Devils on Horseback Appetizer

By Linda Larsen

Updated 10/10/18

Devils on Horseback
Linda Larsen
Ratings (5)
  • Total: 32 mins
  • Prep: 20 mins
  • Cook: 12 mins
  • Yield: 8 to 10 servings
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
56 Calories
3g Fat
7g Carbs
2g Protein
(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 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.

Ingredients

  • 1 (8-ounce) package whole dates (pitted)
  • 1/2 cup Asiago cheese (cubed)
  • 8 to 10 slices bacon (each cut crosswise into thirds)

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

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

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

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

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

  6. Preheat the broiler.

  7. 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; don't let it burn!

  8. Let stand for 5 minutes, then serve.

  9. Enjoy!  

Kitchen Notes

  • 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.

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