even a cozy evening snack—it’s the ultimate solution for anyone tired of the same old snacks. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen repertoire!
Why are 3-Ingredient Bacon Wrapped Dates a must-try?
Ease of Preparation: With just three ingredients, you can whip these up in a flash!
Crowd Pleaser: Each bite is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and creamy; a hit at any gathering.
Flavor Fusion: The crispy bacon encloses warm, gooey cheese and succulent dates for a flavor explosion.
Versatile Snacking: Ideal as an appetizer, game-day snack, or even a fancy addition to dinner parties.
Time-Saving Delight: Ready in just 15 minutes, making it a go-to recipe for busy evenings.
This is a dish that’ll not only impress your guests but also leave you craving more!
3-Ingredient Bacon Wrapped Dates Ingredients
• Get ready to create a mouthwatering masterpiece with these essential ingredients!
For the Filling
- Medjool dates – Sweet and luscious, these dates serve as a natural, delicious vessel for the cheese.
- Crumbled blue cheese – Adds a tangy richness; feel free to substitute with goat cheese or feta for a different flavor profile.
For the Wrap
- Bacon – Opt for thick-cut bacon for a perfect balance of crispness and flavor; it wraps beautifully around the dates.
For the Seasoning
- Freshly-ground black pepper – Enhances the overall taste, giving a subtle kick to the richness of the bacon and cheese.
- Flaky sea salt – A finishing touch that elevates everything with its delightful crunch and flavor burst.
With these simple ingredients, preparing your 3-Ingredient Bacon Wrapped Dates will be an unforgettable experience!
How to Make 3-Ingredient Bacon Wrapped Dates
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Preheat Oven: Begin by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your dates will bake perfectly crispy. Don’t forget to line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup!
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Precook Bacon: Lay the bacon slices side by side on the baking sheet. Cook them in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, until they are halfway cooked but not crispy yet. This will help achieve that perfect bacon texture later.
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Prepare Dates: While the bacon is precooking, make a shallow lengthwise cut in the top of each Medjool date. Gently remove the pits and use a spoon to fill each date with a generous amount of crumbled blue cheese. Squeeze the date closed gently to keep the filling inside.
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Wrap Dates: Once your precooked bacon has cooled enough to handle, slice each strip in half. Wrap a piece of bacon around each stuffed date, securing it with a toothpick to hold everything in place.
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Season and Arrange: Discard the used parchment paper and grease on the baking sheet. Add a fresh sheet and carefully arrange the bacon-wrapped dates on it. Give them a sprinkle of freshly-ground black pepper for that extra flavor kick!
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Bake to Crisp: Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes on each side. Flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep a close eye so they don’t burn, and you’ll know they’re ready when the bacon looks slightly crispy!
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Finish with Salt: Once baked, carefully transfer the dates to a wire rack. As they cool slightly, sprinkle them with flaky sea salt to enhance the flavor and add a delightful crunch.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve these warm for an irresistible appetizer or snack that everyone will love. Enjoy the smiles they bring!
Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
3-Ingredient Bacon Wrapped Dates Variations
Feel free to get creative with these variations that will elevate your delicious bites even further!
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Cheese Choices: Swap out the blue cheese for creamy goat cheese or tangy feta for a different flavor profile. Both alternatives add unique twists!
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Herb Infusion: Mix in chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the cheese filling for an aromatic burst with each bite. It brings such freshness to the dish!
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Spicy Kick: Add a slice of jalapeño or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes inside the dates for a delightful layer of heat. This spice elevates the sweetness of the dates beautifully!
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Nutty Crunch: Roll the cheese-stuffed dates in crushed walnuts or pecans before wrapping them in bacon. The added crunch complements the softness of the dates and cheese perfectly!
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Honey Drizzle: After baking, drizzle a little honey on top of your finished dates for an extra layer of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory bacon. It’s pure bliss!
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Gluten-Free Bacon: Use gluten-free bacon to adapt this dish for a gluten-sensitive crowd without sacrificing any of the deliciousness. Always helpful for inclusive dining!
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Vegetarian Swap: Replace bacon with marinated tofu chips or mushroom slices for a vegetarian version. Both options provide fantastic flavors and textures that still satisfy!
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Savory Spice Rub: Experiment by rubbing the bacon with your favorite spice blend before wrapping it around the dates. It kicks everything up a notch and makes for an exciting surprise!
With these variations, you can bring new flavors and twists to your 3-Ingredient Bacon Wrapped Dates, keeping your culinary adventures delightfully fresh!
How to Store and Freeze 3-Ingredient Bacon Wrapped Dates
Room Temperature: These dates can be left out for up to 2 hours if served at a party, but for safety, ensure they’re stored in the fridge afterwards.
Fridge: Keep cooked bacon wrapped dates in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through but avoid overcooking.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze these dates in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat frozen dates, bake straight from the freezer at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through and bacon regains its crispiness.
What to Serve with 3-Ingredient Bacon Wrapped Dates?
When it comes to serving these delightful bites, think about creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will elevate your appetizer experience.
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Fresh Arugula Salad: A peppery arugula salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dates.
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Savory Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky goodness of toasted bread serves as a great base to catch any melted cheese drippings from the dates.
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Cheese Platter: Pair these dates with a variety of cheeses like brie, cheddar, and goat cheese to let your guests enjoy an exquisite cheese experience alongside the sweet and savory bites.
There’s something special about a cheese platter—it invites conversation and encourages savoring every bite while mingling with friends.
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Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce: A sweet and tangy sauce makes an exciting dip, complementing the flavors of the cheese and bacon beautifully.
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Crisp Veggie Sticks: Carrot and celery sticks bring a crunch that contrasts well with the chewy dates and crisp bacon, contributing a healthy element to your appetizer spread.
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Chardonnay or Sparkling Wine: A chilled glass of Chardonnay or sparkling wine will enhance the richness of the bacon and cheese, making your evening feel extra special.
Choose any of these delightful pairings, and you’re sure to impress your guests with a well-rounded sumptuous spread!
Expert Tips for 3-Ingredient Bacon Wrapped Dates
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Bacon Choice: Use thick-cut bacon for best results; it provides more flavor and crispiness without burning quickly.
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Cooling Bacon: Allow precooked bacon to cool for a minute before wrapping; this helps it adhere better to the dates.
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Stuffing Technique: Don’t overstuff the dates! A spoonful of cheese is sufficient; overfilling can cause the cheese to ooze out during baking.
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Baking Vigilance: Keep a close eye while baking; even a minute too long can lead to burnt bacon. Rotate them halfway through for even cooking.
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Serving Warm: For the best flavor experience, serve your 3-Ingredient Bacon Wrapped Dates warm, right out of the oven.
Make Ahead Options
These 3-Ingredient Bacon Wrapped Dates are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time in the kitchen! You can prepare the dates by filling them with cheese and wrapping them in bacon up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the filling and wrapping steps, then place the assembled dates on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When it’s time to impress your guests, just pop them in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes. This way, you’ll have delightful, crispy treats ready to serve with minimal effort, just as delicious as if made fresh!
3-Ingredient Bacon Wrapped Dates Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select Medjool dates for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing Medjool dates, look for dates that are plump and slightly shiny. Avoid any that have dark spots all over or feel overly dry. They should be firm to the touch but not too hard, ensuring they’ll wrap around the cheese nicely and provide that sweet flavor we love.
How long can I store leftover bacon wrapped dates in the fridge?
Very! You can store cooked bacon wrapped dates in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re planning to make them ahead of time for a gathering, this makes for a fantastic make-ahead appetizer!
Can I freeze 3-Ingredient Bacon Wrapped Dates?
Yes, you can! To freeze the dates, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. This typically takes about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and they will keep well for up to 2 months. Reheating them is easy—just bake straight from the freezer at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, and they’ll be as good as fresh!
How can I troubleshoot if my bacon is not crisping up?
In case your bacon isn’t crisping up, make sure you’re using thick-cut bacon as it renders fat better. Additionally, flipping them halfway through baking is crucial for even cooking. If they are still not crisping to your liking, pop them under the broiler for a minute or two while keeping a vigilant eye to prevent burning.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Definitely! If you’re preparing these 3-Ingredient Bacon Wrapped Dates for guests or family with dietary restrictions, it’s important to check for any allergies, especially to cheese or bacon. For a dairy-free alternative, you can substitute the cheese with a nut-based cheese option. Always ensure your bacon is from a reputable source to accommodate any dietary needs your loved ones might have!
Can pets eat Bacon Wrapped Dates?
I must advise against it! The combination of bacon and cheese is not suitable for pets. While dates are safe in small amounts for dogs, the added salt and fat from the bacon can lead to digestive issues or pancreatitis. Stick to pet-friendly treats when sharing with your furry friends!
Savory 3-Ingredient Bacon Wrapped Dates for Irresistible Flavor
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Lay the bacon slices side by side on the baking sheet and cook for about 10 minutes until halfway cooked.
- Make a shallow lengthwise cut in each Medjool date, remove the pits, and fill with crumbled blue cheese.
- Wrap a piece of precooked bacon around each stuffed date and secure with a toothpick.
- Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates on a fresh baking sheet and sprinkle with black pepper.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes on each side until the bacon is slightly crispy, flipping halfway through.
- Transfer to a wire rack, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, and serve warm.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.