Food & Cooking Recipes Appetizers Devils on Horseback 4.1 (224) 11 Reviews Dates stuffed with blue cheese and wrapped in bacon? Yes, please. By Martha Stewart Martha Stewart Martha Stewart is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, and lifestyle expert who has taught millions of people through generations the joy of entertaining, cooking, gardening, collecting, crafting, and home renovating via her eponymous magazine, Martha Stewart Living, Emmy-winning television shows, and 99 books (and counting). Based in Katonah, N.Y., where she helms her 156-acre Bedford Farm, Martha is America's first self-made female billionaire. Editorial Guidelines Updated on October 30, 2024 Rate PRINT Share Yield: 24 devils on horseback Jump to recipe The perfect party snack with quite the name—devils on horseback are bite-sized treats often served around the holidays. You will commonly encounter them as a passed hors d’oeuvres at a wedding or formal party. An irresistible treat—dates are stuffed with Stilton, the rich English blue cheese, then wrapped in bacon and baked to perfection. The salty, meaty bacon balances the intense sweetness of the fruit. Devils on horseback are believed to have first appeared in 19th century England where they were served as a savory treat after the dessert course. We prefer them upfront with a cocktail or glass of sparkling wine to start off the night. 18 Best Hors d'Oeuvres and Appetizers for Entertaining Rachel Marek Variations on Devils on Horseback Swap the date for a prune or a dried apricotPoach the dried fruit in wine or port before stuffingUse another blue cheese in place of the StiltonOpt for a creamy soft cheese like a goat cheese in place of the blue cheese (you could even try cream cheese)Add a smoked almond or a marcona almond along with the cheese as the stuffing for each dateServe the devils on horseback on toast points Cook Mode (Keep screen awake) Ingredients 24 large dates, pitted 12 slices bacon, halved crosswise ⅓ cup crumbled Stilton cheese Directions Rachel Marek Preheat oven, prep baking sheet, and soak toothpicks: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place 24 toothpicks in a small bowl filled with water; let soak 15 minutes. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and fit with a wire rack; set aside. Rachel Marek Halve dates: Halve dates lengthwise being careful not to cut all the way through. Rachel Marek Stuff with cheese: Place a small amount of cheese in the center of each date. Rachel Marek Wrap with bacon: Wrap a piece of bacon around each date. Rachel Marek Rachel Marek Prepare for baking: Secure bacon with a toothpick. Place dates on prepared baking sheet. Rachel Marek Cook and serve: Bake until bacon is cooked through, 20 to 25 minutes. Rachel Marek Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between angels on horseback and devils on horseback? The difference between angels on horseback and devils on horseback is what is wrapped in bacon for these classic appetizers. Angels on horseback are bacon-wrapped oysters, while devils on horseback are bacon-wrapped dates or prunes. Often, the fruit is stuffed with cheese for devils on horseback. Both are bite-sized snacks that first became known in 19th-century Britain. What is a hors d’oeuvres? Hors d’oeuvres is a French term translating to "outside of work." It originally referred to a dish served outside of the usual set of courses in a meal. The term soon came to be used for small snacks served with drinks before a meal. Can you eat devils on horseback cold? Yes, you can eat devils on horseback cold. They are still tasty after they have cooled but we prefer to eat them warm or at room temperature. The combination of bacon, date, and melted blue cheese is best when enjoyed warm. Can you make devils on horseback ahead of time? Yes, you can make devils on horseback ahead of time. Prepare the dates by stuffing them with blue cheese and wrapping them in bacon. Then transfer them to an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When it is time to bake them, remove them from the fridge, let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, then cook following the recipe. Can you add brown sugar to devils on horseback? Yes, you can add brown sugar to devils on horseback. Since the dates are so sweet, we think adding brown sugar isn’t necessary. If you want a little extra sweetness you can sprinkle brown sugar on top before baking. Other Hors d’Oeuvres Recipes to Try Prosciutto-Wrapped Fig Hearts Twice Baked Baby Potatoes With Caviar Chicken-Liver Mousse With Raspberry Jelly Goat-Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms Gougères Sausage-Cheddar Bites Polenta Squares With Prosciutto Originally appeared: The Martha Stewart Show, Episode 2095 Rate It PRINT Updated by Victoria Spencer Victoria Spencer Victoria Spencer is an experienced food editor, writer, and recipe developer. She manages the Martha Stewart recipe archive and is always curious about new ingredients and the best techniques. She has been working in food media for over 20 years.