Sweet & Spicy Bacon Wrapped Dates

You know me and my continuous rotation of dips and apps! I strive for as few ingredients and minutes to prepare as possible! Sometimes though, I do take the extra time to make a crowd fav, even if it means turning on the oven – agh! I know. I know. But I promise you, if you love bacon, or even just that sweet and savory combo, you are going to love these. And will want to add them to your hosting rotation! These Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Dates are a year-round favorite over here!

A little smoky, a little spicy and a little sweet. 

I looove this combination so much. And I think you will, too!!

SWEET & SPICY BACON WRAPPED DATES – INGREDIENTS

• thick cut bacon [I use hickory smoked]
• bag of pitted dates [you’ll use about 30-35]
• maple syrup 
• salt & pepper
• garlic powder
• chili powder
• cayenne pepper
• brown sugar

SWEET & SPICY BACON WRAPPED DATES – DIRECTIONS

1. First, preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
2. Then take bacon strips and cut in half width-wise.
3. Next, take one 1/2 piece of uncooked bacon, lay it out and then place a date at one end.
4. Gently roll the bacon around the date until it’s fully rolled up and secure it with a toothpick.
5. Place in a greased baking dish and continue rolling dates until you have as many as you need.
6. Then, take the maple syrup and drizzle it across all of the dates in the dish. I usually go back and forth both directions across the pan – length and width.
7. Next, sprinkle salt and pepper generously across the dish of rolled dates.
8. Then, do the same with the other spices – chili powder, garlic powder and cayenne pepper.
9. Pop the pan in the oven for 20-30 minutes.
10. Take the pan out and sprinkle brown sugar crumbles on top and put back in the oven to bake for another 10 minutes or until golden brown. *I sometimes turn the temperature up to 400 or 425 for the last 5-10 minutes.

I actually prefer to bake the sweet and spicy bacon wrapped dates until the bacon is browned with crispy edges. Ample cooking time ensures fully cooked bacon and then soft and gooey dates in the center. Plus the brown sugar and syrup give them a nice caramelized crust!

These are so yummy, but too easy to keep popping in your mouth! 

If you don’t like your bacon as crispy or dark, then watch them a little more closely in the oven. You just want to make sure the dates cook long enough to soften.

I make these Sweet & Spicy Bacon Wrapped Dates for the holidays, birthday parties, Flamingo Fridays or just general entertaining! They appeal to everyone year-round no matter the occasion!

Helpful hint:  I usually bake these in a glass dish. In fact, Pyrex dishes with lids make transporting super simple. Otherwise, I’ll grab the dates by the toothpicks and transfer them to a prettier dish for serving.

I have a couple of white and gold platters from HomeGoods that look so expensive, but were under $15. In fact, this platter is the same style with the gold beaded edges but with handles! #addtocart ! This is also a really pretty white and gold one.

I’ll just cover them with serran wrap or foil if I’m taking them to a friend’s house in one of these platters. I also really like this plain white oval one or this simple rectangle serving platter! Both under $15.

I’m not a self-proclaimed bacon fanatic, but I do love these. And I also believe that they are the key ingredient to making my Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms so extra delicious!! And the dates are great to keep on hand to toss on a Simple Cheese board when entertaining. They just add a little something extra 😉

My Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Dates always make the list when I know I’ll have the time to pop them in the oven. The rolling, drizzling and sprinkling only takes about 10 minutes!

How do you feel about bacon? Do you use it any chance you get?!

Don’t forget to pin for later!

If you are looking for other quick and easy appetizer recipes, check out some of my other favorites below!:

1. Cheese Board Using Grocery Store Sliced Cheese
2. 3 Ingredient Bruschetta Dip
3. Mini Caprese Skewers
4. 5 minute Boursin Cheese & Jam Appetizer
5. Spicy Cold Corn Dip
6. 4 Ingredient Chicken Salad
7. Raspberry Chipotle Cream Cheese Dip
8. Fresh Pineapple & Corn Salsa
9. Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms