Devils on Horseback Are the Ultimate 3-Ingredient Holiday Appetizer

Devils on Horseback—aka pitted dates stuffed with blue cheese, wrapped in bacon, and baked until crisp—are the ultimate party guest. They're the friend who shows up early, helps to set up, and gets the party started right from jump. 

This easy appetizer is make-ahead friendly, freeing you to sip and socialize. They hit the perfect balance of sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy. Classy and timeless? Absolutely. But they also know how to keep things interesting, schmoozing and mingling cheeses, getting saucy, and going a little nuts if the vibes are right.

Pick Your Date Wisely

I'm not talking about plus-ones here—though choosing the right arm-candy can make or break your night, too. I'm talking about dates, the fruit. There are hundreds of varieties of dates out there, each with their own texture, sweetness, and moisture level. Grocery stores like Whole Foods now stock a tempting variety to choose from. Here are the best choices for Devils on Horseback:

• Medjool dates are the ideal choice for this recipe. Known as the "king of dates," they are plump, tender, and large, making them ideal for handling and stuffing. They have a rich, caramel-like flavor that embraces the smoky bacon and creamy cheeses. 
• Semi-dried Hawali dates have a buttery, caramel-like flavor similar to Medjool dates that complements the rich and salty fillings. They're a great alternative if Medjools aren't available. Just be careful not to over-stuff them, as they are smaller than ideal. 
• A widely-available variety, Deglet Noor dates are a safe stand-in, if needed. They are mildly nutty and versatile, but smaller and less pliable than Medjools and Halawis. Handle them gently and don't overstuff to avoid cracking.

Choosing and Prepping the  Bacon

Bacon adds a salty, smoky layer to this dish, while wrapping it into a perfect finger-food bundle. Choose classic center-cut (not thick-cut) bacon, so it crisps evenly and quickly in the oven. Each date will only need 3 to 5 inches of bacon to wrap snugly around one time with a bit of overlap; using a full strip leads to multiple layers that cook unevenly and stay limp. Floppy bacon might just be the ultimate buzzkill at a party, so cut each slice in half for the right ratio.

In place of bacon, you can substitute prosciutto for a delicate, sweeter flavor, pancetta for cured savory notes without the smoke, and serrano jamón for a nutty, salty finish. Note that you'll need to decrease the cook time if using thinner cuts like prosciutto and serrano ham.

Easy Tweaks and Variations

• Try new cheeses: While blue cheese is the traditional filling for this dish, creamy, mild goat cheese is a universal crowd-pleaser. Look for flavored options, like truffle honey chèvre, for extra depth without extra work. Cream cheese offers a mild, creamy filling, while flavored cream cheeses like chive and onion boost the savory notes of this recipe. For something firmer and nuttier, try Spanish Manchego; it pairs beautifully with the sweet dates and smoky bacon. 
• Add nuts: Nuts take these little bites from delicious to irresistible, adding another layer of savory richness and crunch to your Devils on Horseback. Almonds are the most common choice, but feel free to experiment—walnuts, pecans, and pistachios all work beautifully. If you're using larger nuts like walnuts, chop them to fit neatly inside the dates.
• Add sauces and glazes: Devils on Horseback are easy by design, but that doesn't mean you can't dress them up. Brush a glaze or sauce on immediately after baking for a glossy, bold finish. Try maple syrup whisked into sriracha, a drizzle of thick balsamic reduction, or a touch of hot or infused honey.
• Mix and match: You can mix and match cheeses, porky wraps, nuts, and flavorful glazes to create endless iterations. Try a Spanish profile with Manchego cheese, Marcona almonds, Serrano jamón, and a rosemary-infused honey glaze; a bistro twist with blue cheese, walnuts, prosciutto, and balsamic reduction; or a sweet and spicy combo with cream cheese, bacon, and a maple-sriracha glaze.

A Make-Ahead Appetizer for Easy Hosting

You can stuff and wrap the dates a day in advance to eliminate any frantic party-time prep. As your guests roll in, pop them in the oven (or in your countertop oven if the main one’s tied up with other party nosh) and pour yourself a cocktail. Bonus: they’re just as good at room temperature after cooking, making them ideal for potlucks or buffet spreads.

More Party Favorites

• 3-Ingredient Goat Cheese Crostini
• 2-Ingredient Honey Chorizo Dip
• Retro Ham Ball
• 3-Ingredient Smoked Salmon Dip