Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates
Sweet, smoky, creamy and just a little bit unexpected — these bacon-wrapped dates are the kind of appetizer that makes people reach for “just one more.”
A soft, caramel-like Medjool date is stuffed with creamy Oh So Garlic cream cheese, wrapped in smoky bacon and baked until the edges are beautifully crisp. Add a roasted almond in the middle and you get that little surprise of crunch against all that sweet and savoury goodness.
They’re easy enough for a casual get-together but look special enough to put on a holiday appetizer platter. And trust me, once that platter hits the table, don't expect leftovers!
Did You Know?
Medjool dates aren't just any dates. The Medjool variety is believed to have originated in Morocco's Tafilalt region and was introduced to California in 1927. Today, Medjool dates are prized for their large size, soft texture and naturally rich, caramel-like sweetness.
And there's a reason dates work so beautifully in a savoury appetizer: their natural sweetness creates a delicious contrast with salty, smoky bacon and creamy cheese.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
It's the sweet-and-savoury combination that gets everyone.
The soft, naturally sweet Medjool date, garlicky cream cheese and crisp bacon hit several flavour notes at once. The optional roasted almond adds another layer of texture and a satisfying little crunch. TIP make sure you stuff enough savoury cream cheese to break up the sweetness.
They're also wonderfully make-ahead friendly. Assemble them ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when you're ready to serve.
Serve them as an appetizer, add them to a grazing board, or bring them to your next dinner party, game night or holiday gathering.
Food With Benefits
This is an appetizer that starts with real food and lets each ingredient bring something to the table.
Medjool dates provide naturally occurring carbohydrates and dietary fiber, while almonds contribute fiber, protein and unsaturated fats when included. The cream cheese and bacon provide protein and fat, helping balance the dates' natural sweetness.
It's a great reminder that Food With Benefits doesn't mean every bite needs to be complicated. Sometimes it's simply about combining delicious whole-food ingredients in a way that makes you want to eat—and enjoy—real food.
PFF — Protein • Fiber • Fat
Each serving delivers approximately 6g of protein, 5g of fiber, and 14g of fat, assuming 3 stuffed dates per serving and including the optional almonds.
That combination brings together protein and satisfying fats with fiber from the dates and almonds, making these little bites more substantial than a typical sweet appetizer.
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 250–300 per serving, depending on the bacon, cream cheese and whether almonds are included.
