These Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese are my favorite fancy-but-easy bite to make ahead for holidays or dinner parties. They feel restaurant-worthy, but you can whip them up in minutes.
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Why This Recipe Works
These Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese are one of my favorite appetizers to make for guests. Here’s why they’re always a hit:
- Sweet and Savory Perfection: The smoky bacon, tangy goat cheese, and sweet dates balance each other perfectly. Every bite hits all the right notes.
- Crispy on the Outside, Creamy Inside: The bacon turns golden and crisp in the oven while the cheese inside melts into a rich, creamy filling. It’s an irresistible combo.
- Elegant Yet Effortless: They look fancy enough for a dinner party but come together in minutes. It’s the kind of appetizer that makes you look like you spent hours, a lot like my Puff Pastry Brie Bites.
- A Touch of Honey and Rosemary: The drizzle of honey and sprinkle of fresh herbs take them from good to unforgettable. That little finishing touch makes all the difference.
- Crowd-Pleasing Every Time: These disappear fast no matter the occasion. Whether it’s holidays, date night, or a casual get-together, everyone goes back for seconds.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please come back and give it a rating. I ❤️ hearing from you!
Ingredients
- Goat cheese: Creamy, tangy, and just a little earthy – it balances perfectly with the sweetness of the dates and the saltiness of the bacon. I like using a soft, spreadable goat cheese for easy filling.
- Medjool dates: Naturally sweet and chewy, they’re the perfect base for this appetizer. I always use Medjool dates because they’re plump, rich, and easy to pit and stuff.
- Bacon: Thin-cut bacon works best since it crisps up beautifully in the oven while wrapping tightly around the dates.
- Honey: Adds a glossy finish and helps caramelize the bacon as it bakes. A drizzle at the end brings all the flavors together.
- Rosemary: Fresh rosemary adds a fragrant, savory note that complements the goat cheese and bacon. I love finishing with a sprinkle for color and aroma.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
Instructions
- Pit the dates: If needed, carefully slice each date lengthwise without cutting all the way through, then remove and discard the pits.
- Stuff with goat cheese: Fill each date with a small spoonful of goat cheese and gently pinch closed to seal.
- Wrap with bacon: Wrap each stuffed date with half a slice of bacon and place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
- Add honey and rosemary: Drizzle half the honey evenly over the dates and sprinkle with chopped rosemary for a caramelized, herby finish.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bacon is golden and crisp.
- Serve: Drizzle with remaining honey, garnish with extra rosemary, and serve warm or at room temperature.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
Here are some of my favorite substitutions and variations:
- Cheese Options: Goat cheese gives a tangy contrast to the sweet dates, but you can swap it with blue cheese for bolder flavor, or cream cheese for a milder, creamier bite.
- Bacon Choices: Thin-cut bacon crisps up faster, but thick-cut works if you prefer a meatier texture. Just bake a few minutes longer until it’s golden and crisp.
- Sweet Touch: I love finishing with honey, but maple syrup or a drizzle of balsamic glaze also pair beautifully with the smoky bacon and creamy filling.
What to Serve with Bacon Wrapped Dates
Appetizers
- Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese are a delicious addition to any appetizer spread. I love serving them with my Holiday Charcuterie Board.
- They also go perfectly with Crostini topped with whipped feta or caramelized onions for an elevated snack board.
Cocktails
- These sweet, salty, and creamy bites pair beautifully with cocktails that balance their richness. Serve them with a Classic Espresso Martini for an elegant pairing or a Fall Sangria for something fruit-forward and festive.
- For a lighter option, try them with an Extra Dirty Martini or a glass of sparkling wine to cut through the smoky, honeyed flavors.
FAQs
What kind of bacon works best?
Thin-cut bacon is ideal because it crisps up nicely and cooks evenly without overbaking the dates. Thick-cut bacon tends to take longer and can make the dates too chewy.
Do I need toothpicks to secure them?
They’re optional. The bacon usually seals itself as it bakes, but toothpicks can help keep everything tidy if you’re preparing a large batch for a party.
Can I air fry them instead of baking?
Yes, you can! Air fry at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is golden and crisp.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes until warm and crispy again, they taste just as good as fresh!
More Appetizer Recipes You’ll Enjoy
- Crab Spinach Artichoke Dip – This Crab Spinach Artichoke Dip is a twist on a classic that will effortlessly elevate your appetizer game. It showcases marinated artichoke hearts, spinach, three types of cheese, and lump crab meat.
- Cheese Stuffed Olives – Cheese Stuffed Olives are an elegant appetizer that will add a level of sophistication to any table. Buttery Castelvetrano olives are paired with rich Boursin cheese and savory herbs in a recipe that takes just 10 minutes to prepare.
- Whipped Brie Cheese Spread – Whipped Brie Cheese Spread is a creamy and indulgent appetizer that’s easy to make and perfect for any gathering.
- Fried Goat Cheese Balls – These Fried Goat Cheese Balls are a perfect party appetizer! Garlic and herb goat cheese is breaded and fried, then finished with a drizzle of honey.
If you try this Bacon Wrapped Dates recipe, let me know what you think! Rate and review this recipe in the comments below. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me on Instagram @lenaskitchenblog!
Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese
Servings: 24 pieces
Try bacon wrapped dates with goat cheese for a simple yet sophisticated appetizer! The combination of sweet, salty, and creamy flavors, enhanced with a touch of rosemary, is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 6 ounces goat cheese
- 24 Medjool dates, plump ones
- 12 slices bacon, thin pieces cut in half
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon rosemary, freshly chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- If your dates aren’t pitted already, split the dates in half lengthwise, but don’t cut the date all the way through. Remove the pit and discard.
- Stuff each date with a spoonful of goat cheese, then gently squeeze to seal. Wrap each date with half a piece of bacon and place seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dates. You can use a toothpick to secure them.
- In a small bowl, combine the honey and rosemary. Evenly drizzle half the honey over the dates. You want the honey to coat the bacon so it caramelizes in the oven.
- Add to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the bacon is crisp.
- Serve warm or room temperature with any remaining honey and rosemary mixture.
Notes
- Use soft Medjool dates. These are easier to stuff and have a natural caramel-like texture that pairs perfectly with goat cheese and bacon.
- Chill the goat cheese. Slightly cold goat cheese is easier to scoop and stuff into the dates without making a mess.
- Use thin-cut bacon. Thin bacon crisps up better and wraps more easily around each date without overpowering the other flavors.
- Secure with toothpicks. If your bacon doesn’t stay wrapped, insert a toothpick to hold everything together during baking.
- Don’t skip the honey drizzle. It helps caramelize the bacon while adding a sweet, glossy finish.
- Line the pan with parchment. This makes cleanup easier and prevents the honey from sticking to the tray.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. They hold their shape and flavor well either way, making them ideal for parties or make-ahead appetizers.
Photography by Naomi Seiler
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