Bacon-Wrapped Dates (3 Ingredients!)

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The first time I made these bacon-wrapped dates, it was honestly on a whim. One of those “what do I have left in the fridge?” moments that somehow turns into the thing everyone talks about all night.

I remember the sound first. Bacon sizzling gently in the oven, that low crackle that makes people wander into the kitchen pretending they’re not hungry yet.

Then the smell. Sweet, sticky dates warming up, bacon rendering slowly, that unmistakable sweet-savory perfume filling the house. It felt cozy. A little indulgent. Very intentional, even though it wasn’t.

I set them out with a casual shrug. No fancy platter. No garnish. Just toothpicks and confidence.

Within minutes, they were gone. Like… gone. Friends asking, “Wait—what was in those?” Someone already reaching for seconds that didn’t exist.

That’s the magic of a 3 ingredient bacon wrapped dates appetizer. It doesn’t try too hard. It doesn’t need explaining. It just works.

I’ve made them for holidays, game nights, last-minute guests, and those evenings when dinner is still an hour away and everyone is hovering.

Every single time, same reaction. Wide eyes. Happy silence. Then the inevitable request for the recipe.

So here it is. Simple. Foolproof. And maybe a little dangerous once you realize how easy it is.

Recipe Resume (Why You Should Make These Right Now)

Sweet meets salty in the best possible way.
Only 3 ingredients, no chopping stress.
Ready in under 30 minutes.
Perfect finger food for parties.
Naturally gluten-free.
Easy to prep ahead.
Elegant without effort.
Always the first thing to disappear.

Why This Bacon-Wrapped Dates Recipe Is The Only One You’ll Ever Need

The night these became legend was my cousin’s birthday. I brought them as a backup appetizer—nothing fancy. By the end of the evening, people were scraping the tray and joking about hiding a few for later.

What I love most is how forgiving this easy bacon wrapped dates recipe is. Slightly crisp bacon? Amazing. Extra caramelized? Even better. No perfection required.

Cuisine: American (classic party appetizer energy)

What You Really Need to Make This Amazing Bacon-Wrapped Dates (Simplified)

• Medjool dates (pitted)
• Bacon slices
• Cream cheese (or goat cheese – optional but classic)

That’s it. Truly.

How to Master the Perfect Bacon-Wrapped Dates (My Secret Method)

I always start by preheating the oven—this matters. A hot oven means crisp bacon, not sad, floppy bacon.

Slice each bacon strip in half. Full strips overwhelm the dates; halves wrap just right. Trust me.

If you’re stuffing them (highly recommended), gently open each date and spoon in a little cream cheese. Not too much—it should feel indulgent, not messy.

Wrap each date snugly with bacon and secure it with a toothpick. Line them seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake until the bacon is deeply golden and the dates look glossy and caramelized. Halfway through, I rotate the pan because ovens have moods.

Let them cool just slightly. Warm is perfect. Hot is dangerous. I’ve learned this the hard way.

Chef’s Notes and Tips For A Flawless Bacon-Wrapped Dates Recipe

Use Medjool dates if you can. They’re softer, sweeter, and feel luxurious without extra effort. Smaller dates work, but the texture won’t be the same.

Also—drain excess bacon grease halfway through if your bacon is very fatty. It helps everything crisp instead of fry.

Get Creative! Easy Substitutions and Fun Variations

No cream cheese? Goat cheese adds tang. Blue cheese makes it bold. Almond butter is shockingly good.

Add a toasted almond inside the date for crunch. Or brush with a little maple syrup in the last few minutes for extra shine.

These stuffed dates with bacon are a playground if you let them be.

Lighten It Up! Simple Swaps for a Healthier Bacon-Wrapped Dates Recipe

Use turkey bacon for a leaner option. It won’t render as much fat, so bake on a rack for airflow.

For low-carb, skip stuffing and choose smaller dates. Portion control matters here—these are rich, even when lighter.

They’re naturally gluten-free and surprisingly satisfying in small amounts.

Closing (Todd Wilbur-Style)

And there you have it. Three ingredients. Zero stress. Maximum reaction.
Make them once—and you’ll be that person everyone asks to bring appetizers.
Let me know how yours turn out, and don’t forget to browse around for more crowd-pleasing recipes.

Are You Curious About Anything Else? Take a Look at the Most Frequently Asked Questions We Get About This Recipe

Can I make bacon-wrapped dates ahead of time?

Absolutely—and this is one of the biggest reasons this make ahead bacon wrapped dates recipe is so popular for entertaining. You can assemble them completely (stuffed, wrapped, and tooth-picked) up to 24 hours in advance. Store them tightly covered in the refrigerator.

When ready to serve, bake them straight from the fridge, adding just a few extra minutes. This actually helps the bacon crisp beautifully while the dates warm slowly. I do this for holidays every year, and it saves so much last-minute stress.

What’s the best bacon to use for bacon wrapped dates appetizer recipes?

Regular-cut bacon is ideal. Thick-cut takes longer to crisp and can overpower the sweetness of the dates. You want balance here—salty, not aggressive.

If possible, choose bacon without added sugar. The dates already bring plenty of sweetness, and unsweetened bacon gives you better control over flavor.

Do I have to stuff the dates with cheese?

Not at all. Plain 3 ingredient bacon wrapped dates are still incredible. The cheese just adds creaminess and contrast.

If you’re serving a crowd with mixed preferences, I often do half stuffed, half plain. They disappear at the same speed—just different kinds of happy.

How do I keep bacon wrapped dates from getting greasy?

Spacing matters. Don’t crowd the pan. Airflow helps bacon crisp instead of steam.

You can also bake them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows excess fat to drip away, resulting in cleaner, crisper bites.

Can bacon wrapped dates be served at room temperature?

Yes—and they’re still delicious. While warm is ideal, these hold their texture and flavor very well for about an hour at room temp.

That’s why they’re such a reliable easy bacon wrapped dates recipe for parties where timing isn’t perfect (aka all parties).

Are bacon wrapped dates gluten-free?

They are naturally gluten-free as long as your bacon and cheese don’t contain additives with gluten. Always double-check labels if serving guests with sensitivities.

This makes them a great inclusive appetizer that doesn’t feel like a “special diet” dish.

Can I cook bacon wrapped dates in the air fryer?

Yes! Air fry at 375°F, turning once, until bacon is crisp. They cook fast, so keep an eye on them.

Air frying works especially well for small batches and gives you extra-crisp edges with less grease.

Why are my bacon wrapped dates burning before the bacon cooks?

Your oven may be running hot, or the dates are very small. Lower the temperature slightly and move the pan to the middle rack.

Also, avoid sugary glazes too early—save those for the final minutes to prevent scorching.