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Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Almonds and Blue Cheese

Close-up of several glistening, crispy bacon-wrapped dates piled on a white serving plate.
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Make these easy, crowd-pleasing bacon-wrapped dates, also known as Devils on Horseback, for your next gathering. They combine sweet dates, salty bacon, and tangy cheese or crunchy almonds.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 24 Medjool dates
  • 24 whole blanched almonds (optional)
  • 4 ounces blue cheese, cut into small pieces (optional)
  • 12 slices bacon, cut in half crosswise
  • 1 toothpick per date
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or balsamic glaze (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the dates: If using, carefully slice each date lengthwise and remove the pit.
  3. Stuff the dates: If using almonds, place one almond inside the date cavity. If using cheese, place a small piece of blue cheese inside the date cavity. Close the date around the filling.
  4. Wrap the dates: Take one half-slice of bacon and wrap it tightly around the center of each stuffed date. Secure the bacon with a toothpick inserted through the date.
  5. Arrange the wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the bacon is crisp and cooked through. For extra crispness, you can par-cook the bacon slightly before wrapping, but this recipe works well at high heat.
  7. If using a glaze, remove the dates from the oven after the bacon is crisp. Brush lightly with maple syrup or balsamic glaze. Return to the oven for 2 to 3 minutes until the glaze bubbles.
  8. Let the dates cool slightly before serving. Remove toothpicks before serving to guests.

Notes

  • If you skip the cheese filling, you get a simpler sweet and salty bacon bite.
  • For a cleaner look, use wooden skewers instead of toothpicks, cutting them to size.
  • If the bacon does not crisp enough, place the dates under the broiler for 1 minute, watching closely to prevent burning.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenslang.com/baconwrappeddatesrecipeeasy/