Bacon Wrapped Dates
Bacon Wrapped Dates are a SIMPLE 3 ingredient appetizer that is loved by EVERYONE! Salty, smokey bacon is wrapped around a sweet Medjool date that has been stuffed with a pecan or almond and baked to crispy-soft perfection for an irresistible appetizer!
This post was sponsored by the Italian Trade Agency as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.
A few months ago I decided to start a supper club. A few friends and I rotate hosting at our home and we all bring something delicious to enjoy. It’s a great time to relax and enjoy good food, good Italian wine, and good company! ♡
At the last supper club, I served these bacon wrapped dates as an appetizer and they were a huge hit. About one minute after presenting the tray with these little gems, POOF! – they were gone.
Crunchy pecans (or almonds) stuffed in a warm, soft, sweet date and then wrapped in just enough savory bacon is the absolute perfect combo for any gathering.
Obsessed doesn’t even touch it.
Whether you’re hosting your own supper club or maybe you’re just having friends over to chat, break the ice and welcome your guests with a glass of Italian wine and then let them munch on these tasty bacon wrapped dates. Yes! Italian wine and bacon wrapped dates – it’s pretty much the perfect recipe for entertaining!
FAVORITE WINE PAIRINGS
A smooth Chardonnay happens to be my favorite Italian wine. I always have a couple of bottles on hand. It can come from various regions in Italy but Friuli-Venezia Giulia is one of the most popular regions. This northern region is relatively small but is known for some of the best white wines in Italy. Lying between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea creates an exchange of air between mountain and sea that is highly favorable for grape production. Another crisp, white wine to try from this region is Friulano, named after the region.
A Chardonnay should be paired with foods that are not too spicy, not too pungent and not too acidic. It’s best to pair Chardonnay with foods that complement its rich, mild flavors.
I love to pair Chardonnay with mild, buttery or creamy dishes. Chardonnay goes great with meaty fish (halibut, cod) and shellfish (lobster, shrimp, crab, scallops.) It also works well with simply seasoned poultry and pork dishes. Pairing the Chardonnay with bacon-wrapped dates is so good because it plays on the impression of sweetness in the Chardonnay.
Another wine I’ve really been enjoying lately is Verdicchio from the Marche region of Italy. The Marche region accounts for 2% of Italy’s wine production, with white wine comprising 53% of regional production. Like Chardonnay, Verdicchio really paired well with this date appetizer! If you’ve never tried it before and love a good white wine, you should definitely add it to your list. It is crisp, clean and refreshing with citrus and almond notes. Yum! The color is pale, straw yellow with a slight greenish tinge and the aroma is like that of lemon zest, sweet almond and white flowers.
HOW TO MAKE BACON WRAPPED DATES
Start by cutting a small slit, lengthwise down the center of the date. Remove the pit and stuff a pecan half or a couple of almonds inside. Press slit together. If your dates are already pitted, you should be able to easily find the slit and stuff in your nut. Alternatively, you can stuff dates with cream cheese, goat cheese or blue cheese or leave the dates unstuffed. Just be sure to remove the pit!
Next, you’ll take half of one raw bacon strip and roll the date up. Place on a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper.
If you don’t have a toothpick, simply place dates on the baking sheet, seam side down. I like to stab a toothpick in the date for easier serving.
To keep the bottoms of the dates from getting too brown, I like to turn it twice during cooking. Cook them for about 5 minutes on the bottom, then turn the toothpicks to one side and cook for about 6-8 minutes. Turn them one last time to the other side and cook for another 6-8 minutes.
A FEW TIPS FOR BACON WRAPPED DATES
- If you want to keep this appetizer Paleo and Dairy Free, be sure to use pecans or almonds as your filling for bacon wrapped dates. You can also make these simply with the bacon and dates. They would still be super delicious!
- What if you don’t have toothpicks or skewers? No problem, just place your bacon seam side down on baking sheet, without the toothpick.
- Be sure to line your broiler pan or baking sheet with foil or parchment paper to minimize clean up.
- To prepare Bacon Wrapped Dates prior to serving. Assemble and refrigerate until ready to bake. Bake right before serving.
What other appetizers can I serve at my party?
Puff Pastry Brie Bites, Easy Tomato Tart or Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms are all great choices. They are easy to make and tasty.
What’s your favorite Italian wine? Find out more about Italian wine and get tons of recipe inspiration here. Also, for more tips and tricks follow Italian wine on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
I’d love to know if you make this (or any) recipe! Tag @kimscravings on Instagram and be sure to subscribe to our mailing list to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.
Bacon Wrapped Dates
Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon, (thin bacon works best)
- 16 dates
- 16 pecan halves or roasted almonds
- 16 toothpicks
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375ºFahrenheit.
- Slice the dates lengthwise on one side to create an opening. Remove the pit.
- Stuff 1 pecan half into the cavity of each date and press the sides together to close. Alternatively, use a spoon to stuff a small amount of goat or cream cheese into cavity of the dates.
- Cut the bacon slices in half. Wrap each date with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Arrange evenly on a baking sheet with raised edges (otherwise grease will get everywhere) and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the dates and use the toothpick to turn each one so it’s laying on its side. Bake for another 5-8 minutes, until browned to your liking, and turn the dates to the other side and repeat. Remove from the oven, place on a paper towel lined plate, and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Did you make this recipe?
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Enjoy your wine responsibly!
Oh so yummy! I love that first photo, all the tempting tastes! This recipe is all me, I just need to try this soon! Thank you again for sharing! – Debbie, VA
What an amazing appetiser! I love the sweetness of the dates and the smokiness from the bacon together, I bet they taste just fabulous! Next time we throw a party, I will have to make these!
I wish every date were wrapped in bacon… Monday, Tuesday, etc. Enough of my musings and on to these delicious little appetizers and snacks! These dates are so good and while I love my fresh dates, wrapping them in bacon is such a great way to serve them!
I love this recipe, I made as a little appetizer to a gathering with some friends and they all loved it. The flavor combination was superb!
I cannot wait to try this unique and amazing party option. My family and friends to love this combinations for sure.
I simply wrap bacon around a date (pit removed). No nut, no cheese and they’re easy, delicious and a crowd pleaser. I will have to try adding a nut! Thanks
I’m a huge fan of pretty much anything wrapped in bacon. Love that this is so quick and easy yet so flavorful to put together for when friends come over, thanks.
I’ve been wanting to learn more about Italian wines so I really enjoyed reading your posts. I can’t wait to make these bacon wrapped dates and pair it with a nice Italian chardonnay.
I am imagining the melting of the Bacon and the sweetness of the Dates and Nuttiness of the Nut. Love this unique snack.
The layers of this recipe is a delicious, sweet and salty treat!
Wow… this sounds so easy and would be such a great appetizer for parties or gatherings. I love dates but would have never thought about this combination.