Ever stand in your kitchen…maybe you’re hosting friends, maybe just hungry at midnight…and you crave something salty, smoky, kinda sweet? The Devils on Horseback Recipe basically solves that whole situation. These little bites, let me tell you, they disappear fast.
My family crushes trays of them as quick as I can make ‘em (sometimes before the main dish hits the table). If you like quick, crowd-friendly stuff like these juicy garlic butter steak bites or crave the comfort of cheesy chicken bacon ranch pasta, buckle up because this one might be your new party move. Trust me, if you forget to double the batch, regrets will happen.
Table of Contents
What are Devils on Horseback Recipe ?
Alright so – if you haven’t heard of Devils on Horseback, don’t panic. You literally just wrap dried fruit (most folks go for dates or prunes, dates are my ride-or-die here) in bacon, and roast till crispy. That’s it. Some folks add cheese, some people pop a nut in the center. There’s no fancy skills needed.
It’s a British thing originally, but honestly, it’s got backyard BBQ vibes or even football snack written all over it. Sweet, sticky, chewy, salty bacon…A little hot, a little gooey, sometimes with a surprise in the middle. If you like bacon jalapeno popper cheese balls, you’re already two steps ahead on flavor appreciation. My aunt calls these “dangerously poppable” – and, you know what? Accurate.
Ingredient notes
Let’s keep it real. These ingredients are basic, but you gotta splurge on the bacon quality for this one. Waxy cheap bacon? Nah. Here’s what you really need for rockin’ Devils on Horseback:
- Dates: Medjool work best – they’re big, soft, sticky sweet.
- Bacon: Thin cut cooks faster and gets crispier.
- Toothpicks: Otherwise these little guys will rebel in your oven.
Optional “level up” tips: Stuff dates with goat cheese, blue cheese, or almonds (dang, the crunch). Some folks add a dab of hot honey or a brush of maple syrup – I say, try it once, trust your taste buds.
And honestly, don’t overthink it. The fewer add-ons, the more you savor that classic combo—that’s the magic here. Thick-cut bacon, by the way, takes longer, so be patient (or just avoid, if you’re impatient like me).
How to make Devils on Horseback Recipe
Alright, roll up your sleeves – this is about as low-stress as appetizers get. First, heat your oven to 400F. While it’s cranking up, pit your dates (if not already pitted). Gently open up each date, pop in an almond or tiny wedge of goat cheese if you’re feeling wild.
Now, cut bacon slices in half crosswise. Wrap each date with half a bacon strip. Secure with a toothpick (like a little bacon blanket, honestly).
Put ‘em on a foil-lined pan. Bake until bacon’s crisp, about 18-22 minutes. Halfway through baking, give ‘em a flip. Bacon cooks uneven sometimes – don’t let the bottoms get soggy.
Let cool a couple minutes so you don’t nuke the roof of your mouth. Serve ‘em up, preferably before your guests swarm the kitchen.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Medjool dates | 16 |
| Thin bacon slices | 8 (halved) |
| Optional cheese/nuts | 16 almonds/goat cheese bits |
Expert tips
A few things I’ve learned (the hard way, sigh):
Soak toothpicks in water before baking, or else PAINFUL char may happen (smoke alarm, I’m lookin’ at you). Don’t overcrowd your pan, bacon likes its space.
Buy dates that aren’t dried out, otherwise they’ll split and your filling spills everywhere. If you use cheese – freeze it in little chunks first, stays inside better.
If you wanna prep ahead, assemble and refrigerate up to a day in advance, then bake fresh so the bacon stays top-level crispy. Warm leftovers in a toaster oven…but really, there probably won’t be leftovers.
“We made these for game day and they vanished before halftime! The combo of sweet, salty, and smoky was honestly next-level. Even my picky brother-in-law went for thirds.” – Jamie N.
More Easy Appetizers and Hors d’Oeuvres
Sometimes you just need a few killer party bites that’ll knock people’s socks off, you know? Here are a couple keeping with the theme of “wow they’re easy AND good”:
- Bacon jalapeno popper cheese balls bring a spicy, cheesy punch.
- For extra comfort munchies, check out these cheesy chicken bacon ranch pasta for when you need a true crowd-pleaser.
- And on the sweet side, try making a killer blueberry sour cream coffee cake for dessert.
People genuinely ask for these recipes – especially after their first bite (or handful), so be ready to share.
FAQs Devils on Horseback Recipe
Q: Can I use prunes instead of dates for Devils on Horseback Recipe ?
A: Absolutely! Some folks even prefer that classic version. Prunes aren’t quite as sticky sweet, but still yum.
Q: What cheese works best for stuffing?
A: I love goat cheese, but blue cheese, cream cheese, or cheddar chunks work, too. Depends how bold you want it.
Q: Can these be made vegetarian?
A: Honestly, not exactly. The bacon is kinda the point, but you could try a veggie bacon strip. Won’t be quite the same, just so you know.
Q: Can I prep them in advance?
A: Totally. Wrap everything and stash in the fridge. Just bake ‘em last minute for ultimate crispiness.
Q: How do I keep the bacon from unraveling?
A: Toothpicks, always. And place with the bacon seam side down first.
Ready to Make These?
If you’re still reading, I’m guessing you’re actually hungry. The Devils on Horseback Recipe basically checks every box – simple, wild flavor, and a five-star restaurant vibe without the price. Don’t be shy about riffing on the basics, either. If you want step-by-step visuals, there are solid guides like this Devils on Horseback (Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese …) or, for classic flavor, Allrecipes’ Devils on Horseback Recipe.
Honestly, once you’ve made these you’ll kinda wonder why you ever served plain old chips and dip. If you do try them, tag me or share how it goes – I love hearing all about your kitchen wins (and near-disasters, too). Happy snacking!
Devils on Horseback Recipe
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or foil
- Small knife
- Toothpicks
- Mixing bowl (if soaking)
- Oven
Ingredients
- 18 pitted dates or prunes
- 9 slices of bacon halved
- 18 whole almonds or small chunks of blue cheese/goat cheese
- Optional: 1 tbsp balsamic glaze or honey for drizzling
- Optional: Toothpicks for serving and securing
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Stuff the Dates or Prunes
- Make a small slit in each date or prune and stuff with either an almond or a small piece of cheese. Close the fruit around the filling as much as possible.
Step 3: Wrap with Bacon
- Cut bacon slices in half. Wrap each stuffed date with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick if needed.
Step 4: Bake
- Place on the prepared baking sheet seam side down. Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crisp and caramelized.
Step 5: Optional Glaze
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze or honey just before serving, if desired.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot or at room temperature.
- Pair with sparkling wine, cider, or cocktails.
- Add to charcuterie boards for a gourmet touch.
