Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Dates

Highlighted under: Sweet Cravings Bakery

Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Dates are the perfect appetizer for any gathering, combining the sweetness of dates with the savory crunch of bacon.

Anna

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-04T04:02:28.891Z

These Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Dates are a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors that will make any gathering unforgettable. The crispy bacon complements the soft, caramel-like texture of the dates, creating a dish that is sure to impress your guests.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Sweet dates wrapped in crispy, savory bacon
  • A perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors
  • Quick and easy to prepare for any occasion

Perfect for Any Occasion

Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Dates are incredibly versatile, making them an ideal choice for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, a casual get-together, or a fancy dinner, these delectable bites are sure to impress your guests. Their unique combination of flavors appeals to a broad range of palates, ensuring that everyone enjoys this delightful appetizer.

The ease of preparation adds to their charm. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch in no time. This means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your friends and family. Plus, these dates are easy to customize, allowing you to add your own twist or additional ingredients.

Balancing Sweetness and Heat

One of the standout features of Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Dates is their incredible balance of flavors. The natural sweetness of the dates complements the savory, salty crunch of the bacon, creating a mouthwatering contrast that keeps you coming back for more. The addition of brown sugar enhances this sweetness, while cayenne pepper introduces a gentle kick that elevates the dish to new heights.

This sweet and spicy dynamic not only makes the appetizer exciting but also stimulates the taste buds. Each bite offers a delightful surprise, as the warmth of the cayenne pepper mingles with the rich flavor of the bacon and the sweetness of the dates. It’s a combination that’s bound to be a crowd favorite!

Easy Tips for Perfecting Your Dish

For the best results, consider using high-quality bacon with a good balance of fat and meat. This will ensure that your bacon-wrapped dates come out crispy and flavorful. Additionally, make sure to choose plump, fresh dates that are easy to stuff. Medjool dates are a popular choice due to their size and sweetness.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different spices or even add a touch of cheese for a creamy element. Cream cheese or goat cheese can add a rich layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet and spicy components. Feel free to get creative and make this dish your own!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 24 pitted dates
  • 12 slices of bacon, cut in half
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Feel free to customize the spices to your liking!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Prepare the Dates

Stuff each date with a small amount of brown sugar and a pinch of cayenne pepper for added spice.

Wrap with Bacon

Wrap each stuffed date with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.

Bake

Place the bacon-wrapped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.

Serve

Let cool for a few minutes and serve warm as an appetizer.

Enjoy your delicious Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Dates!

Storage and Reheating

Leftover Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Dates can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps maintain their crispy texture, ensuring that they taste just as delicious as when they were first made.

If you want to prepare them ahead of time, you can assemble the bacon-wrapped dates and refrigerate them before baking. Just remember to bake them straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly.

Pairing Suggestions

These Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Dates pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. For a refreshing complement, consider serving them alongside a crisp white wine or a light beer. The acidity in these drinks helps cut through the richness of the bacon while enhancing the sweetness of the dates.

If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water infused with citrus can also be a great match. The bubbly texture and zesty flavors will cleanse the palate, allowing the sweet and spicy flavors of the dates to shine.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them and store them in the fridge until you're ready to bake.

→ What type of bacon is best?

Thick-cut bacon works best for a crispy texture.

→ Can I use other fillings for the dates?

Absolutely! Cream cheese or almonds are great alternatives.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Dates

Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Dates are the perfect appetizer for any gathering, combining the sweetness of dates with the savory crunch of bacon.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Anna

Recipe Type: Sweet Cravings Bakery

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 12 servings

What You'll Need

Main Ingredients

  1. 24 pitted dates
  2. 12 slices of bacon, cut in half
  3. 1/4 cup brown sugar
  4. 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 02

Stuff each date with a small amount of brown sugar and a pinch of cayenne pepper for added spice.

Step 03

Wrap each stuffed date with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.

Step 04

Place the bacon-wrapped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.

Step 05

Let cool for a few minutes and serve warm as an appetizer.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 10g
  • Protein: 4g