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These simple and delicious bacon wrapped stuffed dates are an appetizer that will WOW your guests. A quick whipped honey feta is spread inside dates with thyme, pecans and orange zest and then wrapped in bacon and baked until crisp. Perfect to add to the spread and a leveled up recipe that doesn’t feel like it took extra effort to make!
No one wants to show up to the party empty handed. When it comes to appetizer recipes, there are so many out there–so how do you find just the right option?
Well, I would say for me, it’s gotta be easy to make, easy to grab, and involve layers of flavor to really get all the “oohs” and “ahhs.” These bacon wrapped dates are IT!
If you need more than just one appetizer recipe today, try these others: Puff Pastry Brie Bites, Simple Cranberry Brie Crostini, Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms, or Marinated Mozzarella Tomato Basil Skewers.
Why you’ll love Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates
I LOVE a good appetizer spread, and if I am showing up with something, I want the recipe to steal the show at the party, don’t you??
These honey whipped feta stuffed dates wrapped in bacon and cooked to perfection are just an experience.
Simple aside from a little time assembling, but the payoff is so worth it!! These bacon wrapped dates will be a great holiday favorite recipe and a request for every party after that!
All you have to say is whipped honey feta, and I am all yours–hope you love this one as much as we do!
Ingredient Notes
See full list of ingredients in the recipe card with exact measurements below.
- Use thin cut bacon over thick cut when making this recipe. Thick cut will take longer to cook and the feta may dry out and dates become over cooked.
- Use medjool dates for this recipe–they are large and plump, the perfect size for this recipe. Make sure to remove the pits!
- You can add the orange zest and thyme right into the whipped feta cheese mixture for much easier assembly. I like doing it right on top because I like to make some extra dates without the bacon and just serve them as is for anyone wanting a meatless variation!
Ways To Vary This Recipe
- vary the herbs: we love thyme, but you could use some chopped rosemary or maybe a touch of basil or mint!
- vary the nuts: if you have an allergy to pecans or just don’t love them, use a chopped walnuts,
- use hot honey--I am new to the hot honey craze and I totally get it. A touch of hot honey in the whipped feta will be AMAZING if you like a slight kick.
- go crazy and just make this a dip! Ok, here me out. You can whip the feta and add it to a bowl. Cook the bacon and chop it up, then chop the dates and those along with the orange zest, thyme, and pecans and an extra drizzle of honey!
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Add the softened cream cheese, feta and honey to a food processor.
Step 2: Process the ingredients, pausing to scrape down the sides as needed, until creamy. I like it to be a thicker consistency so that it holds up well when in the dates baking. You can thin it out slightly with a touch of olive oil if desired.
Step 3: Using a sharp knife, slice each date lengthwise (but not all the way through) and remove the pits from the dates. Spoon whipped feta into the center of each date–the amount will vary by the size of the date.
Step 4: Gently squeeze the to hold it the date together. Lay the dates on parchment lined baking sheet and sprinkle each with thyme leaves, orange zest and chopped pecans.
Step 5: Slice each piece of bacon in half and roll each date up in one of the half strips of bacon. We like to use a toothpick to pierce the bacon and date together, but you can also just put the loose end of the bacon underneath the date when lining the pan to hold it together.
Step 6: Bake the dates for about 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crisp or cooked to your liking. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for about 5 minutes before transferring to
Recipe Tips
There will be extra whipped feta–when I was testing the recipe, I decided to just use the whole block because leftover whipped feta can double as more of an appetizer with some toasted bread or pita. You can certainly lessen the amount used to about 6 ounces feta and about 3 ounces cream cheese if preferred.
Speaking of extra whipped feta, you can omit the bacon and just eat the stuffed dates as is! I loved munching on just the dates stuffed with the feta and toppings–so amazing. Or you can just make more of the bacon wrapped dates!
You can cook these on a sheet pan with a wire rack to keep the bacon from cooking in it’s own grease.
Storage
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Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates
Ingredients
- 24 medjool dates
- 12 slices thin cut bacon
- 8 oz block feta, (crumbles will work too)
- 4 oz softened cream cheese
- 2-3 Tbsp honey
- 2-3 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 Tbsp orange zest
- 3 Tbsp chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Add the softened cream cheese, feta and honey to a food processor. Process the ingredients, pausing to scrape down the sides as needed, until creamy. I like it to be a thicker consistency so that it holds up well when in the dates baking. You can thin it out slightly with a touch of olive oil if desired.
- Using a sharp knife, slice each date lengthwise (but not all the way through) and remove the pits from the dates. Spoon whipped feta into the center of each date–the amount will vary by the size of the date.
- Gently squeeze the to hold it the date together. Lay the dates on parchment lined baking sheet and sprinkle each with thyme leaves, orange zest and chopped pecans.
- Slice each of the bacon strips in half and roll each date up in one of the half strips of bacon. We like to use a toothpick to pierce the bacon and date together, but you can also just put the loose end of the bacon underneath the date when lining the pan to hold it together.
- Bake the dates in preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crisp or cooked to your liking. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for about 5 minutes before transferring to a plate. You can sprinkle with some extra thyme to garnish or brush the bacon with some extra honey. These can be served warm or at room temperature, but shouldn't be left out of the fridge for more than 2 hours. Enjoy!
- To Make Ahead: You can assemble the stuffed dates and wrap in bacon up to about 1 day in advance and bake before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This recipe has been my family’s new favorite–I am so excited to hear what you think!