Crispy Beef Bacon Wrapped Dates

My friend Sarah brought these to a summer potluck last year and I literally couldn't stop eating them. The combination of sweet dates, salty beef bacon, and that hint of creamy cheese hits every craving at once. Now whenever I host people, someone inevitably asks if I'm making those amazing wrapped things. They disappear faster than I can plate them.

I learned the hard way that guests will hover around the air fryer waiting for these to finish. The smell of rendering beef bacon mixed with caramelizing dates is basically impossible to resist. Last New Year's Eve, I made three batches because everyone kept grabbing them hot out of the basket.

Ingredients

• 16 large Medjool dates, pitted: Look for plump, glossy dates that give slightly when pressed. Smaller dates work but you'll need to adjust cooking time.
• 60 g (2 oz) cream cheese or goat cheese: Room temperature cheese pipes easily into the dates. The tang cuts through all that sweetness beautifully.
• 8 slices beef bacon, cut in half: Beef bacon has a deeper, heartier flavor than pork and crisps up incredibly well. Turkey bacon works too but adjust timing.
• 16 toothpicks: Soak wooden ones for 10 minutes to prevent scorching. Metal picks work great if you have them.
• Cooking spray: A light mist helps everything brown evenly and prevents sticking. A pastry brush with olive oil works too.

Instructions

Prep your dates:

Use a sharp knife to slit each date lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. Gently pry open and remove any pits.

Stuff with cheese:

Spoon about 1 teaspoon of cheese into each date. Don't overstuff or the cheese might ooze out during cooking.

Wrap them up:

Wrap a half slice of beef bacon around each stuffed date, stretching slightly if needed. Secure with a toothpick through the seam.

Arrange in air fryer:

Mist the basket lightly with cooking spray. Place the wrapped dates in a single layer, leaving space between each piece for air circulation.

Air fry to perfection:

Cook at 200°C (400°F) for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The bacon should be crispy and the dates starting to caramelize.

Rest before serving:

Let them cool for 2 to 3 minutes. The cheese needs a moment to set up so it doesn't burn eager mouths.

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These have become my go-to when I want to serve something that feels fancy but doesn't require actual cooking skills. Watching friends take that first skeptical bite, then immediately reach for more, never gets old. They're the kind of appetizer that turns a casual gathering into something memorable.

Make-Ahead Magic

You can stuff and wrap these up to a day ahead, storing them covered in the refrigerator. The bacon even adheres better when it has time to firm up in the cold. Just air fry straight from the fridge, adding maybe an extra minute to the cooking time.

Cheese Choices

Goat cheese adds a lovely tang that plays beautifully with the dates, while cream cheese brings milder creaminess. Blue cheese creates this incredible funky sweet combo that adventurous eaters adore. Even a sharp cheddar works if that's what you have on hand.

Serving Ideas

These work perfectly as passed appetizer, part of a mezze platter, or even alongside a simple green salad for light dinner. I like to set up a small finishing station where guests can add their own drizzle of honey or sprinkle of fresh herbs.

• Aged balsamic reduction adds a gorgeous acidic finish
• Chopped pistachios bring a nice crunch and color contrast
• Hot honey creates this incredible sweet heat situation

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There's something deeply satisfying about a recipe that's this simple yet produces such crowd pleasing results. Hope these become a staple in your entertaining rotation too.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the wrapped dates up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. Air fry just before serving for the crispiest results.

→ What cheese works best for stuffing?

Cream cheese offers a mild, creamy contrast while goat cheese provides a tangy element. Blue cheese or aged cheddar also work beautifully for more adventurous palates.

→ How do I prevent the bacon from unraveling?

Secure each wrapped date with a toothpick through the center. Ensure the bacon overlaps slightly around the date and place the seam side down in the air fryer basket.

→ Can I make these without an air fryer?

Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15-18 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, turning once, until the bacon is crisp and browned.

→ What other toppings can I add?

Try drizzling with honey, maple syrup, or balsamic glaze after cooking. Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary add brightness and color.

→ How many dates per person should I plan?

Plan for 3-4 pieces per person as these are quite rich. They're often served as part of an appetizer spread alongside lighter options.