'Devils on Horseback' Bacon Appetizers Are Easy and Delicious (2024)

These little devils on horseback appetizers are called that because the dates are dark. Angels on horseback use oysters and cherubs on horseback use apricots instead of the dates. We have absolutely no idea why they are 'on horseback.' Perhaps it's because the bacon sits on the dates like a person sits on a horse? Maybe the bacon is a saddle? At any rate, these little bundles are just delicious.

This is an ideal appetizer for entertaining. Just about everyone loves thecombinationof salty bacon with rich and sweet dates and smooth cheese. They should be served warm. You can assemble them ahead of time, and refrigerate, well covered, until just before serving. Another great idea is to add these to a salad. Just place two or three of the little bundles on top of a salad of mixed greens that have been dressed with a vinaigrette or honey mustard dressing.

Tips for Making Devils on Horseback

  • Use pre-cooked bacon—You can also use pre-cooked packaged bacon to make this recipe. Cut the bacon in half and wrap around the stuffed date. Then bake in a preheated 425 F oven for 6 to 9 minutes or until the bacon is sizzling and the cheese melts.
  • Make them ahead—You can make these little goodies ahead of time, then just broil or bake them before serving.

"If you’re looking for the perfect party appetizer that is a combo of sweet, salty and creamy, this recipe has you covered. It’s quick and easy to make and yields delicious results. If you have leftover cheeses from a festive cheeseboard, this is a great way to use them. Add some herbs and get creative!" —Cara Cormack

'Devils on Horseback' Bacon Appetizers Are Easy and Delicious (1)

A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    'Devils on Horseback' Bacon Appetizers Are Easy and Delicious (2)

  2. Cut a small slit in the side of each date. There may already be a slit since the dates have been pitted.

    'Devils on Horseback' Bacon Appetizers Are Easy and Delicious (3)

  3. Carefully push a piece of the cheese into the date.

    'Devils on Horseback' Bacon Appetizers Are Easy and Delicious (4)

  4. Smooth the date back around the cheese if you can. Handle the dates gently because they are fragile.

    'Devils on Horseback' Bacon Appetizers Are Easy and Delicious (5)

  5. Wrap one of the pieces of the bacon around each stuffed date, covering the cheese, and secure with a toothpick if necessary (you may have some bacon leftover). Place all of the stuffed and wrapped dates on broiler pan with a rack.

    'Devils on Horseback' Bacon Appetizers Are Easy and Delicious (6)

  6. Preheat ovenbroiler to high. Broil the bacon-wrapped dates 4 to 6 inches from the heat source for 9 to 12 minutes, turning twice during the cooking time, until the bacon is crisp. Watch closely to prevent burning. Let stand for 5 minutes, then serve.

    'Devils on Horseback' Bacon Appetizers Are Easy and Delicious (7)

Feeling Adventurous? Try This:

  • Try other cheeses—You can use any firm cheese you'd like. We've made them with Jarlsberg, Havarti,Gouda, and Fontina.
  • Add herbs—Add a few rosemary or thyme leaves to each date along with the cheese.
  • Glaze them—For an extra touch of sweetness, brush the bacon lightly with maple syrup a couple minutes before they're done baking.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
167Calories
6g Fat
22g Carbs
7g Protein

×

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 7to 8
Amount per serving
Calories167
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 6g8%
Saturated Fat 3g13%
Cholesterol 18mg6%
Sodium 311mg14%
Total Carbohydrate 22g8%
Dietary Fiber 2g8%
Total Sugars 18g
Protein 7g
Vitamin C 0mg1%
Calcium 72mg6%
Iron 0mg3%
Potassium 262mg6%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Rate This Recipe

I don't like this at all.It's not the worst.Sure, this will do.I'm a fan—would recommend.Amazing! I love it!Thanks for your rating!

'Devils on Horseback' Bacon Appetizers Are Easy and Delicious (2024)

FAQs

Why do they call them devils on horseback? ›

The origin of the name "devils on horseback" is unclear. The Oxford English Dictionary states they are "Probably so called on account of being typically served very hot", and gives the earliest reference to 1885, in American agricultural magazine The Country Gentleman.

What are devils on horseback made of? ›

Season the almonds with sea salt and drizzle with oil, then stuff inside the prunes. Halve the rashers of bacon across the middle, then wrap each prune in a piece. Place the devils on a lined baking tray, cover and chill. When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 190ºC/375°F/gas 5 and remove the devils from the fridge.

What is the difference between devils on horseback and angels 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.

Which ingredients make up the devils on horseback walk-ons? ›

It was called Devils On Horseback...large Gulf shrimp stuffed with cream cheese and pickled jalapeños, wrapped in bacon, then lightly fried. It was accompanied by a side of sweet chili glaze.

When were devils on horseback invented? ›

What were once markers of sophistication, devils on horseback have fallen out of favour. But the evocatively named dish of toothpick-skewered, bacon-wrapped prunes has a history stretching back to the 19th century.

What is food wrapped in bacon called? ›

Popular bacon-wrapped dishes include angels on horseback, devils on horseback, and pigs in blankets. Bacon has long been used for barding roasts, especially game birds.

What is a sausage wrapped in bacon called? ›

Pigs in blankets, kilted sausages or kilted soldiers is a dish served in the United Kingdom and Ireland consisting of small sausages (usually chipolatas) wrapped in bacon. They are a popular and traditional accompaniment to roast turkey in a Christmas dinner and are served as a side dish.

What is the history of the devil on horseback? ›

Devils on Horseback are prunes wrapped in bacon

Sometime after the creation of Angels on Horseback, Devils on Horseback entered the scene. The name of these is somewhat easier to figure out as it was likely done as a play inspired by this dish's red and black coloring, and the original recipe called for cayenne pepper.

Where did the bacon date come from? ›

While this appetizer was en vogue in the 1970s and 1980s, it has never gone out of style. In fact, it dates back to Victorian England, when bacon-wrapped oysters or prunes (also known as angels or devils on horseback) were eaten before or after a meal.

What is the meaning of angels on horseback? ›

Where Do Angels on Horseback Get Their Name? These bacon wrapped oysters originated in Victorian England. Initially, hosts served them after dinner, but in modern times, we serve them as appetizers. Their name most likely comes from the curled-up bacon edges that look like angels' wings.

Why is it called horseback riding and not horse riding? ›

Now, to your question. The expressions “horseback ride” and “horseback riding,” according to the OED, are now “used chiefly in U.S.; in England, ride, riding are understood to be on horseback, unless otherwise expressed or implied, as 'a ride in a wagon,' 'a bicycle ride. '

How many calories are in devils on horseback walk ons? ›

Walk On's Starters Devils On Horseback (1 serving) contains 58g total carbs, 56g net carbs, 14g fat, 47g protein, and 850 calories.

Who owns Walk Ons? ›

Walk-On's founders Brandon Landry and Jack Warner became fast friends as a pair of walk-ons (unrecruited and unsigned athletes who are unwilling to give up on their dream of being college athletes) on the Louisiana State University basketball team.

What is fighting on horseback called? ›

Historically, cavalry (from the French word cavalerie, itself derived from "cheval" meaning "horse") are soldiers or warriors who fight mounted on horseback.

What is devils on horseback in French? ›

Translation of "devils on horseback" in French

D'où leurs surnoms : "Les diables à cheval avec des fusils."

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Delena Feil

Last Updated:

Views: 6269

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (65 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Delena Feil

Birthday: 1998-08-29

Address: 747 Lubowitz Run, Sidmouth, HI 90646-5543

Phone: +99513241752844

Job: Design Supervisor

Hobby: Digital arts, Lacemaking, Air sports, Running, Scouting, Shooting, Puzzles

Introduction: My name is Delena Feil, I am a clean, splendid, calm, fancy, jolly, bright, faithful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.