These bacon-wrapped dates are a game changer. Sweet, salty, creamy, and crispy—all in one glorious bite. If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s quick and easy, this one’s a must-make. They’re seriously addictive and ideal for holidays, dinner parties, or a cozy night in with snacks and wine.

I still remember the first time I made these. It was a last-minute idea before a New Year’s party, and let me tell you—they disappeared faster than I could blink. Ever since, they’ve earned a permanent spot in my appetizer rotation. The creamy goat cheese, wrapped in smoky bacon, all nestled inside a sweet date? Pure magic.

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Key Ingredients in Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Let’s break down the flavor powerhouses in this dish:

Pitted Dates: These are your sweet, chewy base. Medjool dates work best—they’re larger, softer, and perfect for stuffing.
Goat Cheese: Tangy and creamy, goat cheese brings balance to the sweetness. You could also try blue cheese or cream cheese for a different vibe.
Bacon: Use regular-cut bacon—not thick-cut—to ensure it crisps up evenly and wraps around the date snugly.
Optional Honey or Maple Syrup: A drizzle at the end adds a beautiful caramelized finish and a bit more sweetness if desired.

Bacon-wrapped dates on a parchment-lined baking tray, golden and crispy, with gooey goat cheese oozing out, drizzled with honey.

How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Stuff each pitted date with about a teaspoon of goat cheese. Use a small spoon or piping bag if you want to be extra neat.
Wrap the date in a half-slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
Place them on a lined baking sheet (I recommend parchment paper or a wire rack).
Bake for 20 minutes or until the bacon is golden and crispy.
Optional: Drizzle with honey or maple syrup in the last 5 minutes for extra flair.
Cool slightly, remove toothpicks, and serve!

Variations

Spicy Kick: Mix a little cayenne or sriracha into the goat cheese for a spicy surprise.
Different Cheese: Try blue cheese, cream cheese, or even a cube of Manchego.
Nutty Crunch: Stuff a whole almond or pecan inside with the cheese.
Prosciutto-Wrapped: Sub bacon for prosciutto for a lighter, more delicate option.

Pairings

These dreamy bites pair beautifully with:

Sparkling wine or Champagne (the bubbles cut through the richness)
Chardonnay or Pinot Noir
Fig jam or balsamic glaze on the side
A charcuterie board for a full appetizer spread

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm on a platter with toothpicks or mini skewers.
Pair with olives, nuts, and cheese cubes for an easy cocktail-hour setup.
Stack on mini skewers with a grape or fig for a more gourmet presentation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using thick-cut bacon (it won’t crisp in time)

❌ Overstuffing the dates (they’ll fall apart)

❌ Skipping the toothpick (you need it to keep everything secure)

❌ Not lining the baking sheet (makes cleanup a nightmare)

❌ Not letting them cool (they’re lava hot inside right out of the oven)

Tips and Tricks

✅ Use room temperature goat cheese for easier stuffing
✅ Soak toothpicks in water if you’re worried about burning
✅ Use a wire rack on your baking sheet for extra crispiness
✅ Make ahead: assemble the night before and bake just before serving
✅ Try a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before serving

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just want a decadent snack for movie night, bacon-wrapped dates are the perfect crowd-pleaser. They’re rich, easy to make, and endlessly customizable. Once you try them, you’ll wonder why you ever served anything else.

Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Bellina Groschen

Sweet dates stuffed with goat cheese, wrapped in crispy bacon—perfect for parties.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 12 servings

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

12 pitted dates
4 ounces goat cheese
6 slices bacon cut in half
Optional: 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Stuff each date with about 1 teaspoon of goat cheese.
Wrap each stuffed date with a half slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick.
Place the wrapped dates on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and cooked through. Optional: Drizzle with honey or maple syrup during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Let cool slightly before serving. Remove toothpicks.

Notes

Medjool dates are best for this recipe.

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Goat cheese can be swapped with cream cheese or gorgonzola.

Drizzling with honey adds an elegant touch.

These freeze well before baking—just pop them straight into the oven when ready.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 150

Protein: 4g

Carbohydrates: 12g

Fat: 10g

Fiber: 1g

Sugar: 10g

The nutritional information provided for this recipe is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

Keyword bacon, dates, appetizer, goat cheese, party food, finger food