Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Halloumi & Smoked Almond

Why these work

Dates have a lot of personality, so they need confident flavours around them. Think of each one as a tiny warm parcel: creamy centre, smoky crunch, then bacon wrapped tight like it means it.

At a glance

• Makes: about 16–20 pieces (depends on date size)
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 15–16 minutes
• Good for: quick canapés, last minute visitors, festive drinks

Recipe Notes

• Make Ahead: Prep them up to the wrapping stage and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. They’re at their best fresh from the oven.
• Date choice matters: Medjool gives you the right soft chew and size. If your dates are smaller/firm, reduce the fill and shave a minute or two off the bake so they don’t toughen.
• Bacon thickness: Think streaky bacon - thin rashers crisp; thick-cut stays chewy and can “wrap loose”. If you only have thicker bacon, stretch it with the back of a knife before wrapping.
• Halloumi slice control: Keep it very thin. Too thick and it can slip out before the bacon sets.
• Mascarpone insurance: Don’t overfill. A small spoon is plenty; it expands and can bubble out if it’s piled high.
• Crisp without grease: Bake on parchment, seam-side down. If your bacon is very fatty, place the dates on a wire rack over the tray so the heat circulates and they crisp faster.
• Temperature cue (more useful than minutes): Pull them out when the bacon has deepened in colour and tightened around the date - with crisp edges. If the bacon’s still pale at 16 minutes, give them 1–2 minutes under the grill (watch closely).
• Make-ahead guidance: Assemble up to the wrapping stage, cover and refrigerate for up to a day. Bake straight from the fridge: add 1–2 minutes if needed.
• Serving: Let them sit for 2–3 minutes after the oven. The filling is molten-hot and this stops any first-bite burn.
• Easy variations:
  • Swap smoked almonds for toasted hazelnuts, walnuts or pistachios.
  • Add a tiny brush of honey right at the end if you want them slightly glossier (optional, not necessary).
  • For a sharper bite, add a few thyme leaves or a pinch of chilli flakes to the mascarpone.

Allergen note: contains dairy (mascarpone, halloumi) and nuts (almonds).

• What are the best quick canapés for a last-minute visit?
• Anything you can assemble in 10 minutes. These stuffed dates are ideal because they feel special, but the ingredient list is short and the timing is forgiving.
• What can I make for last minute visitors that isn’t a cheese board?
• Hot, bite-sized, salty-sweet things. Bake these while you’re opening the door and they’ll be ready before the first round of tea or drinks is finished.
• How far ahead can I prep bacon-wrapped dates?
• Assemble them up to the wrapping stage, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving for the best crisp bacon.
• Do I need toothpicks?
• No. Tuck the bacon ends underneath and place seam-side down on the tray. Use toothpicks if you’re transporting them or your bacon is especially short.
• What temperature do you cook bacon-wrapped dates at?
• Bake at 200°C (180°C fan) / Gas 6 and start checking at 10 minutes. They usually take 15–16 minutes until the bacon is crisping at the edges.
• How many bacon-wrapped dates per person?
• Plan 2–3 per person as part of a canapé menu. If they’re the main nibble with drinks, go 4–5.
• My bacon isn’t crisping—what do I do?
• Move the tray to a higher rack for the last few minutes, or finish under the grill for 30–60 seconds. Watch closely; they go from golden to overdone quickly.
• Can I use streaky bacon or back bacon?
• Streaky bacon works best because it wraps and crisps more easily. Back bacon is too thick but can be used if it’s thin and long enough to wrap, but it won’t crisp in the same way.
• What can I use instead of halloumi?
• A small piece of firm cheese that browns well and holds shape. If you skip it, add a touch more mascarpone and keep the almond for crunch.
• What can I use instead of mascarpone?
• Cream cheese works or blue cheese. Keep the filling small so it doesn’t spill out during baking.
• Are bacon-wrapped dates gluten-free?
• They can be, but check your bacon and smoked almonds for any gluten-containing additives or flavourings.
• How do I keep them warm for guests?
• They’re best hot. If needed, keep them in a low oven (100°C fan) for 10–15 minutes, or re-crisp for a few minutes at 180°C fan. Avoid microwaving—the bacon goes soft.
• Can I make a vegetarian version?
• Yes: skip bacon and roast the stuffed dates, then finish under the grill to brown the halloumi. They won’t be as crisp, but they’re still rich and snackable.
• Any allergy notes?
• Contains dairy (mascarpone, halloumi) and nuts (almonds), sulphites (bacon)