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Bacon-wrapped dates with cheese are the kind of appetizer that never goes out of style. Their origins may feel rooted in the retro cocktail parties of the 1970s and 1980s, yet their popularity has endured for good reason. The recipe brings together just four main ingredients—Medjool dates, bacon, cheese, and honey—but each plays a unique role in creating a flavor experience that feels indulgent, balanced, and memorable. The sticky sweetness of the dates contrasts beautifully with the sharp tang of blue cheese, while bacon brings its smoky richness and crispy texture. A drizzle of honey adds a glossy finish and an extra layer of sweetness that ties everything together. This dish is effortless to prepare, yet sophisticated enough to impress, making it ideal for gatherings of all kinds, from casual game nights to elegant holiday celebrations.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

12 slices bacon, halved crosswise
24 large Medjool dates
4 ounces blue cheese
2 tablespoons honey

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Par-bake the bacon until it becomes pliable, about 8 minutes, then set aside.
Pit and butterfly the dates, slicing lengthwise without cutting fully through.
Stuff each date with a small amount of blue cheese.
Wrap each stuffed date with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
Arrange dates seam-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
Drizzle lightly with honey.
Bake until the bacon is crispy, about 15 minutes.
Drain any excess grease if necessary and serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrients

Calories: approximate per serving
Fat: varies depending on bacon and cheese type
Protein: primarily from bacon and cheese
Carbohydrates: natural sugars from dates, plus honey
Sodium: significant from bacon and blue cheese
Sugar: mostly from dates and a drizzle of honey

Why This Recipe Stands Out

The brilliance of this appetizer lies in its interplay of contrasting flavors and textures. On the surface, it is a very simple recipe, but each bite reveals a careful balance. The dates are soft, sticky, and naturally sweet, while the blue cheese is sharp, tangy, and creamy. The bacon provides a smoky and salty counterpoint, crisping beautifully in the oven. Finally, honey lends both sweetness and an elegant sheen, ensuring that the bites look as good as they taste. The balance between sweet and salty makes them universally appealing, and their small size makes them easy to serve at parties. They also carry a sense of retro charm—many people remember them from their parents’ or grandparents’ gatherings—yet they remain just as popular on modern menus, bridging nostalgia and contemporary taste.

The Benefits of the Ingredients

Each ingredient contributes more than just flavor. Medjool dates are naturally high in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, which support digestion, energy, and overall health. They provide natural sweetness without refined sugars, which makes them a healthier choice for creating indulgent snacks. Blue cheese, though decadent, offers calcium, protein, and probiotics that support bone strength and gut health. Bacon is rich in protein and contains B vitamins and iron, giving substance to each bite. Honey brings antimicrobial and antioxidant qualities, while also caramelizing during baking, which creates depth in both flavor and color. Together, these ingredients result in a dish that not only pleases the palate but also delivers nutrients, making it a more thoughtful alternative to highly processed appetizers.

Cooking Tips

Selecting the right type of date is key. Medjool dates are preferred because they are larger, softer, and sweeter than other varieties, making them perfect for stuffing. Bacon choice matters as well: thinner slices cook evenly and crisp up without overpowering the filling. If using thicker bacon, par-baking ensures it reaches the right texture without burning the cheese or dates. The choice of cheese also allows for personalization. While bold blue cheese offers a striking contrast, a creamy goat cheese or milder Gorgonzola dolce works beautifully for those who prefer a gentler flavor. Creative twists can make the recipe even more exciting—such as tucking a whole almond or pecan inside the date for crunch, swapping honey for maple syrup for deeper sweetness, or using prosciutto instead of bacon for a lighter variation.

Another tip is to prepare them in advance. You can assemble and wrap the dates a day or two before serving, then refrigerate them until ready to bake. This makes them an excellent choice for hosts who want a stress-free appetizer that still delivers big impact.

Serving Suggestions

These bacon-wrapped dates shine on their own but can also be incorporated into larger spreads. On a charcuterie or grazing board, they complement cheeses like Manchego, soft Brie, or sharp cheddar. Adding fresh fruits like grapes, figs, or apple slices brings freshness to balance the richness. They also pair wonderfully with wine: sparkling wines, crisp whites, or even light reds help cut through the richness and enhance the contrast of sweet and salty. For a more formal event, they can be plated neatly on a slate board or elegant tray, skewered with decorative cocktail picks. At casual gatherings, simply piling them onto a platter makes them approachable and easy to grab. For variety, you might prepare multiple fillings—blue cheese for bold flavor, goat cheese for creamy sweetness, and cream cheese with a nut for a lighter option—so guests can enjoy a tasting experience in one appetizer.

Conclusion

Bacon-wrapped, cheese-stuffed dates are proof that sometimes the simplest recipes leave the most lasting impression. With only a handful of ingredients, they achieve a layered, multi-dimensional flavor profile that balances sweetness, saltiness, smokiness, and creaminess in every bite. Medjool dates bring natural sweetness and nutritional benefits, blue cheese adds a tangy richness, bacon delivers crisp texture and savory depth, while honey ties everything together with a golden glaze. They are adaptable, easy to prepare, and endlessly crowd-pleasing, making them a go-to appetizer for holidays, parties, or even a simple night at home.

What sets them apart is their ability to feel both nostalgic and modern. They recall the retro era of cocktail parties yet remain timeless because the flavor combination is universally appealing. They also offer room for creativity—hosts can experiment with different cheeses, nuts, or sweet glazes, making them a versatile addition to any repertoire. While indulgent, they carry more nutritional benefits than many typical appetizers, adding another reason to enjoy them.

Ultimately, these bites are more than just snacks—they are conversation starters, the kind of food that people remember long after the gathering has ended. They capture the art of balancing flavors in a way that is approachable for any home cook, yet refined enough for special occasions. Whether served at a family holiday, a wedding reception, or a casual night with friends, bacon-wrapped dates with cheese continue to prove why they’ve remained a beloved appetizer for decades.

Pinterest Details
Pin Title
– Blue Cheese Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Dates – The Ultimate Salty-Sweet Appetizer

Pin Description
– Bite-sized indulgence: creamy blue cheese nestled in Medjool dates, wrapped in crispy bacon and glazed with honey. Easy prep, elegant flavor—perfect for parties or cozy gatherings. Swap cheeses, prep ahead, and impress with minimal effort!

Hashtags

#AppetizerPerfection
#SweetAndSavory
#PartyBites

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