They look fancy but these cream cheese stuffed dates are actually SUPER simple to make. Think all your favorite jalapeno popper flavors, just wrapped up in a sweet date. These dates come together in less than 15 minutes and are of course allergy friendly!
Don’t say I didn’t warn you though… you’re going to wish you made a double batch of these cream cheese stuffed dates! I often make a double batch of these because they are THAT good! They’re the perfect combo of crispy bacon, warm cream cheese and that jalapeño spiciness.
These air fryer bacon wrapped dates are a quick and easy appetizer or snack, just like my goat cheese crostinis and my gluten free crostini with tomatoes and these gluten free crostini with pecans
What Makes this Gluten free Recipe Special?
- This cream cheese stuffed dates recipe makes for the perfect comfort food snack. Who doesn’t like jalapeno poppers!? I love bringing this to a potluck because no one ever knows it is actually naturally gluten free and I get to safely enjoy it!
- This recipe is allergy friendly. It is naturally gluten free. You can use dairy free cheese for an easy dairy free recipe! There are no nuts so it is a full nut free recipe as well.
- Make these dates ahead of time for your next dinner party, get together or potluck! I love prepping these in advance. They can be served warm right out of the air fryer or at room temperature making them easy to transport.
- These air fryer bacon wrapped dates are great as a game day treat, date night snack or appetizer. I love making them for any holiday; Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Medjool Dates: Soft and sticky medjool dates are naturally sweet and totally delicious! I enjoy medjool dates completely on their own, but stuffed with cream cheese, pistachios, and honey take them over the top. You can either buy dates with the pits removed, or buy whole dates and remove the pits yourself before eating.
Cream cheese: Most stuffed date recipes use goat cheese instead of cream cheese, but I used cream cheese here to channel that traditional jalapeño popper flavor. You can always use goat cheese or even brie cheese in these cream cheese stuffed dates instead.
Jalapeño: Helps to contribute to that traditional jalapeño popper flavor. You can skip it if you don’t like the spice level. You can also use green peppers instead.
Bacon: You can use bacon or turkey bacon here. When I want a leaner option I stick with turkey bacon. I prefer the uncured kind. Any bacon will work great for these air fryer bacon wrapped dates as long as it is cooked until crispy.
How do I make this recipe?
Slice your dates in half, remove the pit if needed. Stuff with a generous amount of cream cheese. Top with a sliced jalapeno.
I slice my bacon in half so it is thinner and easier to wrap. I make sure the seam is on the bottom. Add the cream cheese stuffed dates to the air fryer. Air fry on 375 for 10-13 minutes or until bacon is fully cooked.
Expert Tips & Tricks
If your dates are too hard or too dried out, you can just pop them into the microwave for 10-20 seconds. This helps to heat them up so they are easier to work with.
Feel free to customize this cream cheese stuffed dates recipe to make it your own! I love swapping in different cheeses or adding new seasonings. Use any soft cheese you enjoy like goat cheese or brie. Add some taco seasoning, garlic or even elote seasoning to the cheese mixture. Have fun with this recipe!
How to make these cream cheese stuffed dates dairy free?
To make these cream cheese stuffed dates dairy free, swap in dairy free cream cheese instead of the regular kind that has dairy.
How to make this vegan?
To make these cream cheese stuffed dates vegan, swap in vegam cream cheese instead of the regular kind that has dairy, and skip the bacon. I would add extra jalapeños for more flavor since you are using one less ingredient. You can even chop them up small and mix them into the cream cheese mixture for a little jalapeño in every bite.
How Do I Serve these air fryer bacon wrapped dates?
These cream cheese stuffed dates can be served warm right out of the air fryer or at room temperature. I serve them with a little garnish of fresh parsley or rosemary.
How do I Store this recipe?
To store, I let the cream cheese stuffed dates cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container for up to four days.
Looking for more gluten free recipes?
If you make this recipe and enjoyed it, I would really appreciate a review! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok and Pinterest. Purchase my cookbook Easy Allergy Free Cooking. Join my exclusive weeknight meal plan group for 5 weekly 30-minute dinner recipes. The weeknight meal plan also has an accompanying podcast as well! I would love for you to follow along!
Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates (Gluten free)
Ingredients
- 15 Medjool dates or other soft, pitted dates
- 4 oz low fat cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 2 jalapeños thinly sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 6-7 slices of bacon or turkey bacon
Instructions
- Prepare the Dates: Gently slice each date lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. Remove the pit if present. Medjool dates are naturally soft and often already pitted, but double-check!
- Stuff the Dates: Using a small spoon or spatula, fill each date with a generous amount of softened cream cheese. Don’t be shy – the cream cheese adds a wonderful creaminess that balances the other flavors.
- Add the Jalapeño: Top each cream cheese-stuffed date with a thin slice of jalapeño. If you prefer a milder flavor, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño before slicing.
- Prepare the Bacon: Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise. This creates shorter pieces that are easier to wrap around the dates.
- Wrap the Dates: Wrap each stuffed date with a piece of bacon. Ensure the bacon overlaps slightly and that the seam of the bacon is on the bottom when placed in the air fryer basket. This helps prevent the bacon from unraveling during cooking.
- Air Fry: Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This promotes even cooking and crispier bacon.
- Cook: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-13 minutes, or until the bacon is cooked through and crispy. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of cooking, as bacon can brown quickly.
- Cool and Serve: Carefully remove the date bites from the air fryer. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
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