Bacon wrapped dates bring smoky, salty pork wrapped around sweet, tender fruit. That combination covers indulgence and contrast in one bite, but the plate needs something beyond finger food.
We look for sides that add crunch, brightness, or cooling elements to balance the richness. Crisp slaws cut through fat, tangy dips provide contrast, and fresh vegetables lighten the spread.
During holiday gatherings and cocktail parties, these small bites shine when paired with sides that refresh the palate between servings.
Bacon wrapped dates deliver salty-sweet richness with crispy edges and tender centers. The plate needs acid, crunch, and freshness to cut through the fat. Apple cider slaw adds bright acidity, crisp crudités with herb dip provide cool crunch, and roasted Brussels sprouts bring earthy bitterness. Creamy dips and starches round out party spreads.
What to Serve With Bacon Wrapped Dates: 15 Sides
These sides balance smoky pork and sweet dates with textures and flavors that refresh between bites.
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| # | Side Dish | Best For | Prep |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tangy Apple Cider Slaw | ✨ Any | ✅ Easy |
| 2 | Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes | ✨ Any | ⚡ Medium |
| 3 | Spicy Roasted Almonds | ✨ Any | ✅ Easy |
| 4 | Charcuterie Board with Prosciutto and Cheeses | 🎉 Hosting | ✅ Easy |
| 5 | Crisp Crudités with Lemon Herb Dip | ✨ Any | ✅ Easy |
| 6 | Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts | ✨ Any | ⚡ Medium |
| 7 | Blue Cheese Dressing | ✨ Any | ✅ Easy |
| 8 | Cranberry Orange Relish | 🎉 Hosting | ✅ Easy |
| 9 | Herbed Baguette Crostini | ✨ Any | ✅ Easy |
| 10 | Honey Mustard Glazed Carrots | ✨ Any | ⚡ Medium |
| 11 | Spiced Sweet Potato Fries | 🌙 Weeknight | ⚡ Medium |
| 12 | Pickled Red Onions | ✨ Any | ✅ Easy |
| 13 | Smoky Paprika Aioli | ✨ Any | ✅ Easy |
| 14 | Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers | 🎉 Hosting | ⚡ Medium |
| 15 | Winter Pear and Arugula Salad | ✨ Any | ✅ Easy |
1. Tangy Apple Cider Slaw
Shredded cabbage tossed in bright apple cider vinaigrette adds crisp, acidic freshness that cuts straight through bacon fat. The slaw stays crunchy even when made ahead.
Use a mix of green and red cabbage for color. Dress the slaw 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld without wilting the vegetables.
2. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes balance smoky pork and sweet dates with neutral, buttery starch. Roasted garlic adds depth without overpowering delicate flavors.
A few notes:
- Roast garlic whole - Slice the top off a head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast at 400°F for 40 minutes.
- Mash while hot - Cold potatoes turn gluey when mashed.
- Use Yukon Golds - They deliver creamier texture than russets.
If you need a tender mashed potatoes side dish that holds on a buffet, this delivers.
| If You Want | Try This |
|---|---|
| Extra richness | Stir in cream cheese or sour cream |
| Make-ahead ease | Reheat in a slow cooker on low with a splash of milk |
| Lighter version | Use half potatoes, half cauliflower |
3. Spicy Roasted Almonds
Crunchy almonds tossed with cayenne and smoked paprika echo smoky bacon while adding heat and texture. The nuts work as a standalone snack or scattered over salads.
- Toast at 350°F - Roast for 12-15 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Season while hot - Spices stick better when the nuts are warm and slightly oily.
- Start with less cayenne - You can always add more heat.
- Store airtight - Roasted nuts stay crisp for up to a week.
4. Charcuterie Board with Prosciutto and Cheeses
A spread of cured meats and cheeses reinforces pork flavors while adding variety to the appetizer lineup. Mix soft brie, sharp cheddar, and creamy goat cheese for contrast.
What to know:
- Include a blue cheese - The tangy funk goes well with sweet dates.
- Add dried fruit - Apricots or figs echo the sweetness of dates.
Try something classic on the side when you want a spread that looks impressive without much effort.
Soft Cheeses
Works for: Spreading on crostini, pairing with fruit
Skip if: You need something that holds at room temperature for hours
Hard Cheeses
Works for: Cubing for skewers, staying firm on a warm buffet
Skip if: You want something creamy and spreadable
5. Crisp Crudités with Lemon Herb Dip
Raw vegetables with zesty lemon herb dip provide fresh crunch and brightness that refresh the palate. Colorful bell peppers and snap peas add visual appeal to party spreads.
Mix Greek yogurt with lemon zest, fresh dill, and minced garlic for a quick dip. Cut vegetables into uniform sticks for easy dipping and attractive presentation.
6. Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze add earthy bitterness that contrasts sweet dates and salty bacon. The caramelized edges provide textural contrast.
- Halve the sprouts - Cut sides get crispy and golden in the oven.
- Roast at 425°F - High heat caramelizes natural sugars for deeper flavor.
- Glaze at the end - Add balsamic in the last 5 minutes to avoid burning.
- Don't overcrowd the pan - Spacing allows proper browning instead of steaming.
When you need a fresh side to try that brings vegetables to a rich appetizer spread, this works.
| Method | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Oven roast | 25-30 minutes | Large batches and even caramelization |
| Air fryer | 15-18 minutes | Quick cooking and extra crispiness |
| Skillet sear | 12-15 minutes | Stovetop cooking when oven is busy |
7. Blue Cheese Dressing
Creamy blue cheese dressing brings tangy richness that complements salty bacon and sweet dates. Serve chilled in a small bowl for dipping.
Mix crumbled blue cheese with mayonnaise, sour cream, and lemon juice. The dressing thickens as it chills and develops deeper flavor overnight.
For those exploring tender pork dishes we love, this dip works across multiple appetizers.
8. Cranberry Orange Relish
Bright cranberry relish with citrus notes adds holiday freshness that cuts through rich bacon. The tart-sweet combination refreshes between bites.
Pulse fresh cranberries with orange zest and sugar in a food processor. Let the relish chill for at least 2 hours to meld flavors and develop texture.
| If You Want | Try This |
|---|---|
| Less tartness | Add maple syrup or honey to balance acidity |
| More texture | Chop cranberries by hand instead of using a processor |
| Extra brightness | Stir in fresh mint just before serving |
9. Herbed Baguette Crostini
Crispy crostini with herbs provide crunchy bread for scooping dips or building bite-sized appetizers. Toasted slices add substance without heaviness.
Keep in mind:
- Slice thin - Cut baguette on a diagonal for larger surface area.
- Brush with olive oil - Fat helps bread crisp without drying out.
- Toast until golden - Bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Try a crusty baguette crostini side dish when you want bread that stays crisp under toppings.
10. Honey Mustard Glazed Carrots
Roasted carrots with honey mustard glaze mirror the sweet-savory balance of bacon wrapped dates. Tender vegetables add color and nutrition to the plate.
Toss whole baby carrots with olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard before roasting at 400°F for 25 minutes. The glaze caramelizes as the carrots cook.
Baby Carrots
Works for: Quick prep, uniform cooking, attractive presentation
Skip if: You want more caramelized surface area
Sliced Carrots
Works for: Faster cooking, more glazed edges, budget-friendly
Skip if: You need elegant whole vegetables for hosting
11. Spiced Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries with smoked paprika add casual crunch and echo the smoky notes in bacon. The natural sweetness complements dates without competing.
Cut sweet potatoes into uniform sticks and toss with olive oil and spices. Bake at 425°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping once for even crisping.
If you like this easy potato fries recipe approach, the same technique works with regular russet potatoes.
12. Pickled Red Onions
Quick-pickled onions add sharp acidity that cuts bacon fat and refreshes the palate. The bright pink color adds visual interest to appetizer platters.
- Slice thin - Use a mandoline for uniform slices that pickle evenly.
- Use warm brine - Heat vinegar with sugar until dissolved, then pour over onions.
- Chill overnight - Flavor deepens as the onions marinate.
- Keep submerged - Weight down onions with a small plate if they float.
Try a homemade red onions side dish when you want something tangy that keeps in the fridge for weeks.
| Vinegar Type | Flavor | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Apple cider | Fruity, mild | All-purpose pickles with balanced tang |
| Red wine | Sharp, hearty | Strong flavors that stand up to bacon |
| White wine | Bright, clean | Delicate pickles for lighter dishes |
13. Smoky Paprika Aioli
Paprika aioli adds creamy richness with smoky depth that enhances bacon without overwhelming sweet dates. Serve in a small bowl alongside the appetizer platter.
Whisk smoked paprika into mayonnaise with minced garlic and lemon juice. The aioli thickens as it chills and develops fuller flavor after an hour.
For options with creamy paprika aioli we love, roasted garlic adds another layer of savory depth.
- Start with quality mayo - The base matters more than any other ingredient.
- Add paprika gradually - Taste as you go to avoid overpowering the aioli.
- Use fresh garlic - Jarred minced garlic tastes flat compared to freshly pressed cloves.
14. Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers
Chicken skewers with bright lemon and herbs add lean protein that balances rich bacon wrapped dates. Threading chicken on skewers makes portion control easy.
Marinate chicken cubes in lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs for at least 30 minutes. Grill over medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
A few notes:
- Cut uniform pieces - Even cubes cook at the same rate.
- Don't overcrowd skewers - Leave space between pieces for proper browning.
- Rest before serving - Let chicken sit for 5 minutes so juices redistribute.
When you serve grilled chicken skewers on the side, the meal feels more substantial for guests expecting dinner.
15. Winter Pear and Arugula Salad
Peppery arugula with sweet-tart pear slices brings brightness that refreshes between rich bites. Light vinaigrette keeps the salad from weighing down the appetizer spread.
Toss fresh arugula with thin pear slices, toasted walnuts, and shaved Parmesan. Dress with lemon vinaigrette just before serving to prevent wilting.
- Use ripe pears - Firm fruit lacks sweetness and can taste grainy.
- Add nuts for crunch - Toasted walnuts or pecans provide textural contrast.
For those who appreciate crisp arugula salad we love, the peppery greens work with multiple appetizer options.
| If You Want | Try This |
|---|---|
| More sweetness | Drizzle with honey or add dried cranberries |
| Extra richness | Crumble blue cheese or goat cheese over the top |
| Heartier salad | Add quinoa or farro for substance |
For readers planning broader menus, quick chicken dinner ideas or fresh seafood dinner options offer additional pairing inspiration beyond appetizers.
These sides balance bacon wrapped dates with freshness, crunch, and contrast that make party spreads feel complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bright slaws, tangy dips, fresh vegetables, and crusty bread balance the rich, salty-sweet flavor of bacon wrapped dates by adding acid, crunch, and freshness.
Apple cider slaw, pickled red onions, blue cheese dressing, and roasted almonds all improve when made ahead and chilled overnight.
Brussels sprouts, glazed carrots, and raw crudités work because they add bitterness, crunch, or sweetness that contrasts the smoky richness of bacon.
Build a spread with a charcuterie board, crostini, spicy almonds, blue cheese dip, and a fresh arugula salad for varied textures and flavors.
Three to five sides work for parties-include one fresh salad or slaw, one dip, one starch, and one protein for balanced variety.
15 Best Sides for Bacon Wrapped Dates Any Night
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Assess what the main dish already provides-if it has starch, focus on vegetables and fresh sides.
- Choose 2-3 sides that fill different gaps: one vegetable, one starch or bread, one sauce or dip.
- Start the longest-cooking side first. Prep quick items like salads while the oven works.
- Balance temperatures-pair hot roasted vegetables with a cold slaw or chilled dip.
- Plate the main dish with sides arranged around it. Drizzle sauce or add garnish last.
