Devils on Horseback Recipe (With Video and Step-by-Step)

Yield:

24 devils on horseback

The perfect party snack with quite the name, devils on horseback are bite-sized treats often served around the holidays. You will commonly encounter them as a passed hors d’oeuvres at a wedding or formal party. An irresistible treat—dates are stuffed with Stilton, the rich English blue cheese, then wrapped in bacon and baked to perfection. The salty, meaty bacon balances the intense sweetness of the fruit. Devils on horseback are believed to have first appeared in 19th-century England where they were served as a savory treat after the dessert course. We prefer them upfront with a cocktail or glass of sparkling wine to start off the night.

Making Devils on Horseback Ahead of the Party

Devils on horseback can be made ahead of time; we recommend assembling and refrigerating them, then baking just before serving. This is because they are best served warm or at room temperature, so we do not suggest you bake them ahead because they won't be as tasty.

To make the day before, follow our recipe, preparing the dates by stuffing them with blue cheese and wrapping them in bacon. Transfer them to an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When it is time to bake them, remove them from the fridge, let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, then cook following the recipe.

Directions

Credit:
Rachel Marek

Preheat oven, prep baking sheet, and soak toothpicks:

Preheat oven to 400°F. Place 24 toothpicks in a small bowl filled with water; let soak 15 minutes. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and fit with a wire rack; set aside.

Credit:
Rachel Marek
Halve dates:

Halve dates lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through.

Credit:
Rachel Marek
Stuff with cheese:

Place a small amount of cheese in the center of each date.

Credit:
Rachel Marek
Wrap with bacon:

Wrap a piece of bacon around each date.

Credit:
Rachel Marek

Credit:
Rachel Marek
Prepare for baking:

Secure bacon with a toothpick. Place dates on prepared baking sheet.

Credit:
Rachel Marek
Cook and serve:

Bake until bacon is cooked through, 20 to 25 minutes.

Credit:
Rachel Marek

6 Delicious Variations For Devils on Horseback

Swap the date for a prune or a dried apricot
Poach the dried fruit in wine or port before stuffing
Use another blue cheese in place of the Stilton
Opt for a creamy soft cheese, like a goat cheese, in place of the blue cheese (you could even try cream cheese)
Add a smoked almond or a marcona almond along with the cheese as the stuffing for each date
Serve the devils on horseback on toast points

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between angels on horseback and devils on horseback?

The difference between angels on horseback and devils on horseback is what is wrapped in bacon for these classic appetizers. Angels on horseback are bacon-wrapped oysters, while devils on horseback are bacon-wrapped dates or prunes. Often, the fruit is stuffed with cheese for devils on horseback. Both are bite-sized snacks that first became known in 19th-century Britain.
What are hors d’oeuvres?

Hors d’oeuvres is a French term translating to "outside of work." It originally referred to a dish served outside of the usual set of courses in a meal. The term soon came to be used for small snacks served with drinks before a meal.
Can you eat devils on horseback cold?

Yes, you can eat devils on horseback cold. They are still tasty after they have cooled, but we prefer to eat them warm or at room temperature. The combination of bacon, dates, and melted blue cheese is best when enjoyed warm.
Can you add brown sugar to devils on horseback?

Yes, you can add brown sugar to devils on horseback, but why would you? Since the dates are so sweet, we think adding brown sugar isn’t necessary. If you still think you want to add more sweetness, you can sprinkle brown sugar on top before baking.