Bacon Wrapped Medjool Dates

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 20 dates

This easy 3-ingredient bacon wrapped Medjool dates recipe is simple to make and always a crowd favorite.
Sweet, savory, and perfectly crispy, these dates are ideal for parties, holidays, or a quick appetizer.

Ingredients

  • 10 slices bacon
  • 20 Medjool dates, pitted
  • 4 ounces crumbled blue cheese (or goat cheese or feta)
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Flaky sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven.
    Heat oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Pre-cook the bacon.
    Lay bacon strips side by side on the baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes, until halfway cooked but still flexible.
    (Cooking time may vary depending on bacon thickness.)
  3. Stuff the dates.
    While the bacon cooks, use a paring knife to make a shallow lengthwise slit in each date.
    Remove pits and fill each date with a spoonful of cheese. Gently press closed.
  4. Wrap the dates.
    Once the bacon is cool enough to handle, cut each strip in half.
    Wrap one piece around each stuffed date and secure with a toothpick.
  5. Bake.
    Replace the parchment paper to remove excess grease.
    Arrange wrapped dates evenly on the baking sheet and season with black pepper.
    Bake 5–7 minutes per side, flipping halfway, until bacon is crisp.
    Watch closely to prevent burning.
  6. Finish and serve.
    Transfer to a wire rack and sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt.
    Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

Cheese options: Use a cheese that won’t melt too quickly.
Goat cheese, blue cheese, and feta work best. Manchego, Parmesan, or aged cheddar are also excellent choices.

Shortcut: Pre-cooked bacon can be used if desired, as it is usually still flexible enough to wrap.