Brown Sugar Devils on Horseback is a classic appetizer that’s been around for decades. They consist of sweet Medjool dates that have been stuffed with pungent blue cheese, wrapped in bacon, and baked to crispy perfection!
Devils on Horseback is a classic appetizer that originated in the United Kingdom. The dish consists of pitted dried fruit, usually prunes or dates, that are stuffed with blue cheese or goat cheese and wrapped in bacon, then baked or fried until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted.
The name “Devils on Horseback” is believed to have originated in the early 20th century and refers to the combination of sweet and savory flavors, as well as the contrast between the soft dates and crispy bacon. This appetizer is often served at fancy dinner parties, holiday gatherings, and other special occasions.
They’re easy to make and can be customized in many different ways, making them a versatile dish. Some recipe variations also include nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, or a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze for added sweetness.
Ingredient variations
- Filling– Instead of blue cheese, you can substitute other types of cheese, such as goat, Stilton, cheddar, feta, or cream cheese. You can also use nuts, such as almonds or pecans, as filling.
- Dates– experiment with other dried fruits, such as prunes, apricots, or figs.
- Bacon– try turkey bacon for a leaner cut. You can also use pancetta or prosciutto.
Helpful tips
- Before stuffing them, you can soak the dates in hot water for about 10 minutes. This will help to soften them and make them easier to work with. You can also steep them in tea, brandy, or other liquors to infuse flavor.
- Secure the bacon around the stuffed dates with toothpicks to ensure they stay together during cooking.
- Use regular bacon, and not thick-cut, so they cook and crisp quickly and nicely in the oven.
- Freeze the assembled dates for a few minutes before baking to help prevent the cheese from melting too much and oozing out while baking.
- I like a slight crust of brown sugar on the outside, but if you prefer just the flavor and not the crunch, stir the brown sugar and chili powder with about 1/2 teaspoon of water until dissolved and brush all over the bacon.
- Bake them on a wire rack set on a baking dish to help air circulate all around for even browning.
Serving suggestions
Devils on Horseback are best served warm and fresh out of the oven, so be sure to serve them immediately after cooking.
- Appetizers– arrange them on a platter or thread them onto skewers and serve as fun, easy-to-eat party nibbles!
- Salad– add to a salad for a delicious and unexpected twist. They pair well with arugula, spinach, or mixed greens.
- Charcuterie board– add Devils on Horseback to a charcuterie board for a savory addition to the spread.
- Side dish– serve them as a side dish to complement a main course. They pair well with roasted vegetables, chicken, or pork.
Storage and reheating instructions
- Refrigerator– any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can be added back to the oven for reheating at 350F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Microwaving these leftover appetizers is also possible, but this can make the bacon slightly soggy.
- Freezer– If you want to store the Devils on Horseback for longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze them for an hour until firm, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator to reheat, and then bake or reheat in the oven.
Ingredients
- 24 pieces Medjool dates
- 8 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
- 8 strips bacon, cut crosswise into thirds
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 F.
- With a small paring knife, cut each date lengthwise without cutting into half completely. Gently pry open to remove pit.
- Stuff date with crumbled blue cheese and press edges to seal.
- Wrap the stuffed date with bacon and secure the seam with a toothpick. Repeat with the remaining dates.
- In a large bowl, combine brown sugar and chili powder. Stir until dispersed.
- Roll the stuffed dates in the sugar mixture and arrange them in a single layer on a wire rack set on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes or until bacon is golden and crisp.
- Remove from heat and serve hot.
Notes
- Use regular bacon, and not thick-cut, so they cook and crisp quickly and nicely in the oven.
- You can freeze the assembled dates for a few minutes before baking to help prevent the cheese from melting too much and oozing out while baking.
- I like a slight crust of brown sugar on the outside, but if you prefer just the flavor and not the crunch, stir the brown sugar and chili powder with about 1/2 teaspoon of water until dissolved and brush all over the bacon.
- Bake them on a wire rack set on a baking dish to help air circulate all around for even browning.
Nutrition Information
“This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.”
Elizabeth says
In the recipe there is no brown sugar or chili in ingredients or in directions. Title says sugar, and in your talking you mention it and chili. Looks incomplete!
Lola says
I didn’t see in the recipe how much brown sugar and chili powder. Seems like with brown sugar in the title it should also be an ingredient in the recipe..am I missing something?
Allie says
Recipe says nothing about brown sugar or chili powder as mentioned in the comments or the title?
Lara von Linsowe-Wilson says
LOVED your post! These all look delicious :).
xoxo,
Lara
Coffee to Cosmos
Lalaine says
Thanks a lot, Lara! I am excited to check out your blog!
Dogvills says
Those are really tasty appetizers! I am saving this recipe and make them when I host a small party. I can also make these for a date night/movie night at home with the hubby. 🙂
Lalaine says
Enjoy!
Carol Cassara says
That brown sugar devils on horseback look so good! They’re perfect as appetizers or as snacks during movie night! YUM! I would love to have it with a glass of Chardonnay as well.
Lalaine says
Yes, Carol! That is a perfect pairing!
Elizabeth O. says
This is really sweet. I think it’s great that you have such a lovely partnership with your husband! Here’s to more years of happiness and love. The shots turned out amazing and those are perfect with wine!
Lalaine says
Thanks, Elizabeth! That is so sweet!
Annemarie LeBlanc says
Thanks for the recipe! This looks like a really tasty appetizer! I took a look at the other bacon wrapped recipes and I am loving it all! Bacon is indeed the duct tape of food.
Lalaine says
Bacon is the duct tape of food, I like that. 🙂 Yes, bacon makes everything better!
Lily @militaryfamof8 says
These sound and look delicious! I will definitely give them a try as I have been looking for a recipe that includes dates!
Lalaine says
You will love this, Lily! Thanks!
Travel Blogger says
These look so incredible! I need to make these for a night in with the hubby! These would be so amazing with a nice glass of wine and a seat next to the bonfire.
Lalaine says
That is a good plan! Enjoy!
Paris (My Big Fat Happy Life) says
Both the wine and appetizer sounds delicious! I also often call my husband to help hold something during a photo shoot. 🙂
Lalaine says
Husbands are a big help 🙂 Thank you!