There’s something magical about the mix of smoky, salty, and sweet. These Beef Bacon Wrapped Dates with Hot Honey & Sea Salt are little bites of joy that melt in your mouth. Perfect for any party table, they’re a classy twist on that everyone will remember.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make ahead, so you’re not stuck in the kitchen during your party.
- Perfect sweet and savory bite for any celebration.
- Looks fancy but uses just a handful of simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Each ingredient adds balance and flavor to make this bite unforgettable.
- Medjool dates: Soft and naturally sweet, they hold everything together.
- Beef bacon: Brings smoky richness that pairs perfectly with the caramel flavor of dates.
- Hot honey: Adds a warm sweetness with a hint of heat that ties everything together.
- Sea salt flakes: A finishing touch that wakes up all the flavors.
- Toothpicks: Keep your rolls neat and easy to handle.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps for perfect results every time.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice each date open and remove the pit, then stuff lightly with a tiny piece of cooked beef or cheese if you like extra richness.
- Wrap each date tightly with half a strip of beef bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Place the wrapped dates on the baking sheet and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the bacon turns crisp and the dates are caramelized.
- Drizzle warm hot honey over the top, then sprinkle lightly with sea salt before serving.
Mistakes to Avoid
To make the best Beef Bacon Wrapped Dates with Hot Honey & Sea Salt, here’s what not to do:
- Don’t skip the parchment paper or the sticky honey glaze will cling to your pan.
- Don’t overbake the bacon, or the dates will dry out and lose their sweetness.
- Don’t use thin honey, as it can run off; thicker hot honey keeps its texture beautifully.
Pro Tips
- For a quick twist, brush your bacon with maple syrup before baking for extra caramel flavor.
- Make them ahead and reheat for 5 minutes before serving to save time during holidays.
- Serve them next to Cranberry Brie Bites or Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread for a full party finger foods platter.
Serving Suggestions
These bites shine as part of your holiday appetizers easy menu. Pair them with a light sparkling drink or a fruity mocktail. They also make perfect make ahead Christmas appetizers just bake, cool, and store in an airtight container, then warm before serving. Try them beside Cranberry Orange Meatballs for a stunning appetizer board.
Beef Bacon Wrapped Dates with Hot Honey & Sea Salt
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Toothpicks
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 Medjool dates pitted
- 6 slices beef bacon cut in half
- hot honey for drizzling
- sea salt flakes for sprinkling
- toothpicks for securing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice each date and remove the pit. Optionally stuff with a piece of cooked beef or cheese for added richness.
- Wrap each date with half a strip of beef bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Place on baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes until bacon is crisp and dates are caramelized.
- Drizzle with warm hot honey and sprinkle with sea salt before serving.
Notes
- Make ahead by prepping and refrigerating up to 24 hours in advance.
- Reheat for 5 minutes before serving.
- Swap hot honey with regular honey and chili flakes if needed.
FAQs
Why is my bacon not crisping up?
If your bacon isn’t crisp, bake a few minutes longer or use a wire rack so the fat can drip away. Beef bacon takes a bit longer than pork to get that perfect crunch.
Can I make these without hot honey?
Yes, you can use regular honey mixed with a few drops of hot sauce or a pinch of chili flakes for a similar sweet and spicy taste. Adjust to your spice preference.
How can I make this ahead for a party?
Wrap and refrigerate the dates up to 24 hours before baking. Bake just before guests arrive for that irresistible aroma. You can even reheat leftovers in the oven for 5 minutes to refresh the flavor.
Conclusion
Every bite of these Beef Bacon Wrapped Dates with Hot Honey & Sea Salt brings that addictive mix of savory bacon and soft, sweet dates. Whether it’s a cozy night in or your next gathering, save this recipe to your Pinterest board and share the love one bite at a time.
