Spicy Maple-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Dates 🥜 - Sweet & Spicy Thanksgiving Bites 🔥
Indulge your guests with these bold, bite-sized treats that balance sweet, spicy, and savory in one unforgettable flavor explosion!
These Spicy Maple-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Dates are the ultimate crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving appetizer that delivers a perfect symphony of flavors. Combining the natural sweetness of Medjool dates with smoky crispy bacon and a fiery maple-chipotle glaze, they're ready in under 20 minutes and require just 5 ingredients. Stuff each date with almond butter, wrap in bacon, and brush with the glaze for a sweet-spicy masterpiece that'll disappear fast from your holiday platter. Let's dive into how to create these irresistible flavor bombs!
Perfect for Thanksgiving, holiday parties, or anytime you want to impress, these dates deliver three distinct flavor textures in one bite - gooey, crispy, and velvety. The maple-chipotle glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a sticky, spicy crust that contrasts with the soft date center. They're perfect as a quick make-ahead appetizer that requires no complicated techniques.
Whether you're serving a formal Thanksgiving dinner or a cozy gathering, this recipe offers versatility. They're finger-friendly, visually striking, and packed with enough bold flavor to stand out among traditional holiday offerings. The sweet-spicy balance is perfectly calibrated to please spice lovers while still being approachable for more conservative palates.
With just a handful of quality ingredients and simple preparation, you'll create an appetizer that rivals restaurant-quality flavor at home. The glaze's smoky chipotle heat is tempered by the sweetness of maple syrup, making these dates a perfect accompaniment to wine, beer, or even spiked apple cider.
This recipe requires only 10 minutes of active hands-on time, making it ideal for hosts who want to minimize last-minute prep. The bacon-wrapped dates can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator until broiling. When ready to serve, just give them a quick brush of glaze and broil to perfection. Let's cover the step-by-step process to make these Thanksgiving showstoppers.
Ingredients
- 24 large Medjool dates, pitted
- 12 thick-cut bacon slices (about 12 oz)
- 1/4 cup smooth almond butter
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp chipotle in adobo, finely chopped
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
All ingredients should be chilled in advance for easiest handling. For best results, use uncured thick-cut bacon which maintains its shape better when wrapping.
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Chill bacon and dates in freezer for 15 minutes to make handling easier. In small bowl, mix maple syrup, chipotle, Dijon, Worcestershire, garlic, pepper, onion powder, and cayenne until well combined. Set aside.
- Stuff dates: Using small paring knife, make shallow pocket in top of each date. Remove 1 tsp almond butter and press into each date. Keep unused portions refrigerated until needed. Pro tip: Work quickly with almond butter while it's still cool to prevent melting.
- Wrap with bacon: Wrap 1 bacon strip diagonally around each date, securing with toothpick through side (not top). Arrange bacon-wrapped dates on prepared baking sheet. Pro tip: Cut bacon crosswise into thirds for proper sizing to wrap dates.
- Apply glaze: Brush maple-chipotle glaze over top of each wrapped date. Place under preheated broiler for 5-7 minutes until bacon is crispy and glaze is caramelized. Pro tip: Rotate baking sheet halfway for even browning.
For optimal results, prepare bacon-wrapped but unglazed dates ahead. Store in refrigerator until ready to glaze and broil for final stage just before serving.
Recipe Card
Spicy Maple-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Sweet-Spicy Holiday Bites
🛒 Ingredients
- - 24 large Medjool dates, pitted
- - 12 thick-cut bacon slices
- - 1/4 cup almond butter
- - 1/3 cup maple syrup
- - 1 tsp chipotle in adobo
- - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- - 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- - 1/4 tsp black pepper
- - 1/4 tsp onion powder
- - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Nutritional Information
Per Serving:
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Speedy Execution
Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal preparation. The components can be prepped ahead of time and finished in the oven at the last minute.
💥 Flavor Impact
Combines sweet (dates/maple), spicy (chipotle), savory (bacon) elements that create a flavor explosion in every bite.
👥 Crowd-Pleasing
Appeals to both spice lovers and more tentative palates because the heat level is adjustable and balanced by sweetness.
🌟 Make-Ahead Friendly
Bacon-wrapped dates without glaze can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Just add the glaze and broil before serving.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Medjool Dates
Provide natural sweetness and plump texture crucial for holding filling. Substitutes: Dates packed in syrup or figs.
Look for large, soft dates with intact pits for best results.
Almond Butter
Adds nutty depth and creamy texture. Substitutes: Peanut butter, cashew butter, or hummus.
Use smooth varieties for best distribution in the dates.
Maple Syrup
Provides natural sweetener and helps glaze adhere to bacon. Substitutes: Brown sugar or honey.
Dark amber maple syrup gives deeper flavor than light syrup.
Chipotle
Adds smoky heat with depth. Substitutes: Smoked paprika or cayenne pepper.
Adjust quantity according to desired heat level.
Pro Tips for Perfect Dates
⚠️ Bacon Handling
Keep bacon chilled until ready to wrap to prevent curlinging. Work steadily but carefully to avoid tearing.
🪄 Toothpick Placement
Insert toothpick through side (not top) to prevent piercing filling and maintaining date shape.
⏰ Make-Ahead Tip
Prepare bacon-wrapped dates without glaze 24 hours ahead. Store in airtight container in fridge.
🌶️ Spice Control
Use only 1/2 tsp chipotle initially, can always add more to taste. Taste the glaze before using.
Variations & Customizations
Cheese Filling
Add crumbled goat cheese inside dates before wrapping bacon for extra richness and flavor contrast.
Protein Boost
Mix almond butter with diced roasted pecans or slivered almonds for added texture and protein content.
Glaze Variations
Try bourbon glaze (1 tbsp bourbon + 1 tsp brown sugar) or honey-mustard glaze (equal parts honey and Dijon mustard).
Bacon Alternatives
Use turkey bacon for lower-fat option, or prosciutto for a ham-like flavor without the smokiness.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Spiced Apple Cider: The apple sweetness complements the bacon-spice interaction
- Crisp White Wines: Sauvignon blanc or unoaked chardonnay cut through richness
- Nut Mix Boards: Cashews, pecans, and pistachios echo the nutty character of the almond butter
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Hot honey bourbon cocktail or spiked apple juice with cinnamon and nutmeg
Make-Ahead & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare bacon-wrapped dates up to 24 hours ahead. Store in airtight container in refrigerator. Apply glaze just before broiling.
Refrigerator Storage
Store unglazed wrapped dates in fridge for up to 48 hours. Keep glaze separate to preserve bacon texture.
Freezer Storage
Wrap individual dates in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw and add fresh glaze before broiling.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat on parchment paper lined tray under broiler 3-5 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning the glaze.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Why are my bacon strips shrinking or curling?
A: Bacon was at room temperature too long before wrapping. Keep chilled until ready to use. If curled, gently press with paper towel to flatten.
Q: Can I use regular sliced bacon?
A: Yes, but thick-cut holds up better. If using thin slices, overlap them slightly when wrapping for more coverage.
Q: How can I make this vegan?
A: Substitute bacon with tempeh or portobello mushroom. Use vegan Worcestershire sauce and ensure chipotle is vegan certified.
Q: What if my glaze isn't sticking?
A: Dates might be excessively wet. Blot thoroughly and/or microwave 30 seconds before glazing to remove excess moisture.
Final Thoughts
These Spicy Maple-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Dates are more than just a snack - they're an experience that combines sweet, spicy, and savory in a single bite. Whether you're feeding a crowd or making a special holiday presentation, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the hassle. The make-ahead capability gives you more freedom to enjoy your evening while guests savor the first course. For Pinterest sharing, these make a striking standalone pin, or complete the look as part of a full Thanksgiving meal series by adding complementary sides like sweet potato casserole and glazed carrots. Pin now and prepare to receive raves at your next gathering!
Consider creating a complete holiday presentation by pairing with: - Maple-roasted sweet potatoes - Herbed mushroom duxelles - Apple cider sangria This trio of sweet, earthy, and refreshing elements completes the flavor journey from appetizer to dessert.
