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