Sweet, salty, smoky, and just a little sticky from the maple glaze—these Maple Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Dates are everything you want in a bite-sized appetizer. Trust me, they’re the kind of party snack that disappears within minutes, and everyone will be asking for the recipe. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or need a quick finger food for a potluck, these little bites are guaranteed to impress!
I first discovered this recipe when I needed something quick but fancy for a holiday party. You know, the kind of dish that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen but is secretly ridiculously easy. After tweaking the glaze and experimenting with stuffing the dates, I finally landed on this version, and now it’s a staple for every celebration. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free, which makes them perfect for guests with dietary restrictions.
If you’ve never tried bacon-wrapped dates before, prepare to have your taste buds blown away. They’re the ultimate sweet-meets-savory combo, and the maple glaze adds a caramelized finish that ties it all together. Let’s get started—you’re going to love this recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Prep these in under 30 minutes, and they only take 15 minutes to cook!
- Simple Ingredients: Just a handful of pantry staples—bacon, dates, and maple syrup—plus a little optional stuffing for extra flair.
- Perfect for Parties: These bite-sized treats are ideal for entertaining, whether it’s a dinner party, holiday gathering, or game-day event.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Sweet, salty, smoky—these flavors appeal to everyone, even picky eaters.
- Versatile: You can easily customize the stuffing or glaze to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
What sets this recipe apart is the maple glaze—it caramelizes beautifully in the oven, adding an irresistible sticky sweetness that complements the smoky bacon. Plus, you can stuff the dates with ingredients like creamy goat cheese or crunchy almonds for a fun twist. Once you taste one, you’ll understand why they’re always the star of the appetizer table!
What Ingredients You Will Need
This recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients that pack a ton of flavor.
- Medjool Dates: Soft, chewy, and naturally sweet—these are perfect for wrapping and stuffing. Be sure to pit them before starting!
- Bacon: Thin-cut bacon works best for wrapping as it crisps up quickly without overpowering the dates.
- Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup for the glaze—it adds richness and a hint of caramel flavor.
- Optional Stuffing: Goat cheese (for creaminess and tang), almonds (for crunch), or even blue cheese (if you want a bold flavor).
- Toothpicks: Essential for securing the bacon and making these bites easy to serve.
You’ll likely have most of these ingredients in your pantry, and if you need substitutes, thin prosciutto works in place of bacon, and honey can be used instead of maple syrup.
Equipment Needed
- Sharp knife: For slicing and pitting the dates.
- Cutting board: A sturdy surface for prepping ingredients.
- Baking sheet: Use a rimmed sheet to catch any glaze drips.
- Parchment paper: Keeps cleanup easy and prevents sticking.
- Toothpicks: For securing the bacon-wrapped dates.
If you don’t have parchment paper, foil works as a substitute, though you’ll want to grease it lightly to prevent sticking. And while toothpicks are ideal, you can improvise with skewers if needed!
Preparation Method
- Preheat your oven: Set it to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dates: Slice each date lengthwise and remove the pit. If you’re stuffing them, add about 1 teaspoon of goat cheese, a whole almond, or your preferred filling inside each date.
- Wrap with bacon: Cut the bacon slices in half and wrap each date tightly with one piece of bacon. Secure with a toothpick to hold everything in place.
- Arrange on the baking sheet: Place the bacon-wrapped dates on the lined sheet, leaving some space between each one.
- Brush with maple syrup: Using a pastry brush or spoon, generously coat each date with maple syrup for that sticky glaze.
- Bake: Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the glaze is bubbling.
- Cool slightly: Let them sit for 5 minutes before serving, so the glaze sets and they’re easier to handle.
Pro tip: If your bacon isn’t crisping up enough, broil the dates for 1-2 minutes at the end, but watch closely to avoid burning!
Cooking Tips & Techniques
- Choose the right bacon: Stick with thin-cut bacon for the best texture. Thick-cut bacon may not crisp as well or wrap tightly.
- Stuffing variations: If adding fillings like cheese or nuts, don’t overstuff the dates—just a teaspoon is enough to balance the flavors without overwhelming the bacon.
- Prevent sticking: Always use parchment paper or grease your baking sheet to avoid a sticky mess from the glaze.
- Flip halfway: Turning the dates during baking ensures even cooking and prevents soggy bacon on one side.
- Don’t skip the toothpicks: They keep everything secure and make serving easy—plus, they’re less messy for guests to eat!
And here’s a little secret: if you want an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder over the glaze before baking!
Variations & Adaptations
- Cheese-Stuffed Dates: Swap goat cheese for blue cheese or cream cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Nut-Free Option: Leave out the nuts and focus on the bacon and glaze for simplicity.
- Vegetarian Twist: Use thin-cut eggplant or zucchini slices instead of bacon for a plant-based version.
- Spicy Maple Glaze: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the maple syrup for a sweet-and-spicy kick.
- Seasonal Additions: In the fall, sprinkle crushed pecans over the dates before baking for an autumn-inspired flavor.
Feel free to get creative—this recipe is easy to adapt to suit your guests’ preferences!
Serving & Storage Suggestions
Serving: Serve these warm or at room temperature on a platter with extra toothpicks for easy grabbing. They pair beautifully with a glass of sparkling wine or even a bold red like Cabernet Sauvignon.
Storage: If you have leftovers (unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to refresh the crispness, or use an air fryer for even faster results.
Pro tip: The maple glaze deepens in flavor after a day, making them just as delicious when reheated!
Nutritional Information & Benefits
Each bacon-wrapped date is approximately 70-80 calories, depending on the filling and size of the date. They’re naturally gluten-free and packed with simple, wholesome ingredients.
- Dates: A natural source of energy, rich in fiber, and full of vitamins like B6 and potassium.
- Bacon: Provides protein and a smoky flavor that complements the sweetness of the dates.
- Maple Syrup: Contains antioxidants and adds a touch of natural sweetness without refined sugar.
While these are an indulgent treat, they’re made with real, unprocessed ingredients—a win for both flavor and health-conscious snacking!
Conclusion
These Maple Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Dates are the ultimate appetizer for any occasion. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and always a crowd favorite. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party or enjoying them as a sweet-and-savory snack, you’ll love how effortlessly they come together.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out—leave a comment below or share your own twist on it! And don’t forget to save this recipe for your next gathering—it’s sure to become a go-to favorite.
So, grab some dates, bacon, and maple syrup, and get ready to wow your guests with this irresistible appetizer. Happy cooking!
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prep them up to a day in advance, cover them tightly, and store in the fridge. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.
What’s the best bacon to use?
Thin-cut bacon works best as it crisps up quickly and wraps tightly around the dates.
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Absolutely! Honey is a great alternative, though it has a slightly different flavor profile.
Are these gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for guests with dietary restrictions.
What if I don’t have toothpicks?
You can use small skewers or simply place the wrapped dates seam-side down on the baking sheet—they’ll hold together fine while baking.
