Devils on Horseback Appetizer

By
Linda Larsen
Linda Larsen
Linda Larsen is a journalist, quick-cooking and slow-cooking expert, and accomplished cookbook author with over 30 years of experience in testing and developing recipes.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 10/26/22
Tested by
Cara Cormack
Cara Cormack head shot
Tested by Cara Cormack
Cara is a commercial food, drink and product photographer based in London. She has produced photography for: Rowse Honey, Octopus Books, Kyle Books, The Spruce Eats, Mamamade, Vegan Food and Living, Spoon Cereals, Walnut Magazine and Soopergood.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Devils on Horseback Appetizer Recipe

The Spruce/Cara Cormack

Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 12 mins
Total: 32 mins
Servings: 7 to 8 servings
Yield: 14 stuffed dates
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
167 Calories
6g Fat
22g Carbs
7g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 7 to 8
Amount per serving
Calories 167
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 6g 8%
Saturated Fat 3g 13%
Cholesterol 18mg 6%
Sodium 311mg 14%
Total Carbohydrate 22g 8%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Total Sugars 18g
Protein 7g
Vitamin C 0mg 1%
Calcium 72mg 6%
Iron 0mg 3%
Potassium 262mg 6%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

These little Devils on Horseback appetizers are called that because the dates are dark. Angels on Horseback use oysters and Cherubs on Horseback use apricots instead of the dates. We have absolutely no idea why they are 'on horseback.' Perhaps it's because the bacon sits on the dates like a person sits on a horse? At any rate, these little bundles are just delicious.

This is an ideal appetizer for entertaining. Just about everyone loves the combination of salty bacon with rich and sweet dates and smooth cheese. They should be served warm. You can assemble them ahead of time, and refrigerate, well covered, until just before serving. Another great idea for using this recipe is to add them to a salad. Just place two or three of the little bundles on top of a salad of mixed greens that have been dressed with a vinaigrette or honey mustard dressing.

"If you’re looking for the perfect party appetizer that is a combo of sweet, salty and creamy, this recipe has you covered. It’s quick and easy to make and yields delicious results. If you have leftover cheeses from a festive cheeseboard, this is a great way to use them. Add some herbs and get creative!" —Cara Cormack

Devils On Horseback/Tester Image
A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

  • 1 (8-ounce) package whole dates, preferably Medjool, pitted

  • 1/2 cup cubed Asiago cheese

  • 8 to 10 slices bacon, each cut crosswise into thirds

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    ingredients to make devils on horseback appetizers

    The Spruce/Cara Cormack

  2. Cut a small slit in the side of each date. There may already be a slit since the dates have been pitted.

    cut open dates on wood cutting board

    The Spruce/Cara Cormack

  3. Carefully push a piece of the cheese into the date.

    date with cube of cheese in the middle

    The Spruce/Cara Cormack

  4. Smooth the date back around the cheese if you can. Handle the dates gently because they are fragile.

    dates and cubes of cheese on a cutting board

    The Spruce/Cara Cormack

  5. Wrap one of the pieces of the bacon around each stuffed date, covering the cheese, and secure with a toothpick if necessary (you may have some bacon leftover). Place all of the stuffed and wrapped dates on broiler pan with a rack.

    skewered bacon wrapped dates on cutting board

    The Spruce/Cara Cormack

  6. Preheat oven broiler to high. Broil the bacon-wrapped dates 4 to 6 inches from the heat source for 9 to 12 minutes, turning twice during the cooking time, until the bacon is crisp. Watch closely to prevent burning. Let stand for 5 minutes, then serve.

    Devils on Horseback Appetizer Recipe

    The Spruce/Cara Cormack

Tips

  • Using pre-cooked bacon? You can also use pre-cooked packaged bacon to make this recipe; that's what we prefer. Cut the bacon in half and wrap around the stuffed date. Then bake in a preheated 425 F oven for 6 to 9 minutes or until the bacon is sizzling and the cheese melts.
  • You can make these little goodies ahead of time, then just broil or bake them before serving.

Variations

  • You can use any firm cheese you'd like. We've made them with Jarlsberg, Havarti, Gouda, and Fontina.