Devils on Horseback Recipe

Pitted dates: These are sweet dried fruits with the pits removed, perfect for stuffing and wrapping.

Bacon: Thinly sliced bacon adds a salty, crispy layer that balances the sweetness of the dates.

Almonds: Optional crunchy nuts that go inside the dates for extra texture.

Cheese: Another optional stuffing choice that adds a creamy flavor inside the dates.

One of the trickiest parts of making Devils on Horseback is wrapping the bacon around the stuffed dates without it slipping off. Here’s a simple way to do it so everything stays put while baking:

1. After you stuff each date with an almond or a small piece of cheese, lay a slice of bacon flat on your work surface.
2. Place the stuffed date at one end of the bacon slice.
3. Roll the bacon tightly around the date, making sure the edges overlap a bit.
4. Use a toothpick to poke through the middle, holding the bacon and date together.

Doing this helps the bacon cook evenly and get nice and crispy without falling off the dates. If the bacon isn’t wrapped snugly, it can unravel in the oven, which means you might lose some of that delicious smoky flavor and the presentation won’t look as neat.

When I first tried this, I didn’t use a toothpick and the bacon slipped right off during baking. It was a little messy, but I learned that toothpicks are a small step that make a big difference. Also, if you want to save time, you can use pre-sliced bacon that’s thin—thicker slices take longer to cook and can be harder to wrap tightly.

Wrapping the bacon just right makes the whole snack taste better and look more inviting. Plus, it’s fun to see the crispy, golden bacon holding everything together when you take a bite!

• 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.