Picture this: crispy bacon hugging a sweet, tender date that’s filled with creamy goat cheese. That perfect bite where smokiness meets sweetness with a tangy center? That’s what makes Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese absolutely irresistible.
These two-bite wonders disappear from appetizer trays faster than you can say “seconds, please!” They’re elegant enough for fancy gatherings yet simple enough for weeknight entertaining.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese are the perfect storm of flavor and texture. The dates caramelize slightly as they cook, becoming even sweeter against the salty bacon. Meanwhile, the goat cheese melts into a creamy pocket of tanginess that balances everything out beautifully.
What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. Serve them warm at a dinner party, room temperature at a potluck, or even cold the next day (if there are any left!). They require minimal ingredients but deliver maximum flavor impact.
These little gems have an impressive heritage too—variations of stuffed dates go back to ancient Mediterranean cuisines. But this modern interpretation with bacon has become a cocktail party staple for good reason. It hits all those crave-worthy notes: sweet, salty, smoky, creamy, and crispy all in one bite.
Equipment needed: Baking sheet, parchment paper, toothpicks, knife, small spoon
Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese
Ingredients
- 24 Medjool dates look for large, plump ones
- 8 oz goat cheese chèvre, softened at room temperature
- 12 slices bacon cut in half crosswise
- 1/4 cup honey for drizzling optional
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves or chopped rosemary optional
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 24 toothpicks soaked in water for 10 minutes (prevents burning)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the dates by making a small lengthwise slit in each one and gently remove the pit. Be careful not to split the date completely in half.
- Stuff each date with about 1 teaspoon of goat cheese, pressing the cheese into the cavity where the pit was. Don’t overfill or the cheese will melt out during baking.
- Wrap each stuffed date with a half slice of bacon, completely encircling it, and secure with a toothpick. The toothpick should go all the way through to hold everything together.
- Arrange the wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one to ensure even cooking and crispy bacon all around.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and golden brown. If needed, turn the dates halfway through baking for even cooking.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess bacon fat, then move to your serving platter while still warm.
- Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with herbs if using, and finish with a light dusting of freshly ground pepper for an extra flavor dimension.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding a small piece of toasted almond inside each date along with the goat cheese.
- If you prefer less sweet appetizers, consider using Deglet Noor dates instead of Medjool – they’re less sweet but still delicious.
- These can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated, just add 2-3 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- For a spicy-sweet version, add a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper to the goat cheese or a drizzle of hot honey at the end.
- Thin-cut bacon works better than thick-cut for this recipe, as it crisps up more easily around the dates.
Calories & Nutritional Info
- Calories per piece: Approximately 85-95 calories
- Protein: 3g per piece
- Carbohydrates: 7g per piece (primarily from natural sugars in dates)
- Fat: 6g per piece
- Allergens: Contains dairy (goat cheese)
- Dietary notes: Gluten-free, can be made vegetarian by substituting vegetarian bacon alternatives
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not securing the bacon properly – Make sure your toothpick goes all the way through to prevent unraveling during cooking.
- Overstuffing the dates – This leads to cheese oozing out and burning on your baking sheet. A teaspoon is usually the perfect amount.
- Overcrowding the baking sheet – This will steam rather than crisp your bacon. Give each wrapped date some breathing room.
- Skipping the toothpick soak – Dry toothpicks can burn in the oven; soaking them briefly in water prevents this.
- Removing from the oven too soon – Undercooked bacon is chewy rather than crispy. Look for golden brown edges before taking them out.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Cheese options: Blue cheese, cream cheese, or mascarpone all work beautifully if you’re not a fan of goat cheese.
- Bacon alternatives: Prosciutto makes an excellent substitute for a more delicate flavor. For vegetarians, try thin strips of smoked tempeh or plant-based bacon.
- Sweet additions: A small drizzle of maple syrup instead of honey gives a deeper, woodsy sweetness.
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or a tiny slice of jalapeño before wrapping for a sweet-spicy kick.
- Dairy-free version: Use dairy-free cream cheese or a thick cashew cheese spread for a vegan-friendly option (paired with plant-based bacon).
FAQs
Can I make Bacon Wrapped Dates ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep these up to 24 hours in advance. Just assemble, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, add 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time since they’ll be cold from the fridge.
How do I keep the bacon crispy if I’m taking these to a party?
If traveling with them, slightly undercook the bacon at home (reduce baking time by 2-3 minutes), then reheat at your destination for 5-7 minutes at 375°F to crisp them up perfectly.
Can I freeze Bacon Wrapped Dates?
While you can freeze them unbaked, the texture of the cheese may change slightly. If freezing, assemble completely, freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to an airtight container. Bake from frozen, adding about 7-10 minutes to the cooking time.
What’s the best way to pit dates efficiently?
Make a lengthwise slit with a paring knife, then gently push the pit out with your thumb or the back of a small spoon. If your dates are very soft, you can sometimes just squeeze gently to push the pit out.
What can I serve with Bacon Wrapped Dates?
They pair beautifully with champagne or prosecco for elegant occasions. For a full appetizer spread, balance their richness with something fresh like a citrusy salad, cucumber rounds, or crunchy vegetable crudités.
Final Thoughts
Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese perfectly exemplify how simple ingredients can create something truly magical when combined. They’re proof that appetizers don’t need to be complicated to be impressive. The next time you’re wondering what to bring to a gathering or serve at your own party, remember these little flavor bombs.
They’re guaranteed to start conversations and have everyone asking for your recipe!
