There’s something irresistible about the combination of sweet and savory, especially when it comes wrapped in crispy bacon! When I first created my Maple-Dijon Glazed Devils on Horseback, I was amazed at how a handful of ingredients could transform into a crowd-pleasing delight. Imagine the rich aroma of Medjool dates stuffed with creamy blue cheese, all kissed by a luxurious maple and Dijon glaze, then wrapped lovingly in sizzling bacon.
These delectable bites are perfect for gatherings, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive holiday party. The best part? They come together in no time, allowing you to whip up a gourmet appetizer that’s sure to impress without the fuss. Plus, with options to play around with fillings like goat cheese or almonds, each batch can be a delightful surprise. Are you ready to bring this sensational treat into your kitchen? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why are Maple-Dijon Glazed Devils on Horseback a must-try?
Irresistible Flavor Combination: Sweet, savory, and wrapped in crispy bacon, these bites tantalize your taste buds with every bite.
Quick Prep Time: Easily whip them up in just 30 minutes—perfect for last-minute gatherings!
Versatile Filling Options: Experiment with blue cheese, goat cheese, or even almonds for a unique twist.
Crowd-pleasing Appeal: These appetizers are guaranteed to wow your guests and leave them wanting more!
Festive and Fun: Ideal for holiday parties or casual get-togethers, they add a touch of gourmet flair to any occasion.
Maple-Dijon Glazed Devils on Horseback Ingredients
• Get ready for flavor-packed bliss!
For the Dates
- Medjool Dates – These naturally sweet and chewy treasures make for the perfect base; always use pitted dates for convenience.
- Blue Cheese – This creamy, tangy cheese is a delightful filling that complements the sweetness; you can swap it out for goat cheese or feta if you prefer a lighter touch.
For the Glaze
- Maple Syrup – This brings sweetness and a beautiful glaze to the dish; you can use honey instead for a different sweet profile.
- Dijon Mustard – Davens the tanginess and depth of flavor; whole grain mustard works well for added texture.
- Brown Sugar – Helps achieve a rich caramelization during baking; coconut sugar is a fantastic low-glycemic alternative.
- Black Pepper – Adds a hint of heat to balance out the sweetness; feel free to adjust for your spice preference.
For the Wrap
- Thin Sliced Bacon – This creates a crispy exterior around each date; opting for thin slices ensures it crisps up nicely as it cooks.
How to Make Maple-Dijon Glazed Devils on Horseback
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for getting that bacon crispy while allowing the dates to melt into sweetness.
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Prepare the Medjool dates by making a slit lengthwise to pit and open them. This will create a cozy pocket for your delicious filling.
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Whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and black pepper in a bowl. Toss the pitted dates in this glaze mixture until they are generously coated.
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Stuff each date with a piece of blue cheese, then wrap with a slice of bacon, placing the seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure each date is snugly hugged by the bacon.
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Brush the remaining maple-dijon mixture over the wrapped dates liberally. Bake for 25 minutes, until the bacon is beautifully golden brown. Then, broil for an additional 3 minutes to achieve extra crispiness.
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Serve hot and fresh, optionally with toothpicks for easy handling. Your guests will love the convenience!
Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Maple-Dijon Glazed Devils on Horseback Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize these delightful bites to suit your taste!
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Cheese Swaps: Substitute blue cheese with creamy goat cheese or feta for a lighter option that still delivers on flavor.
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Nutty Delight: Stuff Medjool dates with almonds for a crunchy surprise that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness.
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Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the stuffing for a fragrant twist that elevates the dish.
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Spicy Kick: Drizzle Sriracha or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the glazed dates for an extra layer of heat that will tantalize your taste buds!
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Maple-Honey Glaze: Swap half of the maple syrup with honey for a different sweetness profile that adds a lovely floral note.
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Balsamic Drizzle: Before serving, drizzle with a balsamic reduction for a tangy contrast that beautifully complements the rich flavors.
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Sweet and Savory: Experiment by wrapping the dates with prosciutto instead of bacon for a salty, savory contrast to the sweet filling.
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Fruit Fusion: Mix in chopped dried fruits like cranberries or apricots in the cheese filling to introduce bursts of sweetness and texture.
What to Serve with Maple-Dijon Glazed Devils on Horseback?
Elevate your gathering with delightful accompaniments that complement the rich, sweet-savory notes of these irresistible bites.
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Creamy Coleslaw: This crunchy side brings a fresh, tangy contrast to the rich flavors, balancing the sweetness of the dates beautifully.
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Roasted Vegetables: Bright and colorful roasted veggies like bell peppers and Brussels sprouts add texture and a hint of earthiness that pairs wonderfully.
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Savory Cheese Platter: Include nutty cheeses like aged gouda or creamy brie for a lovely pairing where every bite can be a new experience.
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Honey-Glazed Carrots: Their natural sweetness harmonizes with the bacon and maple, providing a tender, flavorful side that feels festive and homey.
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Fresh Arugula Salad: Toss a simple salad with lemon vinaigrette for a peppery freshness that cuts through the richness of the bacon-wrapped dates.
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Fruit Chutney: A tangy fruit chutney brings out the sweetness from the dates while adding delightful complexity to each bite.
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Sparkling Wine: A chilled sparkling wine offers bubbles that refresh the palate, enhancing the experience of these decadent bites.
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Chocolate-Covered Almonds: For dessert, these treats echo the sweet-savory theme while providing a crunchy, satisfying finish to your meal.
Storage Tips for Maple-Dijon Glazed Devils on Horseback
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Room Temperature: Serve these delicious bites immediately for the best flavor and texture; they can last for about 2 hours at room temperature.
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Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to retain their crispy glory.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the uncooked Maple-Dijon Glazed Devils on Horseback on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes to the cooking time.
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Reheating: Reheat baked leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Enjoy these bites any time!
Expert Tips for Maple-Dijon Glazed Devils on Horseback
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Crispy Bacon Choice: Use thinly sliced bacon for the best crispiness; thick cuts may not render fat quickly enough to crisp properly.
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Prep Ahead: Assemble the Maple-Dijon Glazed Devils on Horseback and store in the refrigerator until ready to bake; they can be prepared a day ahead for convenience.
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Even Baking: Ensure all bacon-wrapped dates are placed seam side down on the baking sheet to prevent unraveling during cooking.
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Creative Fillings: Don’t hesitate to try different fillings, such as goat cheese or almonds; these variations offer unique flavor profiles to delight your guests.
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Final Touches: Broil the wrapped dates for the last few minutes for extra browning and crispiness. Just watch them closely to avoid burning!
Make Ahead Options
These Maple-Dijon Glazed Devils on Horseback are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can assemble the entire recipe up to 24 hours in advance. Simply prepare the dates, stuff them with blue cheese, and wrap each one in bacon, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When it’s time to serve, just pop them in the oven as directed, ensuring they’ll crisp up beautifully. This way, you’ll have a delicious appetizer ready to impress your guests with minimal last-minute effort, all while maintaining their wholesome taste!
Maple-Dijon Glazed Devils on Horseback Recipe FAQs
What kind of dates should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely! I recommend using Medjool dates for their natural sweetness and chewy texture. Always look for pitted dates to save time during preparation—these tender jewels will ensure a delightful bite!
How should I store leftovers of the Maple-Dijon Glazed Devils on Horseback?
For any delicious leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat in the oven to restore their crispy texture—about 10-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C) should do the trick!
Can I freeze the Maple-Dijon Glazed Devils on Horseback?
Yes, you can! For longer storage, freeze the uncooked bacon-wrapped dates on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply cook from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes to the cooking time—this way, you can always have this delightful appetizer on hand!
What if the bacon doesn’t get crispy?
Very often, bacon can be tricky! To ensure a perfectly crispy wrap, use thin-sliced bacon and place the dates seam side down on the baking sheet. If it’s still not as crispy as you’d like, consider broiling them for the last few minutes—just watch closely to avoid burning!
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Absolutely! These Maple-Dijon Glazed Devils on Horseback are gluten-free, but make sure to check your mustard and any substitutes you use. If you’re making these for guests with dairy allergies, consider replacing blue cheese with almond or goat cheese. Always communicate with your guests about the ingredients to ensure everyone enjoys this culinary treat!
Can I prepare these in advance?
Definitely! You can assemble the devils on horseback and keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. If you want to save even more time, consider cooking them fully, then reheating before serving—perfect for last-minute party prep!
Maple-Dijon Glazed Devils on Horseback: Sweet Bacon Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Medjool dates by making a slit lengthwise to pit and open them.
- Whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Toss the pitted dates in this glaze mixture until they are generously coated.
- Stuff each date with a piece of blue cheese, then wrap with a slice of bacon, placing the seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush the remaining maple-dijon mixture over the wrapped dates liberally.
- Bake for 25 minutes, until the bacon is beautifully golden brown, then broil for an additional 3 minutes.
- Serve hot and fresh, optionally with toothpicks for easy handling.