Bacon Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese Recipe

Posted on November 14, 2025

The perfect combination of sweet, salty, creamy, and smoky flavors all wrapped up in one bite—bacon wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese are a party favorite that never fails to impress. The crisp bacon contrasts beautifully with the soft, creamy goat cheese and the natural sweetness of the dates. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving an indulgent snack, this recipe will quickly become a go-to. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make them sooner!

My first encounter with these little bites of joy was at a dinner party years ago. I remember picking one up, not knowing exactly what it was, and being absolutely blown away after the first bite. The flavors were perfectly balanced, and I instantly knew I had to recreate them at home. Over time, I’ve perfected my own version, and now I’m excited to share it with you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a stunning appetizer ready in less than 30 minutes.
Perfect Party Appetizer: These bite-sized treats are an instant crowd-pleaser—your guests will be asking for the recipe!
Irresistible Flavor Combination: The sweetness of the dates, the creaminess of goat cheese, and the salty smokiness of bacon make these unforgettable.
Customizable: You can tweak the stuffing by adding nuts, herbs, or spices to suit your taste.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep them in advance and bake them right before serving for a stress-free gathering.

What sets this recipe apart is the attention to detail—using good-quality bacon, fresh medjool dates, and creamy goat cheese makes all the difference. Plus, the balance of flavors and textures is something that will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!).

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple ingredients that pack a punch in flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Medjool dates: Look for large, plump dates. They’re naturally sweet and have a soft texture that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
Goat cheese: Opt for a creamy, tangy goat cheese. You can also use herbed goat cheese for added flavor.
Bacon: Thin-cut bacon works best as it wraps securely around the dates and crisps up nicely.
Optional: Chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts) for added crunch inside the dates.
Optional: Honey or balsamic glaze for drizzling after baking.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can experiment with adding crushed red pepper flakes, a pinch of smoked paprika, or even stuffing the dates with a mix of goat cheese and cream cheese for a milder flavor.

Equipment Needed

Here’s a quick list of tools you’ll need for this recipe:

Sharp knife: To slice the dates open and trim the bacon if needed.
Small spoon: Perfect for scooping and stuffing the goat cheese into the dates.
Baking sheet: Use a rimmed baking sheet to catch any bacon drippings.
Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Toothpicks: Essential for securing the bacon around the dates.

If you don’t have toothpicks, you can use wooden skewers cut into smaller pieces. And don’t worry if you’re missing parchment paper—just grease your baking sheet lightly to prevent sticking.

Preparation Method

Prep the dates: Use a sharp knife to make a small slit down the side of each date. Remove the pit carefully, keeping the date intact to create a pocket for the filling.
Stuff with goat cheese: Using a small spoon or your fingers, scoop a small amount of goat cheese and press it into the cavity of each date. If you’re using nuts, sprinkle a few inside before adding the goat cheese.
Wrap with bacon: Cut each strip of bacon in half (or thirds if the dates are small). Wrap a piece of bacon tightly around each stuffed date and secure it with a toothpick.
Arrange on baking sheet: Place the bacon-wrapped dates seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This prevents the bacon from unraveling as it cooks.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the dates for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. Rotate the dates halfway through cooking for even browning.
Cool and serve: Remove the dates from the oven and let them cool slightly. Drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze if desired, then serve warm.

Pro tip: If the bacon isn’t crisping up to your liking, you can broil the dates for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some tried-and-true tips to ensure your bacon-wrapped dates turn out perfectly every time:

Choose the right bacon: Thin-cut bacon is ideal for wrapping tightly around the dates. Thick-cut bacon may not crisp up as well.
Don’t overstuff the dates: While it’s tempting to load up on goat cheese, too much filling can cause the dates to burst open during baking.
Secure the bacon: Use toothpicks to keep the bacon in place while baking. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.
Drain excess grease: If you’re making a large batch, consider draining the baking sheet halfway through cooking to prevent the bacon from becoming soggy.
Play with flavors: Add a pinch of cayenne for heat or drizzle with honey for extra sweetness—it’s all about creating your perfect bite!

Variations & Adaptations

This recipe is easy to customize based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:

Vegetarian option: Swap out the bacon for thinly sliced eggplant or zucchini. Lightly season and bake until crispy.
Nutty twist: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the goat cheese filling for a crunchy surprise.
Sweet and spicy: Mix a touch of honey or maple syrup with cayenne pepper into the goat cheese before stuffing the dates.
Cheese swap: Replace goat cheese with cream cheese, blue cheese, or ricotta for a different flavor profile.
Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check your bacon and cheese labels to confirm.

One of my favorite variations is adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the goat cheese for a smoky kick that pairs beautifully with the bacon.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Bacon-wrapped dates are best served warm, straight out of the oven. Arrange them on a platter with a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze for an extra touch of sweetness. They pair perfectly with a glass of red wine or a festive cocktail, making them an ideal appetizer for holiday parties or casual gatherings.

If you have leftovers (unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving them, as it can make the bacon rubbery.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional benefits:

Dates: Rich in natural sugars, fiber, and antioxidants, they provide a sweet flavor without processed sugars.
Goat cheese: A great source of calcium and protein, plus it’s easier to digest than cow’s milk cheese.
Bacon: While indulgent, bacon adds satisfying flavor and protein in small portions.

This recipe is gluten-free and can be adapted for keto or paleo diets by using sugar-free bacon and skipping any sweet toppings. Each bite is a balance of decadence and wholesome ingredients, perfect for an occasional treat.

Conclusion

Bacon wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. With their irresistible combination of flavors and textures, they’re a recipe you’ll find yourself making time and time again. Whether you stick to the classic version or customize it with your favorite twists, these bites are bound to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

I love making these for family get-togethers—they’re always the first dish to disappear! So go ahead, give them a try, and let me know how they turn out. Feel free to share your own variations or tips in the comments below—I can’t wait to hear about your creations!

FAQs

Can I make these bacon-wrapped dates ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble them ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake them right before serving.

What’s the best type of goat cheese to use?

Look for a creamy and tangy goat cheese. Herbed varieties can add extra flavor if you like.

Can I cook these in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Cook them at 375°F (190°C) in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What can I use instead of bacon?

Thinly sliced eggplant or zucchini are great vegetarian alternatives to bacon.

How do I prevent the bacon from falling off while baking?

Make sure to use toothpicks to secure the bacon around the dates tightly. Bake seam-side down for extra stability.

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