If you love the perfect blend of sweet and savory in one bite, these bacon wrapped dates are about to become your new favorite appetizer.
They’re ridiculously easy to make, incredibly impressive to serve, and downright addictive once you start eating them.
I first made these for a dinner party years ago when I was scrambling for something quick but elegant.
I had no idea they would steal the show completely. Guests couldn’t stop talking about them, and I’ve been making them ever since for every gathering, holiday party, and game day spread.
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. You only need three main ingredients, and the combination of creamy goat cheese, sweet Medjool dates, and crispy bacon creates pure magic.
Plus, you can prep them ahead of time and just pop them in the oven when your guests arrive.
| Quick Recipe Summary | |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 18 minutes |
| Total Time | 33 minutes |
| Servings | 24 pieces |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
Why You’ll Love This Bacon Wrapped Dates
These little bites pack a serious flavor punch that keeps people coming back for more.
The natural sweetness of the dates pairs perfectly with the salty, smoky bacon, while the tangy goat cheese adds a creamy element that ties everything together.
They’re also incredibly versatile and work for any occasion. Serve them at a fancy cocktail party, a casual game day gathering, or even as part of your holiday appetizer spread.
No matter where you bring them, they disappear fast.
The make-ahead factor is another huge win. You can assemble these beauties a full day in advance and store them in the refrigerator.
When it’s time to serve, just bake them until the bacon gets crispy and golden.
Here’s what makes these bacon wrapped dates irresistible:
- Sweet and savory flavor combination that appeals to everyone
- Only three main ingredients needed
- Ready in under 35 minutes from start to finish
- Can be prepared a day ahead for stress-free entertaining
- Always the first appetizer to disappear at parties
- Elegant presentation with minimal effort required
This pairs beautifully with my cheese ball recipe for a complete appetizer spread.
Ingredients for Bacon Wrapped Dates
You’ll love how short this ingredient list is. Everything you need can be picked up at your local grocery store, and there’s nothing complicated or hard to find.
- 24 Medjool dates
- 4 oz goat cheese, softened
- 12 slices thin-cut bacon
- Toothpicks
- Honey for drizzling (optional)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
You don’t need any fancy equipment for this recipe. Just a few basic kitchen tools and you’re ready to go.
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Sharp paring knife
- Small spoon or piping bag for filling
- Toothpicks
Recommended Products for This Recipe
After making these bacon wrapped dates countless times, I’ve found a few products that really make the process easier and the results even better.
1. Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Baking Pan
This heavy-duty baking pan distributes heat so evenly that your bacon crisps up perfectly without any burnt spots.
The pre-seasoned surface makes cleanup simple, and it’s built to last forever. I use mine for everything from appetizers to roasted vegetables.
2. Premium Medjool Dates
Not all dates are created equal, and premium Medjool dates make a huge difference in this recipe.
They’re larger, softer, and naturally sweeter than standard dates. Look for ones that are plump and moist rather than dried out.
3. Vermont Creamery Goat Cheese
This creamy, tangy goat cheese has the perfect texture for stuffing dates. It’s soft enough to pipe or spoon easily but firm enough to hold its shape during baking.
The flavor is mild and balanced, never overpowering the sweetness of the dates.
4. Bamboo Cocktail Picks
These decorative picks are sturdier than regular toothpicks and hold the bacon securely in place while baking.
They also look more elegant when you’re serving these at a party. Get the 4-inch length for the best results.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Bacon Wrapped Dates
Follow these detailed steps to create perfect bacon wrapped dates every time. Even if you’ve never made them before, you’ll find this process straightforward and simple.
1. Prepare Your Workspace and Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup
- Remove the goat cheese from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften
- Cut each slice of bacon in half crosswise so you have 24 pieces total
- Set out all your ingredients and equipment within easy reach
2. Pit and Stuff the Dates
- Using a sharp paring knife, make a lengthwise slit down one side of each date
- Gently open the date and remove the pit
- Take about 1/2 teaspoon of softened goat cheese and stuff it into the cavity where the pit was
- Press the date closed around the cheese filling, though it’s fine if some cheese shows through
- Repeat this process with all 24 dates
3. Wrap Each Date with Bacon
- Take one piece of halved bacon and wrap it around a stuffed date
- Start at one end and spiral the bacon around, slightly overlapping as you go
- Make sure the bacon ends meet underneath the date
- Secure the bacon in place by inserting a toothpick through the center, going all the way through the date
- The toothpick should pierce both ends of the bacon to hold everything together
- Place the wrapped date seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet
- Repeat with remaining dates, spacing them about 1 inch apart on the sheet
4. Bake Until Golden and Crispy
- Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of your preheated oven
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, checking at the 15-minute mark
- The bacon should be crispy and golden brown on all sides
- If needed, turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes to crisp up the top, but watch carefully to prevent burning
- Remove from oven when the bacon is cooked to your desired level of crispiness
5. Finish and Serve
- Let the bacon wrapped dates cool on the baking sheet for about 2-3 minutes
- This brief cooling period allows the cheese to set slightly and prevents burning your mouth
- Transfer to a serving platter while still warm
- If desired, drizzle with honey for an extra touch of sweetness
- Serve immediately while they’re still warm and the bacon is crispy
Another favorite for parties is my spinach artichoke dip.
Tips for The Best Bacon Wrapped Dates
These simple tips will help you achieve perfectly crispy bacon and prevent common mistakes. Trust me, I’ve learned these lessons through trial and error so you don’t have to.
Follow these tips for the best results:
- Use thin-cut bacon instead of regular thickness, as it crisps up better and cooks more evenly
- Make sure your goat cheese is softened to room temperature for easier stuffing
- Don’t overstuff the dates or the cheese will ooze out during baking
- Place dates seam-side down on the baking sheet so the bacon stays wrapped during cooking
- If your bacon isn’t getting crispy enough, flip the dates halfway through baking
- For extra crispy bacon, place the baking sheet on a wire rack set inside a larger baking sheet
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure bacon reaches 145°F for food safety
- Pat the dates dry with a paper towel before wrapping if they seem sticky
- Cut bacon pieces to the right length so they wrap around once with minimal overlap
Serving Suggestions
These bacon wrapped dates are incredibly versatile and work well in so many different serving situations.
They’re fancy enough for special occasions but casual enough for everyday gatherings.
Serve them as part of an elegant appetizer spread alongside crackers, cheese, and fresh fruit. They also work beautifully on a charcuterie board with cured meats and nuts.
For holiday parties, arrange them on a festive platter with fresh herbs as garnish.
Here are some fantastic ways to serve these:
- As passed appetizers at cocktail parties
- On an antipasto platter with olives and cheese
- With shrimp cocktail for a surf and turf appetizer spread
- Alongside cheese and crackers for an easy entertaining option
- As part of a holiday brunch spread
- With toothpicks for easy grab-and-go serving at game day parties
You might also enjoy my cheese dip.
Variations of Bacon Wrapped Dates
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these creative variations to keep things interesting. Each one brings a unique flavor twist to the classic combination.
Try these delicious variations:
- Blue Cheese Bacon Wrapped Dates: Swap goat cheese for crumbled blue cheese for a stronger, more pungent flavor
- Almond-Stuffed: Place a whole roasted almond inside each date along with the goat cheese for added crunch
- Prosciutto Wrapped: Use thin slices of prosciutto instead of bacon for a more delicate, Italian-inspired version
- Spicy: Add a small slice of jalapeño inside each date with the cheese for a spicy kick
- Herb Goat Cheese: Mix fresh chopped rosemary or thyme into the goat cheese before stuffing
- Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle with balsamic reduction instead of honey for a tangy finish
- Chorizo Wrapped: Use thin slices of chorizo for a Spanish twist with smoky paprika flavors
- Maple Bacon: Brush the wrapped dates with maple syrup before baking for extra sweetness
Storage and Reheating
Proper storage keeps these bacon wrapped dates fresh and delicious for later enjoyment. Here’s how to store and reheat them for the best results.
Storage and reheating instructions:
- Refrigerator Storage: Store cooked bacon wrapped dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Make-Ahead: Assemble unbaked bacon wrapped dates up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to bake
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked assembled dates in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months
- Reheating: Place leftover bacon wrapped dates on a baking sheet and reheat in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes until warmed through
- Microwave Option: While not ideal for crispiness, you can microwave individual pieces for 15-20 seconds if needed
- From Frozen: Bake frozen unbaked dates at 375°F for 22-25 minutes without thawing first
Read Also: Cranberry Meatballs Recipe
Nutritional Facts
Here’s the approximate nutritional information per bacon wrapped date. Keep in mind these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
Per serving (1 bacon wrapped date):
- Calories: 85
- Total Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 12mg
- Sodium: 125mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 8g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugars: 7g
- Protein: 3g
These bacon wrapped dates provide a good balance of macronutrients with natural sweetness from the dates and protein from the bacon and cheese.
While they’re not a low-calorie option, they’re perfect as an occasional treat or party appetizer.
The dates provide natural energy and fiber, while the bacon and goat cheese add satisfying protein and healthy fats. Just enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
Despite being an indulgent appetizer, bacon wrapped dates actually contain several nutritious ingredients. Each component brings its own health benefits to this delicious bite.
Medjool dates are naturally sweet and packed with essential nutrients. They’re high in fiber, which aids digestion and helps keep you feeling full.
Dates also contain potassium, magnesium, and several B vitamins that support energy production and heart health.
Key health benefits include:
- Dates: Rich in antioxidants, natural energy source, high in fiber and potassium
- Goat Cheese: Easier to digest than cow’s milk cheese, contains probiotics, good source of calcium and protein
- Bacon: Provides protein and B vitamins, contains choline which supports brain health
- Natural Sugars: Dates provide sustained energy without refined sugar
- Healthy Fats: Goat cheese offers beneficial fatty acids that support nutrient absorption
Another crowd-pleaser is my snack mix.
FAQs About Bacon Wrapped Dates
1. Can I make bacon wrapped dates ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble these up to 24 hours before baking. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook.
They bake up just as beautifully as freshly assembled ones, making them perfect for stress-free entertaining.
2. Why is my bacon not getting crispy?
The most common reason is using bacon that’s too thick. Thin-cut bacon works best because it crisps up quickly at the high heat.
If you only have regular bacon, try baking at 425°F or using the broiler for the last minute or two to get extra crispy results.
3. Can I use a different cheese instead of goat cheese?
Yes, you can substitute other soft cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, or even blue cheese for a stronger flavor.
Just make sure whatever cheese you use is soft enough to stuff into the dates easily. Harder cheeses don’t work as well for this recipe.
4. What if my dates are too dry or hard?
Soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes to rehydrate them. Pat them completely dry before stuffing and wrapping.
Fresh, plump Medjool dates work best, so check the dates at the store and choose ones that feel soft and moist.
5. Can I cook these in an air fryer?
Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and cook the bacon wrapped dates for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Keep a close eye on them as air fryer models vary. They should be crispy and golden brown when done.
Read Also: Pull Apart Christmas Tree Bread
Bacon Wrapped Dates
Ingredients
- 24 Medjool dates Fresh and plump
- 4 oz goat cheese 113g, softened to room temperature
- 12 slices thin-cut bacon Cut in half crosswise for 24 pieces
- toothpicks 24 needed
- honey For drizzling
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil For easy cleanup
- Sharp paring knife
- Small spoon or piping bag For filling dates
- Toothpicks 24 needed
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove goat cheese from refrigerator to soften and cut each bacon slice in half crosswise.
- Using a sharp paring knife, make a lengthwise slit down one side of each date, gently open, and remove the pit.
- Stuff about 1/2 teaspoon of softened goat cheese into the cavity where the pit was, then press the date closed around the filling.
- Wrap one piece of halved bacon around each stuffed date in a spiral, slightly overlapping as you go, with bacon ends meeting underneath.
- Secure the bacon by inserting a toothpick through the center, piercing both ends of the bacon. Place seam-side down on prepared baking sheet, spacing 1 inch apart.
- Bake on middle rack for 15-18 minutes until bacon is crispy and golden brown. If needed, broil for the last 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness.
- Let cool on baking sheet for 2-3 minutes, transfer to serving platter, and drizzle with honey if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use thin-cut bacon instead of regular thickness for best crisping results and even cooking.
- Make sure goat cheese is softened to room temperature for easier stuffing without tearing the dates.
- Don’t overstuff the dates or the cheese will ooze out during baking.
- Place dates seam-side down on the baking sheet so the bacon stays wrapped during cooking.
- For extra crispy bacon, place the baking sheet on a wire rack set inside a larger baking sheet to allow air circulation.
- Make-ahead tip: Assemble unbaked bacon wrapped dates up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze unbaked assembled dates in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 22-25 minutes.
- Variations: Try blue cheese instead of goat cheese, add a roasted almond for crunch, or use prosciutto instead of bacon for an Italian twist.
- Storage: Store cooked bacon wrapped dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes.
- If your dates are dry or hard, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then pat completely dry before stuffing.
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Conclusion
These bacon wrapped dates have earned their place as one of my all-time favorite appetizers for good reason.
They’re simple enough to make on a weeknight but impressive enough to serve at your fanciest dinner parties.
The combination of sweet dates, tangy goat cheese, and crispy bacon creates a flavor experience that keeps people talking long after the party ends.
Plus, the fact that you can make them ahead takes so much stress out of entertaining.
I hope you love these bacon wrapped dates as much as my family and friends do. Give them a try at your next gathering and watch them disappear.
Drop a comment below and let me know how they turned out for you, or share any creative variations you tried.
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