Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese
	
		Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese are a simple yet elegant appetizer combining sweet, chewy dates, creamy tangy goat cheese, and crispy smoky bacon. Perfect for parties or quick snacks, these bite-sized treats are easy to prepare with minimal ingredients and customizable to your taste.
	 
	
		
							- Author: Judy
 
							- Prep Time: 15 minutes
 
							- Cook Time: 20 minutes
 
							- Total Time: 35 minutes
 
							- Yield: 20-24 pieces (serves 6-8 as appetizer) 1x
 
							- Category: Appetizers
 
							- Method: Baking
 
							- Cuisine: American
 
							- Diet: Gluten Free
 
					
	 
	
		
		
			Primary Ingredients
- 20–24 Medjool Dates, pitted
 
- 4 ounces creamy, spreadable Goat Cheese
 
- 10–12 slices thin-sliced Bacon, cut in halves or thirds
 
- Toothpicks, for securing bacon
 
Optional Spices and Additions
- Pinch of Black Pepper (optional)
 
- Pinch of Smoked Paprika (optional)
 
- Whole almonds or pecans for stuffing (optional)
 
- Chili flakes or small pieces of jalapeño for heat (optional)
 
- Maple syrup for brushing bacon (optional)
 
		 
	 
	
		
		
			
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (about 200 degrees Celsius) so it’s ready to crisp the bacon perfectly without burning it.
 
- Prepare the Dates: Carefully slice each date lengthwise on one side and remove the pit. Be gentle so you don’t split the dates entirely apart.
 
- Stuff with Goat Cheese: Spoon or pipe a generous amount of goat cheese into each date’s cavity, filling it completely for rich, tangy flavor in every bite. Optionally add a whole almond or pecan, or a small piece of jalapeño inside for variations.
 
- Wrap with Bacon: Cut bacon slices in half or thirds to fit each date snugly. Wrap each stuffed date with a piece of bacon and secure it firmly with a toothpick to prevent unraveling. Optionally brush bacon with maple syrup for a sweet glaze.
 
- Bake Until Crispy: Place the bacon-wrapped dates on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes. Turn them halfway through cooking for even crispiness and watch closely to avoid burning.
 
- Serve Warm: Once golden and crispy, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve warm to enjoy the melting cheese and crispy bacon. Optionally drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze and garnish with fresh herbs.
 
		 
	 
	
		Notes
		
			
- Choose high-quality bacon for more flavorful and crispy bites.
 
- Do not overstuff dates to avoid leakage during baking.
 
- Use toothpicks to keep the bacon securely wrapped and for easy serving.
 
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
 
- For added flavor, drizzle honey or balsamic glaze after baking.
 
- You can freeze unbaked bacon-wrapped dates individually on a tray, transfer to a freezer bag, and bake from frozen with extra cooking time.
 
- Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to preserve crispiness instead of microwaving.
 
		 
	 
	
		Nutrition
		
							- Serving Size: 2 pieces
 
							- Calories: 110
 
							- Sugar: 6g
 
							- Sodium: 240mg
 
							- Fat: 8g
 
							- Saturated Fat: 3g
 
							- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
 
							- Trans Fat: 0g
 
							- Carbohydrates: 7g
 
							- Fiber: 1g
 
							- Protein: 3g
 
							- Cholesterol: 15mg
 
					
	 
	
		Keywords: bacon wrapped dates, goat cheese appetizer, party appetizers, bacon appetizers, easy appetizer, gluten free appetizer, bite sized snacks