Martha's Devils on Horseback Are the Best Retro Party Snack

3.6

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10 Reviews

Dates stuffed with blue cheese and wrapped in bacon? Yes, please.

Martha Stewart

Updated on October 24, 2023

Yield:

A party snack with a most striking name, devils on horseback are bite-size treats often served around the holidays. You might also have encountered them as a passed hors d’oeuvres at a wedding or formal party, and know how irresistible they are.

Dried fruit is wrapped in bacon and baked; the salty, meaty bacon balances the intense sweetness of the fruit. The fruit, usually a date or a prune, is often stuffed with cheese or cheese and an almond. Our version uses dates stuffed with the rich English blue cheese, Stilton. Devils on horseback are believed to have first appeared in 19th century England, served as a savory after the dessert course. We prefer them upfront with a cocktail or glass of sparkling wine.

Variations

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

Ingredients

24 large dates, pitted
12 slices bacon, halved crosswise
⅓ cup crumbled Stilton cheese

Directions

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.

Rachel Marek
Halve dates:

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

Rachel Marek
Stuff with cheese:

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

Rachel Marek
Wrap with bacon:

Wrap a piece of bacon around each date.

Rachel Marek

Rachel Marek
Prepare for baking:

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

Rachel Marek
Cook and serve:

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

Rachel Marek

Rachel Marek

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Angels on horseback and devils on horseback are closely related, but also quite different. Both are bite-sized snacks that first became known in 19th century Britain. Angels on horseback are bacon-wrapped oysters, while devils on horseback are bacon-wrapped dates or prunes, often the fruit is stuffed.

What is a hors d’oeuvres?

A french term, hors d’oeuvres literally translates as “outside of work,” and originally referred to a dish served outside of the usual set of courses in a meal. It soon became a term for small snacks served with drinks before a meal.