Save Sweet, smoky, and creamy bites featuring dates filled with tangy cream cheese and crunchy walnuts, all wrapped in crisp bacon, make a perfect appetizer for any occasion.
I first made these bacon wrapped dates stuffed with cream cheese and walnuts for a small family get-together. They disappeared within minutes, and everyone kept asking for the recipe!
Ingredients
- Medjool dates: 16 pieces, pitted
- Bacon: 8 slices, halved crosswise
- Cream cheese: 60 g, softened (about 4 tbsp)
- Walnut halves: 32 pieces (about 40 g)
Instructions
- Prep oven & pan:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare dates:
- Make a small slit in each date and remove the pit if not already pitted.
- Add filling:
- Fill each date with about 1/2 teaspoon of cream cheese and insert a walnut half into the center.
- Seal dates:
- Gently press the dates closed to keep the filling secure.
- Wrap with bacon:
- Wrap each stuffed date with a half-slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Arrange for baking:
- Place bacon-wrapped dates seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake:
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, turning halfway through, until bacon is crisp and golden.
- Cool & serve:
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Save When my kids help me fill and wrap these dates, we always end up laughing together, and the kitchen smells amazing while they bake. It's a little tradition before every holiday dinner.
Required Tools
You'll need a sharp knife, small spoon, baking sheet, parchment paper, and toothpicks for this recipe.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can sprinkle the dates with smoked paprika or drizzle with honey before serving. Pecans work well in place of walnuts if preferred.
Nutritional Information
Each serving (2 pieces) contains about 130 calories, 7 g of fat, 14 g carbohydrates, and 4 g protein.
Save Serve warm or at room temperature, and watch these disappear at your next gathering. Enjoy the irresistible sweet, creamy, and salty combination!
Recipe Guide
- → What type of dates works best?
Medjool dates are preferred due to their natural sweetness, soft texture, and size, which allow easy stuffing.
- → Can walnuts be substituted?
Yes, pecans or almonds can replace walnuts for a different crunch and flavor profile.
- → How to ensure the bacon crisps evenly?
Arrange wrapped dates seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet and turn halfway through baking for even crispness.
- → Is it necessary to remove date pits beforehand?
Yes, pitting creates space for the cream cheese and walnut filling and prevents chewing on hard pits.
- → Can these be prepared in advance?
They can be assembled ahead and stored refrigerated, then baked just before serving to maintain crisp bacon texture.