Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.
Simple 3-ingredient Bacon-Wrapped Dates make the perfect, WARM party appetizer. Crispy bacon covered in sugar, then wrapped around a date and baked to perfection—what could be better?!
Is there anything better than bacon-wrapped dates? Yes! Bacon-wrapped dates with brown sugar of course. This appetizer is just three ingredients and comes together in about 30 minutes. I've attended many parties and this always seems to be my go-to, both in terms of what to make and also what I make a beeline for at the food table. What can I say? They're addicting!
If you're on the fence about dates, I still recommend trying these. I know Miguel "hates" dates by themselves, but he absolutely adores this recipe. Dates are completely different (BETTER) when covered in bacon!
WHY THIS RECIPE IS SO GOOD
- It's the perfect combination of salty and sweet
- If you need a fairly quick party appetizer that people will LOVE, this is it!
- It's an excellent way to convince people who are "weird" about dates that dates are in fact delicious
WHAT YOU'LL NEED FOR THIS RECIPE
- pitted dates
- bacon
- brown sugar (preferably dark brown sugar)
HOW TO MAKE BACON-WRAPPED DATES
Preheat the oven then set up an assembly line. Grab the bacon, dates and toothpicks, then pour the brown sugar onto a plate or in a bowl.
Wrap bacon around the dates, then place a toothpick to hold the bacon in place. Dip the bacon-wrapped date into the maple syrup first, then the brown sugar and directly onto a lined baking sheet. You'll repeat this process for all two dozen dates.
Bake the dates in the oven for approximately 12 minutes or until the bacon is done to your liking. Optionally, you can sprinkle a little extra brown sugar overtop before serving. That's it!
These brown sugar dates are the definition of salty and sweet--they're a real crowd-pleaser. So whether you're going to a party or just having a few friends over, I highly recommend whipping these up.
THINGS TO SERVE WITH THESE BACON-WRAPPED DATES:
Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Ingredients
- 24 pitted dates
- 8 pieces of bacon cut into thirds
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
- Toothpicks
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°.
- Pour dates into a bowl, set bacon on a cutting board, and pour sugar onto a separate plate, kind of like an assembly line.
- Cut bacon into thirds, giving you a total of 24 pieces. Or, if bacon is already somewhat small in size, cut bacon in half and add 4 extra slices.
- Work with dates, one-by-one: start by wrapping a piece of bacon around a date and securing it with a toothpick. Then, dip bacon in sugar and place on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Repeat this process for all 24 dates.
- Place baking sheet in oven and bake for approximately 12 minutes, flipping half way through so bacon is cooked completely.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle with additional sugar and enjoy!
Krista says
In the blog part, you mention dipping the bacon wrapped date in maple syrup before the brown sugar, however in the recipe, you don’t have maple syrup listed. How much maple syrup is called for?
Erin says
Hi! Good catch. So, the original recipe included maple syrup, but when I retested them last year, I decided to omit it because it makes them really messy/sticky. If you want to include the maple syrup, just be sure to line your baking sheet with parchment, and I'd pour 1/3 cup maple syrup and add more if needed. Apologies for the confusion!
Diana says
These look so delicious and like the perfect New Years Eve appetizer!
charlotte says
"What could be better?" Stuffing a hunk of cream cheese into the date cavity, that's what. Just sayin'
Christine@ Apple of My Eye says
You beat me to posting this recipe! I had this combo when I went to a restaurant with a bunch of my girlfriends and it was INCREDIBLE! Your version looks just as good, if not better!
Kaitlin says
Wow. This looks scrumptious. I'm adding this to our Christmas dinner meal plan.
She Rocks Fitness says
I would eat a lot of these...HA! So many delicious flavors...Nom Nom!
Christina says
My God Erin. These photos - major bacon porn over here. I loveeee bacon-wrapped dates. and I love that you took it up a notch with the maple/sugar addition!
lindsay says
bacon always wins, yes! and totally agree, this christmas came out of nowhere! i'm kinda sad