Save to Pinterest Sweet, smoky, and creamy bites featuring dates filled with tangy cream cheese and crunchy walnuts, all wrapped in crisp bacon: a perfect appetizer for any occasion.
The first time I made these, my friends couldn&t believe such a few ingredients could turn into something so delicious: everyone kept reaching for one more.
Ingredients
- Medjool dates: 16, pitted
- Bacon: 8 slices, halved crosswise
- Cream cheese: 60 g (about 4 tbsp), softened
- Walnut halves: 32 (about 40 g)
Instructions
- Prep oven:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prep dates:
- Make a small slit in each date and remove the pit if not already pitted.
- Fill dates:
- Fill each date with about 1/2 teaspoon cream cheese and insert a walnut half into the center.
- Close dates:
- Gently press the dates closed.
- Wrap in bacon:
- Wrap each stuffed date with a half-slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Arrange and bake:
- Arrange bacon-wrapped dates seam side down on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, turning halfway through, until bacon is crisp and golden.
- Finish and serve:
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Save to Pinterest This appetizer always brings a smile to my family: it&s now a must at every holiday gathering and game night.
Required Tools
Sharp knife, small spoon, baking sheet, parchment paper, toothpicks
Allergen Information
Includes dairy (cream cheese), tree nuts (walnuts), and pork (bacon). Gluten-free: check all ingredient packages.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (2 pieces): 130 calories, 7 g fat, 14 g carbohydrates, 4 g protein.
Save to Pinterest Serve warm or at room temperature: these bacon wrapped dates disappear quickly.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of dates work best?
Medjool dates are ideal due to their large size and natural sweetness, which balances well with savory bacon.
- → Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes, you can stuff and wrap the dates ahead of time and refrigerate. Bake them just before serving to keep bacon crisp.
- → What can I substitute for walnuts?
Pecans or almonds make tasty alternatives, offering a similar crunch and nutty flavor.
- → How do I achieve crispy bacon?
Baking at 200°C (400°F) for 18–20 minutes and turning halfway ensures evenly crisp bacon around the dates.
- → Are there flavor variations to try?
Sprinkling smoked paprika or drizzling honey before baking adds smoky or sweet accents to these bites.