devils on horseback recipe

devils on horseback recipe

The Best devils on horseback recipe

I’m excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes, devils on horseback. This classic dish is a staple in many American households, and for good reason – it’s easy to make, delicious, and packed with flavor.

The recipe consists of dates stuffed with bacon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. The combination of sweet and savory flavors is a match made in heaven.

I first discovered devils on horseback at a family gathering, where my grandmother served them as an appetizer. Since then, they’ve become a regular at our family gatherings and potlucks.

My kids love helping me prepare the ingredients, and they always get excited when they see the finished product. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday party or a casual Tuesday night dinner.

Not only is it delicious, but it’s also relatively healthy – the dates provide natural sweetness, while the bacon adds a smoky flavor without overpowering the dish. I like to serve devils on horseback as an appetizer or snack, but they can also be enjoyed as a main course paired with some crusty bread or a side salad.

I’ve found that this recipe is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit any taste preference. For example, you can use different types of bacon or add some chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.

Devils on Horseback

Devils on Horseback

4.7 from 1806 votes

A classic appetizer featuring pitted dates stuffed with tangy blue cheese, wrapped in smoky bacon, and baked until crispy. The sweet, salty, and savory flavors combine for an irresistible bite-sized treat.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 280 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Devils on Horseback

12 Medjool dates, pitted
60g blue cheese, crumbled
6 slices thin-cut bacon, halved crosswise
12 toothpicks

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
3Using a small knife, carefully open each pitted date and stuff it with about 1 teaspoon of crumbled blue cheese.
4Gently press the date closed around the filling.
5Wrap each stuffed date with a half-slice of bacon, securing the ends with a toothpick.
6Place the wrapped dates seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 cm apart.
7Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and browned.
8The cheese should be melted and bubbling slightly.
9Remove from the oven and let cool for 2 minutes before serving warm.

🔧Equipment

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Small knife
Toothpicks

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 280 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 35mg🧂Sodium: 520mg🌾Total Carbs: 32g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 26g🥩Protein: 9g

📝Notes

For a milder flavor, substitute blue cheese with goat cheese or cream cheese. To make ahead, assemble the wrapped dates and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Watch Video Of How Devils on Horseback Works

Devils on horseback are always a good idea for any occasion because they are easy to make and everyone loves them. Whether it is a holiday party, a game day snack, or a family get together, these little bites fit right in. I make them for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and even just for a fun appetizer on a weekend.

They are versatile and you can adjust the spice or stuffing to suit your taste. For storage, keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350 degrees for about 5 minutes or in the air fryer for 3 minutes.

They also work well at room temperature, so you can set them out on a platter and let people grab them as they please. I like to serve them with a side of honey or balsamic glaze for dipping, but they are just as good on their own. This recipe is a keeper in my book.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Devils on Horseback

1. Can I make devils on horseback ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them up to a day in advance. Just wrap the dates or prunes in bacon, secure with toothpicks, and keep them covered in the fridge. When you are ready to serve, bake them as directed. They reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

2. What is the best bacon to use for this recipe?

Thin cut bacon works best because it crisps up quickly and wraps easily around the fruit. Thick cut bacon may not cook through in the same time and can be chewy. You can also use turkey bacon for a lighter option.

3. Can I use prunes instead of dates?

Absolutely. Prunes are the traditional choice for devils on horseback, but dates are more common in modern versions. Both work well and give a sweet, sticky texture. If using prunes, you may want to soak them in warm water for a few minutes if they are too dry.

4. What can I stuff inside the dates or prunes?

You can stuff them with a small piece of cheese like blue cheese, goat cheese, or cheddar. Almonds, pecans, or even a small piece of jalapeno add extra flavor. The stuffing is optional but adds a nice surprise inside.

5. How do I keep the bacon from unrolling while baking?

Use toothpicks to secure the bacon. Make sure the toothpick goes through the fruit and both ends of the bacon. You can also place them seam side down on the baking sheet so the bacon stays in place as it cooks.

6. Can I make devils on horseback in an air fryer?

Yes, air fryers work great for this recipe. Cook at 375 degrees for about 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Check for doneness and add a minute or two if needed. The bacon gets very crispy in the air fryer.

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