Authentic German Grilled Bacon Wrapped Dates Recipe for the Arteflame

There is arguably no appetizer more universally loved than the marriage of sweet, chewy fruit and salty, cured pork. This recipe for German Grilled Bacon Wrapped Dates brings a sophisticated, smoky twist to the classic party staple. Often referred to in variations as "Devils on Horseback," this specific preparation leans into traditional German flavors, utilizing whole almonds for a satisfying crunch or rich cheese for a creamy contrast. When prepared on an Arteflame grill, the experience is elevated entirely; the flat cooktop allows the bacon to render slowly into a golden, crispy shell without flaring up or burning the delicate dates inside. The result is a bite-sized morsel that offers a perfect explosion of textures and flavors—warm, caramelized sugar from the date, savory saltiness from the bacon, and a hint of wood-fired smoke. Whether you are hosting an Oktoberfest celebration or a casual backyard barbecue, these stuffed dates are guaranteed to disappear from the platter in minutes.

Ingredients

• 24 large Medjool dates, pitted
• 12 slices of high-quality bacon, cut in half crosswise
• 24 whole roasted almonds (traditional) or small cubes of Gouda cheese
• Wooden toothpicks, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
• Optional: A drizzle of honey or maple syrup for finishing
• Optional: Fresh chives for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Stuff

1. Begin by slicing your dates lengthwise to remove the pit if they are not already pitted, creating a small pocket.
2. Insert one whole roasted almond or a small cube of cheese into the center of each date.
3. Gently press the date closed to seal the filling inside.

Step 2: Wrap the Dates

1. Take a half-slice of bacon and wrap it snugly around the stuffed date.
2. Ensure the bacon overlaps slightly to keep the filling secure.
3. Pierce the wrapped date with a soaked toothpick to hold the bacon in place during the grilling process.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

1. Preheat your Arteflame grill, ensuring the center fire is burning hot and the plancha (flat cooktop) reaches a medium-high temperature.
2. Lightly oil the cooktop surface with a high-heat oil like avocado or grapeseed oil.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

1. Place the bacon-wrapped dates on the flat cooktop, arranging them in a zone that is hot but not directly next to the open flame to prevent burning.
2. Grill for approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side.
3. Rotate the dates frequently using tongs, ensuring the bacon is evenly crisped and golden brown on all sides.

Step 5: Serve

1. Once the bacon is crispy and the dates are soft and warm, remove them from the grill.
2. Let them cool for a minute before serving, as the filling will be very hot.

Tips

To ensure your grilled bacon-wrapped dates turn out perfectly every time, temperature management is key. Because dates are high in sugar, they can burn quickly if placed too close to the direct fire of the Arteflame. Utilize the outer ring of the cooktop where the heat is gentler; this allows the bacon fat to render slowly, crisping up the exterior while warming the interior without scorching the fruit. Furthermore, soaking your toothpicks is a non-negotiable step. Dry wood will catch fire almost instantly on a grill, potentially ruining the presentation and flavor of your appetizer. Finally, choose thin-cut bacon rather than thick-cut. Thin strips wrap more easily and crisp up faster, ensuring the ratio of meat to fruit is balanced and the bacon isn't chewy.

Variations

While the traditional German approach often utilizes almonds, the versatility of this recipe allows for endless creativity to suit your palate. You can easily transform the flavor profile by swapping the filling or adding a glaze. If you prefer a savory, tangy bite, blue cheese is an excellent substitute for almonds, providing a sharp contrast to the sweet date. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, tuck a small slice of jalapeño inside the date along with the cheese. Below are a few popular variations to try on your grill.

• The Cheesy Delight: Stuff with goat cheese or Manchego instead of almonds.
• The Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a slice of serrano pepper inside.
• The Sweet Glaze: Brush with maple syrup or balsamic glaze during the last minute of grilling.
• The Meat Lover: Use prosciutto instead of bacon for a saltier, more delicate wrap.
• The Herb Infusion: Place a sage leaf against the date before wrapping with bacon.

Best pairings

These German Grilled Bacon Wrapped Dates are flavor bombs that require beverages and sides that can cut through the richness of the bacon and the intense sweetness of the fruit. In terms of wine, a crisp, dry German Riesling is the ultimate pairing; its acidity cleanses the palate, while its mineral notes complement the smoky char. If you prefer red wine, a light Pinot Noir or a fruity Zinfandel works beautifully. For beer drinkers, a malty German Dunkel or a crisp Pilsner offers a refreshing counterpoint to the savory fat of the appetizer. If serving these as part of a larger meal, they pair exceptionally well with a charcuterie board featuring sharp cheeses, pickles, and crusty bread, or as a starter before a main course of grilled sausages or pork chops.

Conclusion

Mastering this recipe for German Grilled Bacon Wrapped Dates on the Arteflame grill is an easy way to impress guests with minimal effort. The combination of textures—the crunch of the almond, the creaminess of the warm date, and the snap of the smoky bacon—creates a culinary experience that is truly greater than the sum of its parts. By using the flat cooktop, you achieve a restaurant-quality sear that conventional grates often struggle to provide for such small items. Whether served as a holiday hors d'oeuvre or a summer BBQ snack, these savory treats are bound to become a requested favorite. Fire up your grill, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the perfect harmony of sweet and savory flavors.