Easy Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Dates with Almonds are the perfect party appetizer to kick off a Super Bowl party, holiday gathering, cocktail party, dinner party, or special occasion.
These easy almond-stuffed date appetizers feature sweet Medjool dates stuffed with tangy cream cheese and crunchy whole almonds wrapped with crispy bacon.
Sometimes referred to as angels or devils on horseback, they are more than just an appetizer; these bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with cream cheese are a taste sensation. Sweet, salty, and creamy, they offer a delightful contrast of textures with every bite.
If you have ever tried my Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp or Bacon-Wrapped Scallops, the idea of bacon-wrapped dates should send you into sensory overload. And when the ante is upped by stuffing the dates with the perfect combination of creamy cheese and almonds, these easy appetizers are over-the-top delicious.
After one taste, I promise bacon-wrapped dates will quickly become your new favorite appetizer to serve at a holiday party.
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Reasons to love this recipe:
- It’s a simple recipe with only four ingredients and four steps.
- You can make this recipe up to two days ahead and then bake the bacon-wrapped dates before serving them.
- This great recipe calls for tender Medjool dates, which are naturally sweet.
Ingredient notes and substitutions:
- Pitted Medjool dates – the sweetness of the dates combined with the salty bacon make these bacon-wrapped dates little bites of heaven.
- Cream cheese – adds a creamy and tangy element to these easy appetizers.
- Bacon slices – thin bacon works best in this easy bacon and date appetizer. I don’t recommend thick-cut bacon.
- Roasted and salted almonds – add delicious flavor and an unexpected crunch. You can substitute Marcona almonds.
You can find the complete printable recipe card below, which includes all measurements.
How to make bacon-wrapped dates:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Cut the cream cheese into 18 one-inch by one-fourth-inch pieces.
- To stuff the whole date, look for the hole at the top. Widen this hole carefully with your finger or a small paring knife, and then open it along the side it was cut when the pit was removed. Stuff one piece of cream cheese and one almond into each date.
- Once the almond-stuffed dates are stuffed, wrap a half slice of bacon around each date, roll it up like a log, and secure it with a toothpick.
- Arrange the dates with bacon seam side down on a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until the bacon starts to brown, then turn the dates over and cook for another 10-15 minutes or until the bacon is golden brown and crispy. This dish is best when served warm or at room temperature.
Serving suggestions:
These easy appetizers are a great addition to a party with my Baked Ricotta Cheese Dip or my Hot Corn Dip, Hanky Panky Appetizers, Crispy Cheesy Southern Cheese Crackers, Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms, a Relish Tray, and Baked Bacon Ranch Jalapeno Poppers.
Recipe variations:
If you want to change things up in this bacon and date appetizer or use ingredients you already have at home, try replacing the cream cheese with goat cheese, blue cheese, or brie.
Another idea is to add some sweet and spicy flavor to your bacon by topping it with brown sugar and chili powder before you wrap it around the dates.
How to make this recipe ahead:
Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Dates can be made and prepped ahead of time. I don’t recommend baking them ahead, but to save time, you can stuff them, wrap them with bacon, and then keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Then, on the big day, pop them in the oven before serving.
How to store and reheat leftovers:
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container or a resealable bag. They’ll stay good for up to 3 days.
To reheat in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the dates on a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes or until heated through, and the bacon is slightly crisp. I do not recommend microwaving them, it changes the texture.
For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle the dates with maple syrup or honey before reheating.
Recipe FAQs:
Yes, but you must soak the dates in hot water for five to ten minutes to rehydrate them before trying to stuff them.
A healthy and delicious snack, Medjool dates are the kings of the date world, boasting a much larger size than regular dates, and they are much sweeter because of their high fructose content.
Expert tips and tricks:
- Be sure to purchase dates that have been pitted, and I highly recommend tender Medjool dates.
- Do not refrigerate your dates before stuffing them. They will firm up, and you will have a hard time opening them enough to stuff in the cream cheese and almonds.
- It’s easier to handle your cream cheese if it is very cold. I put the cream cheese in first and then use the almond to stuff it in.
- This recipe may produce smoke, so as a precaution, turn on your stove exhaust fan before cooking the dates.
- The cooking times listed in this recipe are approximate and depend on the dates’ size and the bacon’s thickness.
- This easy appetizer is so good that you might want to think about making a double batch.
Easy appetizer recipes:
Want more appetizer recipes for the holiday season or special occasions? Here is a link to all of my appetizer recipes.
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Easy Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates with Almonds Recipe
Equipment
- toothpicks
Ingredients
- 4 ounces cold cream cheese, cut into 18 one-inch by a quarter inch pieces
- 12 ounces Medjool pitted dates
- 18 whole almonds salted and roasted
- 9 slices raw bacon, cut in half
- 18 wooden picks
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 400°F. Cut the cream cheese into 18 one-inch by one-fourth-inch pieces.
- To stuff the whole date, look for the hole at the top. Widen this hole carefully with your finger or a small paring knife, and then open it along the side it was cut when the pit was removed. Stuff one piece of cream cheese and one almond into each date.
- Once the almond-stuffed dates are stuffed, wrap a half slice of bacon around each date and secure it with a toothpick.
- Arrange the dates with bacon seam side down on a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until the bacon starts to brown, then turn the dates over and cook for another 10-15 minutes or until the bacon is golden brown and crispy.
- These dates are best when served warm or at room temperature.
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