Food & Cooking Recipes Appetizers Martha's Devils on Horseback Are the Best Retro Party Snack 3.6 (334) 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 24, 2023 Rate PRINT Share Yield: 24 A party snack with a most striking name, devils on horseback are bite-size treats often served around the holidays. You might also have encountered them as a passed hors d’oeuvres at a wedding or formal party, and know how irresistible they are. Dried fruit is wrapped in bacon and baked; the salty, meaty bacon balances the intense sweetness of the fruit. The fruit, usually a date or a prune, is often stuffed with cheese or cheese and an almond. Our version uses dates stuffed with the rich English blue cheese, Stilton. Devils on horseback are believed to have first appeared in 19th century England, served as a savory after the dessert course. We prefer them upfront with a cocktail or glass of sparkling wine. Rachel Marek 18 Best Hors d'Oeuvres and Appetizers for Entertaining Variations 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 date.Serve the devils on horseback on toast points 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 Rachel Marek Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between angels on horseback and devils 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. What is a hors d’oeuvres? A french term, hors d’oeuvres literally translates as “outside of work,” and originally referred to a dish served outside of the usual set of courses in a meal. It soon became a term for small snacks served with drinks before a meal. 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 Three-Cheese Gougères 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.