Devils on Horseback Recipe

Dates: Sweet and chewy dried fruit, often found in the dried fruit section of the supermarket.

Bacon: Thinly sliced pork belly, known for its rich, savory flavor and crispy texture when cooked.

Almonds: Crunchy nuts that add a delightful texture and nutty flavor to the dish.

Cheese: Optional ingredient that can be used instead of almonds to add a creamy, savory element to the dates.

To ensure the bacon cooks evenly and crisps up nicely, partially cook the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes before wrapping them around the dates. This will render some of the fat and help achieve a perfect texture without overcooking the dates.

• pitted dates - Substitute with dried apricots: Dried apricots provide a similar sweetness and chewy texture, making them a great alternative.

• pitted dates - Substitute with prunes: Prunes have a similar texture and sweetness, offering a slightly different but still delicious flavor.

• thinly sliced bacon - Substitute with prosciutto: Prosciutto is a thinner, less fatty option that still provides a savory, salty flavor.

• thinly sliced bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon is a leaner alternative that still offers a similar crispy texture and smoky taste.

• cheese - Substitute with blue cheese: Blue cheese adds a tangy, creamy contrast to the sweetness of the dates.

• cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese provides a creamy, slightly tangy flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.

• almonds - Substitute with pecans: Pecans offer a similar crunch and nutty flavor, complementing the other ingredients nicely.

• almonds - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts provide a slightly different but still delicious nutty flavor and crunchy texture.

• Allow the Devils on Horseback to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the bacon soggy.

• Place the cooled appetizers in an airtight container. If stacking is necessary, separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

• Store the container in the refrigerator. These delightful bites will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

• For longer storage, consider freezing. Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.

• Once frozen, transfer the dates to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.

• When ready to enjoy, reheat directly from the freezer. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake on a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and heated through.

• If reheating from the refrigerator, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes, ensuring the cheese or almonds inside are warmed as well.

• Avoid microwaving, as this can make the bacon rubbery instead of crispy.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover Devils on Horseback on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the bacon is reheated and crispy.

• Use a toaster oven set to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates on the toaster oven tray and heat for about 8-10 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.

• For a quicker method, use a microwave. Place the Devils on Horseback on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are evenly warmed.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the bacon-wrapped dates in the basket in a single layer. Air fry for 5-7 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and heated through.

• For stovetop reheating, use a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the Devils on Horseback in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the dates are warmed through.

• Oven: Used to bake the bacon-wrapped dates until the bacon is crispy.

• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface to place the bacon-wrapped dates for baking.

• Toothpicks: Secures the bacon around the stuffed dates to keep them intact during baking.

• Knife: Useful for cutting the cheese or almonds to the appropriate size for stuffing the dates.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting the cheese or almonds.

• Tongs: Helps to handle the hot bacon-wrapped dates when removing them from the oven.

• Cooling rack: Allows the bacon-wrapped dates to cool slightly after baking.

• Measuring cup: Ensures you have the correct amount of ingredients if needed.

• Mixing bowl: Can be used to hold the dates, cheese, and almonds while preparing.

Prepare the filling: Stuff the dates with almonds or cheese ahead of time and store them in the fridge.

Pre-cut bacon: Use pre-cut bacon slices to save time on wrapping.

Use parchment paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Batch process: Assemble all bacon-wrapped dates at once before placing them on the baking sheet.

Preheat oven: Make sure to preheat your oven while you prepare the ingredients to save time.