Looking for a unique and utterly addictive appetizer that walks the perfect line between sweet, salty, smoky, and crunchy? Say hello to maple bacon-wrapped dates with almonds. These bite-sized treats are everything you could want in a holiday party appetizer. The crispy bacon, the sticky sweet dates, the crunch of roasted almonds, and that final glossy drizzle of maple syrup—pure holiday magic. Whether you’re hosting a cozy Christmas dinner or assembling a stunning Christmas charcuterie board, these little flavor bombs will steal the show.
Maple Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Almonds
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 24 bacon-wrapped dates
Baking sheet A rimmed baking sheet is best to catch bacon grease.
Wire Rack Optional, but helps the bacon crisp up evenly.
Parchment paper or aluminum foil Makes cleanup much easier.
Toothpicks Essential to hold the bacon wrap in place.
Small knife For pitting and slicing the dates if needed.
Tongs or spatula To flip the dates mid-bake.
- 24 Medjool dates pitted (choose plump, soft dates for the best result)
- 24 roasted whole almonds unsalted (adds crunch and a toasty note)
- 12 slices of bacon cut in half (regular cut bacon works best—not too thin, not too thick)
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup go for Grade A amber for that rich, sweet finish
- Toothpicks for securing the rolls
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt
Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil, and place a wire rack on top if using.
Stuff the Dates
Make a slit in each date lengthwise if they aren’t already pitted. Remove the pit (if needed), then press a roasted almond into the center. Close the date gently around the nut.
Wrap in Bacon
Take a half slice of bacon and wrap it snugly around the date. Secure the ends with a toothpick, piercing all the way through to keep everything in place.
Arrange and Bake
Place the bacon-wrapped dates on the wire rack or directly on the foil-lined baking sheet, spaced slightly apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
Maple Finish
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and carefully drizzle each date with maple syrup—about 1/4 teaspoon per date. Use the back of a spoon to spread it slightly. Return to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and caramelized.
Cool Slightly and Serve
Let them rest for a few minutes out of the oven. You can serve them warm, at room temperature, or even slightly chilled. Garnish with a sprinkle of parsley or flaky sea salt for added flair.
Perfect Pairings
These maple bacon-wrapped dates are flavor-packed and versatile. Here’s how to make them shine as part of your larger spread:
- On a Christmas charcuterie board: Pair with brie, blue cheese, marcona almonds, rosemary crackers, and seasonal fruits like pomegranate seeds and figs.
- Alongside festive drinks: These go beautifully with sparkling wine, bourbon-based cocktails, or a Christmas sangria.
- Next to creamy dips: Try them with a whipped goat cheese or a roasted red pepper hummus to balance the salty-sweet flavor.
- Part of a Christmas buffet: These dates make an excellent bridge between savory meat dishes and sweeter bites like cranberry brie bites or glazed nuts.
They’re also right at home on a platter of Christmas eve appetizers when you want something warm and satisfying before the main meal.
FAQs
1. What kind of bacon works best?
Regular cut pork bacon is ideal. Avoid thick-cut bacon, as it won’t crisp up in time and might overpower the date. Turkey bacon can be used as a lighter option, but it doesn't caramelize quite the same way.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the dates (stuff and wrap with bacon) up to 24 hours in advance, cover them, and refrigerate. When ready, just pop them in the oven and finish with maple syrup as directed. They’re excellent make-ahead xmas appetizers.
3. Are there alternatives to almonds?
Absolutely. If you're serving someone with a nut allergy, try cream cheese or blue cheese as a filling instead. If you want a bit more indulgence, a sliver of manchego or aged gouda works great too.
4. Can these be served cold?
While they’re best warm or at room temperature, they’re still tasty when chilled—making them a great option for easy christmas appetizers for a party where items might sit out for a while.
5. Do I have to use Medjool dates?
Medjool dates are preferred for their softness and rich flavor, but Deglet Noor dates can also be used. Just be aware they are smaller and drier, so the texture will be a bit different. If using smaller dates, you might need to trim your bacon slices to avoid overlap.
