This elevated yet “devilish” appetizer is sure to blow your guests away, thanks to its heady mix of sweet and savory flavors.
The first time I made devils on horseback for a group of friends, one of them asked me, “How did you think of this?” Though it was certainly flattering, I had to admit this creative appetizer has been around since the Victorian era. While its unique and unexpectedly delicious flavors may lead people to believe you conjured this recipe out of thin air, according to several sources, the first reference to the dish dates back to 1885 in American agriculture magazine The Country Gentleman.
The origin story of the name “devils on horseback” is less clear. Some believe it comes from the devilish dark-red color of the bacon, while other sources state the name comes from the dish initially being served very hot. But that still doesn’t really explain the “horseback” part of the name. One thing that’s definitely not up for debate, though, is that this appetizer will wow your guests!
What I love about a recipe like this, is that it’s impressive and easy. Devils on horseback look like a sophisticated canapé—or rather, they are a sophisticated canapé—yet require minimal effort. All you’ll need are Medjool dates, bacon, and goat cheese, plus toothpicks to keep them all together. The toothpicks also help to give this appetizer an elevated touch, so that your guests don’t have to grab the wrapped dates with their fingers.
Are Devils On Horseback Healthy?
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but devils on horseback are not the most healthy of appetizers. Bacon is high in saturated fat and so likely doesn’t fit into most people’s definition of healthy. That said, it’s important to enjoy delicious food in moderation, and I can’t think of a better way to indulge than this recipe.
If you’re looking for a way to modify this appetizer to make it healthier, you could replace the bacon with turkey bacon or prosciutto, though it’s important to note that this wouldn’t necessarily make the recipe healthy, just a bit healthier.
Medjool Dates Vs. Regular Dates
Devils on horseback calls for the inclusion of Medjool dates in its recipe, which are usually larger, sweeter, softer, and slightly lighter in color than regular dates. Their soft texture and extra sweetness makes them a delight, while their size makes it easy to stuff them with the goat cheese. It’s definitely worth it to opt for Medjool dates if you can find them at your grocery store, but they are usually a bit more expensive than regular dates. So if you’re cooking on a budget or can’t find Medjool dates, regular dates will still do the trick.
I also like to buy Medjool dates with the pit, since they retain even more softness. That means I have to pit the dates myself, making this recipe slightly more time-consuming, but it’s worth it. If you have never pitted dates yourself, it’s quite easy. Simply slide a knife gently into the center (but not all the way through the date) to open it up, remove the pit, and set aside to prepare for stuffing.
How do I store leftovers?
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat them, do so in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, until they’re warm again.
Serving Suggestions
This bite-size recipe is guaranteed to wow your guests, whether served among a snack spread of hors d’oeuvres like Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms or Deviled Eggs, or as an appetizer before other entrées at dinner. If you’re looking for more elegant hors d’oeuvre ideas, check out this recipe for Baked Salmon Sushi Cups.
Devils on horseback are rich and elegant, so if you want to continue that vibe, I have plenty of suggestions for recipes that would pair wonderfully. As a main, these recipes for Brown Sugar Pork Chops, Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs, or this Oven-Cooked Top Sirloin Steak are great options.
On the side, you can never go wrong with The Best Mashed Potatoes, or even classic Whipped Potatoes. If you’re looking for something fresh to balance out the rich flavors of devils on horseback, this Kale Salad With Cranberries is perfect.
Ingredients
- 20 toothpicks
- 20 Medjool dates pitted
- 1/3 cup goat cheese crumbled
- 10 slices of bacon halved crosswise
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Soak toothpicks in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning.
- Open each date slightly and ensure they are pitted.
- Stuff the dates with the goat cheese.
- Wrap each date with a half slice of bacon and secure with a soaked toothpick.
- Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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