📝 About This Recipe
A classic British Victorian-era indulgence, these Devils on Horseback are the ultimate study in flavor contrast. Each bite features a jammy Medjool date stuffed with creamy goat cheese and a crunchy smoked almond, all wrapped in a blanket of crispy, salt-cured bacon. Finished with a spicy honey glaze, these skewers are the perfect sophisticated snack for your next gathering.
🥗 Ingredients
The Core Components
- 20 pieces Medjool Dates (large, pitted)
- 10 slices Thick-cut Smoked Bacon (cut in half crosswise)
- 4 ounces Goat Cheese (softened, plain or herbed)
- 20 pieces Smoked Almonds (whole)
The Spicy Glaze
- 3 tablespoons Honey (wildflower or clover)
- 1 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar (aged)
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (adjust for heat preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (pimentón)
Garnish & Assembly
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Chives (finely minced)
- 1 pinch Flaky Sea Salt (Maldon style)
- 20 pieces Wooden Toothpicks (soaked in water for 10 minutes)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire cooling rack on top; this allows the heat to circulate and makes the bacon extra crispy.
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2
If your dates are not already pitted, use a small paring knife to make a lengthwise slit in each date. Gently pry it open and remove the pit, being careful not to cut all the way through.
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3
Using a small espresso spoon or a piping bag, fill the cavity of each date with approximately 1 teaspoon of softened goat cheese.
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4
Press one smoked almond into the center of the goat cheese inside each date, then gently squeeze the date shut to seal the filling.
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5
Take a half-slice of bacon and wrap it tightly around the width of the date, ensuring the seam is on the bottom.
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6
Secure the bacon in place by piercing a soaked wooden toothpick through the center of the date, catching both ends of the bacon.
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7
In a small microwave-safe bowl, whisk together the honey, balsamic vinegar, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat for 15 seconds until the glaze is fluid.
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8
Arrange the prepared dates on the wire rack, leaving at least an inch of space between each one to ensure even browning.
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9
Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the top of each bacon-wrapped date with about half of the spicy honey glaze.
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10
Place the baking sheet in the center of the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. The bacon should look golden and the edges should begin to crisp.
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11
Halfway through cooking (around the 8-minute mark), carefully flip the dates using tongs and brush with the remaining glaze.
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12
For an extra-crispy finish, turn the broiler on high for the final 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent the honey from burning.
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13
Remove from the oven and let them rest on the rack for 5 minutes. This allows the cheese to set slightly and the bacon to firm up.
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14
Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt and the minced chives for a pop of color and freshness.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always use Medjool dates rather than Deglet Noor; they are larger, softer, and have a superior caramel-like flavor. Soaking your toothpicks in water for 10-15 minutes prevents them from charring or snapping in the high heat of the oven. Avoid using 'thick-cut' bacon if you want maximum crispiness; standard thickness wraps more easily and renders its fat more efficiently. If you find goat cheese too tangy, substitute with cream cheese or a small piece of sharp blue cheese for a bolder flavor profile. Prepare these up to 24 hours in advance and keep them covered in the fridge, then simply bake them fresh when your guests arrive.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp, dry sparkling wine like Prosecco or Cava to cut through the richness of the bacon. Serve alongside a bowl of chilled grapes and sharp cheddar cheese for a complete charcuterie experience. These go exceptionally well with a smoky Mezcal cocktail or a dark, malty Stout beer. For a dipping sauce, offer a small bowl of Greek yogurt mixed with lemon zest and black pepper. Arrange on a wooden board with sprigs of fresh rosemary for a rustic, elegant presentation.