Wo-devils On Horseback Recipe

Pit and fill dates

If your dates are not already pitted, make a lengthwise slit in each date and remove the pit. For the prunes, if they are whole with pits, remove pits by slicing and pulling them out. Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each date and prune with goat cheese (about 1 teaspoon per date; slightly more for prunes) until the cavity is snugly filled but not overflowing. Set filled fruit on a tray.

Stir together the honey and thyme in a small bowl. Mix in the black pepper. This will be brushed or drizzled lightly onto the wrapped bites after cooking to add glaze and herb flavor.

Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise (for thin bacon you can use whole slices for larger dates). Wrap one half-slice of bacon around each filled date or prune so the seam is on the bottom. For prunes, use a little extra bacon as they are plumper. Insert a toothpick through the bacon and fruit to secure.

Lightly brush each wrapped piece with olive oil; this encourages even browning. Arrange wrapped pieces seam-side down on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment or a lightly oiled rack set over the sheet (rack yields crispier bacon).

Oven method (recommended)

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the baking sheet on the middle rack and roast for 12–18 minutes, until bacon is crisped to your liking and cheese is warmed. Rotate the pan halfway through to ensure even browning. Remove from oven and let rest for 2 minutes.

Alternative: Air fryer

Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange pieces in a single layer (work in batches) and cook 8–10 minutes until bacon is crisp, checking at 6 minutes to avoid over-browning. Let rest briefly after removing.

While still warm, brush each piece lightly with the honey-thyme mixture so it glazes and lightly caramelizes. If using, sprinkle toasted chopped pistachios on top for crunch and color, and drizzle a little balsamic reduction on the serving platter for presentation.

Arrange Devils on Horseback on a platter. Serve warm or at room temperature. Provide small plates and extra toothpicks for guests to pick up the bites.