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My bacon wrapped dates with goat cheese is SUCH a simple recipe, yet the results are an instant crowd-pleaser. They’re sweet, salty, and stuffed to the brim with creamy goat cheese!
If you’re looking for more finger foods for upcoming holiday gatherings, try my air fryer potstickers, crab rangoon, cream cheese stuffed peppers, or bacon wrapped asparagus next!
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I’m kind of known as the king of parties in my friend group, which is both a blessing and a curse. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE throwing parties, but I have to constantly keep things interesting…especially in the food department.
That’s where these bacon-wrapped dates come in. To make them, I start with tender Medjool dates, stuff them with tangy goat cheese, wrap ‘em in salty bacon, and finish them with a drizzle of honey. You guys—these never get old!
Why I love this recipe
- ALL the flavors. They’re sweet, salty, tangy, and cheesy, all in one teeny tiny package. Oh, and they only need 4 ingredients.
- Easy to make ahead. I like to make them the night before and keep them in the fridge. I’ll pop them in the oven right before guests arrive, and it looks like I was in the kitchen all day!
- Versatile. Swap the cheese, switch up the honey, or ditch the bacon for a vegetarian version.
- Multiple cooking methods. If I’m hosting, I usually need enough dates that it requires the oven, but if I’m making them for my family, I’ll pop a few in the air fryer.
Key ingredients
- Medjool dates. These are the only sweet dates I recommend using since they’re sweet and pliable, making them easy to stuff (or turn into larabars!). I also had some luck with Deglet Noor dates, but they were a bit drier and less sweet than Medjools.
- Bacon. Use regular, thin-cut bacon with a higher ratio of meat to fat. I don’t recommend thick-cut bacon, as it’s not as easy to wrap around the dates and takes longer to get crispy.
- Goat cheese. This is the best cheese for stuffed dates! Its spreadable consistency makes it easy to stuff, while its tangy, slightly salty flavor complements the caramel-like sweetness of the dates.
- Honey. Adds an extra layer of sweetness while creating a caramelized, sticky glaze during baking.
How to make bacon wrapped dates with goat cheese
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Prep. Slice the dates with a paring knife and remove the pits.
Stuff each date with goat cheese.
Step 3- Wrap. Close the dates as best as possible, then wrap each with a half slice of bacon. Stick them with toothpicks and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4- Bake. Drizzle each with honey and bake until the bacon is crispy.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Soften the goat cheese mixture. If possible, I like to let it come to room temperature so it’s easier to fit in the dates.
- Par-cook the bacon. If I want the bacon to be EXTRA crispy, I’ll cook it until it’s just starting to brown (but is still pliable).
- Cut the bacon down to size. One problem I noticed was that if the bacon wrapped around the dates more than once, it wouldn’t get crispy in the oven. The bacon should completely cover the date with SOME overlapping.
- Make them ahead of time. Prepare and stuff the dates, store them for up to 1 day in the fridge, then bake as directed. You can also freeze them unbaked for up to 2 months.
Variations
- Swap the cheese. Try blue cheese, feta cheese, brie, or cream cheese.
- Instead of honey, drizzle the dates with balsamic reduction, maple syrup, or hot honey for a little spice.
- Add nuts. For a little crunch, stuff them with crushed pistachio, almond, or pecan.
- Finish with a sprinkle of brown sugar and sea salt for an extra sweet and savory touch.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this is a great make-ahead snack or appetizer. Once they’re stuffed and wrapped in bacon, place the dates in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 1 day. You can also freeze the uncooked bacon wrapped dates by flash-freezing them on a baking sheet until they’re solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Bacon Wrapped Dates With Goat Cheese
Ingredients
- 20 Medjool dates
- 10 slices bacon sliced in half
- 3/4 cup goat cheese
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200C/400F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Slice each date down the center, ensuring the knife doesn’t cut it in half. Remove the pits and stuff each one with the goat cheese.
- Close the slits and wrap each one with half a slice of bacon. Stick a toothpick in each one to secure them. Place them on the lined baking sheet.
- Drizzle some honey over each date and bake in the oven for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. These are done when the bacon is crispy.
Notes
Nutrition
More recipes for the holiday season
Originally published September 2023, updated and republished December 2024
Omg…bacon and dates? I would never think about this kind of combination!!