When my friend Randi invited me to her Winter Olympics opening ceremony party, she issued a challenge: Every guest had to bring an appetizer representing a country. I chose Britain – though let me be perfectly clear, I am 100% cheering for Team USA.

My contribution? Devils on Horseback, the delightfully dramatic name for bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with cheese. It sounded festive, a little nostalgic and, perhaps most importantly, guaranteed to disappear quickly from a party platter.

Since that evening, the Olympics have taken over my household viewing schedule in a way that feels both exhilarating and mildly chaotic. I’ve watched Ilia Malinin land two backflips on the ice – despite not even being slated to compete in the team event – helping push Team USA to gold in figure skating. I watched Lindsey Vonn pour every ounce of grit she had onto the slopes, then cheered as Breezy Johnson captured Team USA’s first gold in that same event.

And yes, I have now witnessed a 40-year-old Austrian snowboarder rip off multiple layers of clothing and shout in celebration after winning the men’s parallel giant slalom. Benjamin Karl later explained the shirtless moment was a tribute to alpine skiing legend Hermann Maier, who celebrated the same way years earlier. Karl said he missed his chance to do it in Beijing but seized the moment this time – and honestly, it was unforgettable television.

Meanwhile, the U.S. women’s hockey team dominated Switzerland, and the mixed doubles curling team advanced to the finals. It has become a nightly sprint to finish work, rush home and start replaying everything I’ve missed. I’ve even gone so far as to avoid breaking news alerts just so I can experience these moments as they unfold.

But I digress – back to the party food that started it all.

A well-made bacon-wrapped date delivers everything you want in a bite-sized appetizer: sweet, smoky, sticky and crisp all at once. The biggest challenge is cooking the bacon thoroughly without scorching the fruit. The solution is surprisingly simple – start the bacon in a cold or low-temperature oven so it renders slowly and crisps evenly.

I choose to use Medjool dates because they are larger, softer and sweeter than standard dates, making them easier to stuff and producing a rich, caramel-like texture once baked. They may cost slightly more, but they are worth it for this recipe.

I’m also pick about my bacon and choose regular-cut bacon rather than thick-cut. Thinner slices crisp more evenly and wrap around the dates more easily. Choosing minimally processed, nitrate-free bacon can also improve flavor.

Soft goat cheese is a favorite filling because it balances the sweetness of the dates, but blue cheese, ricotta or small slivers of firmer cheeses like Manchego work beautifully as well.

While Devils on Horseback surged in popularity during the cocktail party boom of the 1970s and 1980s, the dish actually dates back to Victorian England. Early versions featured bacon-wrapped oysters or prunes, often served on toast – hence the “horseback.”
Some recipes called for soaking the fruit in tea or liqueur or stuffing them with chutney, nuts or cheese.

The recipe has evolved, but the appeal remains timeless.

I chose this appetizer for two very practical reasons: It is quick and easy, and it is always a hit. The version I make is flexible, so feel free to experiment with fillings or flavors based on what you enjoy or what you have on hand.

DEVILS ON HORSEBACK

Ingredients:
Medjool dates (pitted)
Regular-cut bacon (not thick cut)
Soft goat cheese, blue cheese, ricotta, Manchego or preferred cheese
Whole almonds (optional)

Instructions:
■ Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
■ Line two sheet trays with foil and place wire racks on top.
■ Arrange bacon slices in a single layer on one tray and bake for about 15 minutes to partially cook. The bacon should be flexible but beginning to render fat. Remove and allow to cool slightly, then cut each slice in half crosswise.
■ Increase oven temperature to 450 degrees.
■ Using a small knife, slice one side of each date and open it like a book. Spread about 2 teaspoons of cheese inside each date. If using almonds, place one inside before closing the fruit around the filling.
■ For best results, place the stuffed dates in the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps the cheese firm up and prevents excessive melting during baking.
■ Wrap each stuffed date with a piece of bacon, overlapping the ends slightly. Place seam side down on the second prepared tray. Toothpicks can be used to secure them if needed.
■ Bake for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Note: Devils on Horseback can be assembled and frozen before the final bake. Store in an airtight container for up to six months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

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