Need a simple party appetizer? 2-ingredient bacon wrapped dates are the perfect easy-to-make, sweet and salty small bite perfect for parties! (gluten-free, dairy-free)

bacon wrapped dates in a line on a white tray.

How do you make any food an instant crowd-pleasing appetizer? Make it bite sized, and wrap it in bacon. Emphasis on the bacon. It makes the majority of people happy no matter what. Even better? When it comes in an easy, 2-ingredient package that makes your hostessing life easier. What I'm talking about here is bacon wrapped dates.

Why You'll Love Bacon Wrapped Dates

As mentioned above, bacon. Everyone loves the sweet and salty, crispy and chewy combination of savory bacon and caramelized dates! And being easy to pop in your mouth doesn't hurt either, because nobody likes holding a plate and fork at a party. With just 2 ingredients, bacon wrapped dates are easy to make in just minutes and will have your guests coming back for more.

The Ingredients

Overhead view of dates and pieces of bacon on a cutting board.

Bacon - Go for uncured if you're feeling it. Or don't. It's all good.
Dates - I find smaller dates, such as Deglet Noor, are easier to work with in this recipe. Make sure they're pitted.

How To Make Them

two image collage showing an overhead view of bacon wrapped dates on a baking sheet before cooking, and a straight-on view after cooking.

Cut bacon into roughly 4-inch pieces. If you're using Medjool dates, you may need to use longer pieces of bacon.
Wrap a piece of bacon around each date and place on a baking sheet, seam side down.
Bake at 400°F for 10-20 minutes, or until bacon is fully cooked.
Enjoy immediately!

Pro Tips and Recipe Variations

If you have one, use a wire rack on top of your baking sheet to place the dates on. This will make the dates less greasy. If you don't have one, you can place the cooked dates on a paper towel-lined plate for a few minutes before serving to absorb some of the grease.
As mentioned, smaller dates, such as Deglet Noor, are easier to use to ensure the bacon makes it all the way around the date. If you're using larger dates, cut longer pieces of bacon.
If you are having trouble with the bacon staying in place, use a toothpick to secure it while baking.
Want to take things to the next level? Stuff pitted dates with a bit of goat cheese or brie before wrapping with bacon!

bacon wrapped dates on a white serving tray.

Need more super simple appetizers in your life? Head over to my roundup of Easy Party Appetizers With 5 Ingredients or Less!

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating in the comments!

Easy Bacon Wrapped Dates

Print Recipe

Need a simple party appetizer? 2-ingredient bacon wrapped dates are the perfect easy-to-make, sweet and salty small bite perfect for parties! (gluten-free, dairy-free)

Author: Kaleigh
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 min
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 dates 1x
Category: appetizer
Method: baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

12 dates, pitted (see notes)
3-4 slices uncooked bacon

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone baking mat. If you have one, place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet.
Cut bacon into 3 to 4-inch pieces (use shorter pieces if you're using smaller dates and longer pieces for larger dates).
Wrap each date cross-wise with a strip of bacon. Place all dates seam-side down in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet (or on the wire rack, if using).
Bake dates for 10 to 20 minutes, or until bacon is fully cooked.
Cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Smaller dates, such as Deglet Noor, are easier to use to ensure the bacon makes it all the way around the date. If you're using larger dates, cut longer pieces of bacon.
If you have one, use a wire rack on top of your baking sheet to place the dates on. This will make the dates less greasy. If you don't have one, you can place the cooked dates on a paper towel-lined plate for a few minutes before serving to absorb some of the grease.
If you are having trouble with the bacon staying in place, use a toothpick to secure it while baking.
Want to take things to the next level? Stuff pitted dates with a bit of goat cheese or brie before wrapping with bacon!
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: bacon wrapped dates, dates with bacon