Name: Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 16 large Medjool dates (about 1 pound): pitted but left whole; 8 slices thin-cut bacon (about ½ pound): preferably applewood-smoked, cut in half crosswise; 16 whole raw almonds (about ¼ cup): unsalted and unroasted; 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup: for optional glaze; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: for optional seasoning; Freshly ground black pepper: to taste

0 Shares

For centuries, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines have celebrated the natural sweetness of dates, often pairing them with savory elements to create balanced, nutrient-dense dishes. This bacon-wrapped dates recipe honors that tradition while offering a modern, health-conscious twist perfect for entertaining or mindful snacking. By selecting quality ingredients and employing precise techniques, we transform simple components into an elegant appetizer that satisfies both palate and nutritional goals.

Why This Recipe Works

Medjool dates provide natural sweetness, fiber, and essential minerals like potassium and magnesium, reducing the need for added sugars.
Thin-cut bacon offers a crispy, savory contrast while allowing for better portion control compared to thicker cuts.
Stuffing dates with almonds adds satisfying crunch, healthy fats, and vitamin E, enhancing both texture and nutritional profile.
Baking at 400°F ensures bacon renders properly without burning the delicate dates, creating perfect caramelization.
The sweet-savory combination triggers multiple taste receptors, making small portions feel deeply satisfying and reducing overconsumption.

Ingredients

16 large Medjool dates (about 1 pound): pitted but left whole
8 slices thin-cut bacon (about ½ pound): preferably applewood-smoked, cut in half crosswise
16 whole raw almonds (about ¼ cup): unsalted and unroasted
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup: for optional glaze
½ teaspoon smoked paprika: for optional seasoning
Freshly ground black pepper: to taste

Equipment Needed

Rimmed baking sheet
Wire rack (optional but recommended)
Parchment paper or aluminum foil
Small bowl for optional glaze
Pastry brush (if using glaze)
Toothpicks (16 count)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dates and Stuff with Almonds

Begin by carefully inspecting your Medjool dates—these should be plump, moist, and free from crystallized sugar on their surfaces. If your dates aren’t pre-pitted, use a paring knife to make a small lengthwise slit along one side and remove the pit while keeping the date intact. This preserves the natural shape and prevents filling leakage during baking. Take each raw almond and gently insert it into the cavity where the pit was, pressing just enough to secure it without splitting the date. The almonds provide not only satisfying crunch but also healthy monounsaturated fats and vitamin E, which acts as a powerful antioxidant. Selecting raw rather than roasted almonds ensures they won’t burn during the baking process, and their mild flavor complements rather than competes with the dates’ natural sweetness. Tip: If you prefer a softer texture, soak almonds in warm water for 30 minutes before stuffing—this also makes them easier to digest.

Step 2: Wrap Dates Securely with Bacon

Lay your thin-cut bacon slices on a clean surface and pat them dry with paper towels—this removes excess moisture for better crisping. Cut each slice in half crosswise to create 16 shorter strips approximately 4-5 inches long. Take one bacon strip and wrap it snugly around a stuffed date, starting at one end and spiraling slightly diagonally to cover most of the date’s surface. The bacon should overlap itself by about ¼ inch to ensure it stays wrapped during cooking. Secure the end with a toothpick inserted diagonally through both bacon layers and into the date. Avoid wrapping too tightly, as the bacon will contract during cooking and could squeeze out the almond. The thin-cut bacon is essential here—thicker cuts won’t crisp properly before the dates become too soft, and they add unnecessary saturated fat. Tip: For easier handling, chill bacon in the freezer for 10 minutes before wrapping—it becomes firmer and less slippery.

Step 3: Arrange on Baking Sheet and Optional Glaze

Preheat your oven to 400°F—this specific temperature allows the bacon fat to render effectively while caramelizing the dates’ natural sugars without burning. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup, and place a wire rack on top if available (this elevates the dates for air circulation and prevents steaming). Arrange wrapped dates seam-side down with at least 1 inch between each to ensure even cooking and proper browning. If using the optional glaze, combine 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup with ½ teaspoon smoked paprika in a small bowl—the maple syrup adds subtle sweetness without refined sugar, while smoked paprika contributes depth and antioxidants. Lightly brush each wrapped date with the glaze using a pastry brush, focusing on the bacon surfaces. The glaze will create a beautiful caramelized finish and enhance flavor complexity. Tip: For crispier bacon, skip the glaze on this step and apply it during the last 5 minutes of baking instead.

Step 4: Bake to Perfect Crispness

Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of your preheated 400°F oven and set a timer for 18 minutes. At the 9-minute mark, carefully rotate the baking sheet 180 degrees to ensure even exposure to any hot spots in your oven. Watch for visual cues: the bacon should appear lightly browned and beginning to crisp at the edges, while the dates will become slightly puffed and glossy. At 15 minutes, check doneness—the bacon should be fully cooked with rendered fat bubbling around the dates, and the toothpick should insert easily into the date center. If using the wire rack, you’ll notice fat dripping below, indicating proper rendering. Total bake time typically ranges 18-22 minutes depending on bacon thickness and oven calibration. Avoid overbaking, which can make dates tough and bacon bitter from burnt sugars.

Step 5: Rest and Serve Warm

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately transfer dates to a serving platter using tongs—be careful as the caramelized sugars will be extremely hot. Let them rest for 5-7 minutes before serving; this allows the dates to reabsorb some rendered juices and the bacon to achieve its final crisp texture. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F for food safety, but the visual cue of bubbling fat and browned bacon is more reliable here. Sprinkle lightly with freshly ground black pepper just before serving—the pepper’s piperine enhances nutrient absorption from both dates and almonds. Serve warm rather than hot to appreciate the full flavor spectrum, and provide small plates as these are rich despite their modest size. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a 350°F oven for 8 minutes to restore texture.

Tips and Tricks

For optimal results, select Medjool dates that are soft and pliable—avoid hard, dry dates as they won’t caramelize properly. If your dates seem dry, steam them briefly (3-5 minutes) before stuffing to restore moisture. When choosing bacon, look for center-cut varieties with minimal added sugar or nitrates; turkey bacon can substitute but requires reduced baking time (12-15 minutes). For a vegetarian version, wrap dates in thinly sliced halloumi cheese brushed with olive oil. To prevent toothpick burns, soak toothpicks in water for 30 minutes before use. If making ahead, assemble wrapped dates up to 4 hours before baking and refrigerate uncovered to prevent sogginess. For extra flavor depth, add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the almond stuffing. Always pat bacon dry thoroughly—excess moisture creates steam that inhibits crisping. Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness if uncertain; bacon should reach 145°F internally. For crowd-friendly serving, arrange on a platter with fresh herbs like rosemary sprigs for visual appeal and aromatic enhancement.

Recipe Variations

Cheese-Stuffed Version: Replace almonds with ½ teaspoon of creamy goat cheese or blue cheese per date. The tangy cheese balances the sweetness while adding protein and calcium. Bake as directed, but watch closely as cheese may melt out—chill wrapped dates for 15 minutes before baking to prevent this.
Spicy-Sweet Twist: Add ¼ teaspoon chili powder to the maple glaze or stuff dates with a small slice of jalapeño alongside the almond. Capsaicin from chilies boosts metabolism and adds exciting heat contrast.
Nut-Free Option: Substitute almonds with pepitas (pumpkin seeds) for crunch and zinc, or use a whole pecan half for richer flavor. Sunflower seeds also work well and provide vitamin E.
Herb-Infused: Tuck a fresh rosemary or thyme leaf under the bacon wrap before baking. Herbs add antioxidants and aromatic complexity without extra calories.
Sweetener Alternatives: Replace maple syrup with honey (rich in enzymes) or date syrup (intensifies natural flavors). For sugar-free, use a light brush of olive oil with smoked paprika.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make these ahead for a party?
A: Absolutely. Assemble wrapped dates up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate uncovered on the baking sheet. Bring to room temperature for 20 minutes before baking—this ensures even cooking. You can also bake them 2 hours ahead and reheat at 350°F for 5 minutes before serving.

Q: Are there healthier bacon alternatives?
A: Yes. Turkey bacon reduces saturated fat by about 50%, but monitor closely as it cooks faster. Vegetarian coconut bacon or tempeh bacon offer plant-based options with different nutrient profiles. Always check ingredient lists for excessive sodium or additives.

Q: How do I prevent the bacon from unraveling?
A: Ensure bacon is patted dry and wrapped snugly with slight overlap. Chilling before baking helps, as does inserting toothpicks diagonally through both bacon ends. If still problematic, secure with kitchen twine instead of toothpicks.

Q: Can I use different date varieties?
A: Medjool dates work best due to their large size and caramel-like flavor. Deglet Noor dates are smaller and less sweet—use two per bacon slice if substituting. Avoid overly dry varieties like Zahidi, which won’t soften properly.

Q: What dipping sauces complement these?
A: A Greek yogurt sauce with lemon and dill adds probiotics and tang. Alternatively, a balsamic reduction provides antioxidants without added sugar. For richness, try a small amount of tahini sauce with garlic.

Summary

This bacon-wrapped dates recipe combines sweet Medjool dates, crunchy almonds, and savory bacon into a balanced appetizer. With mindful ingredient choices and precise baking techniques, it delivers impressive flavor while providing fiber, healthy fats, and essential minerals. Perfect for entertaining or nutritious snacking.