Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese Recipe

If you love a perfect mix of sweet, salty, and creamy bites, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese Recipe. It’s one of those simple yet show-stopping appetizers that never fails to impress guests or make weekday snacking feel a little more luxurious. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll be on repeat for every party, holiday, or casual get-together!

this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese Recipe uses just a handful of ingredients, but every single one plays an important role in flavor and texture. Choosing good-quality dates and fresh goat cheese really makes the difference, plus bacon brings that irresistible crisp and savoriness.

• Dates: Opt for Medjool dates if you can—they’re large, sweet, and soft, which makes stuffing them a breeze.
• Goat cheese: A creamy, tangy cheese adds balance and richness; I find fresh goat cheese works best for smooth stuffing.
• Bacon: Regular sliced bacon is perfect—cut it into thirds or halves depending on your date size to wrap perfectly.
• Honey: Drizzling this at the end adds a lovely floral sweetness that contrasts the salty bacon.
• Salt and pepper: Just a pinch enhances flavors without overpowering the natural sweetness.
• Fresh thyme and parsley: These fresh herbs add brightness and a pop of color—don’t skip the garnish!

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the joys of this Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese Recipe is how easily you can personalize it. I like to play with different cheese or add spices to the bacon before wrapping. The recipe is solid as is, but trust me, a little twist here and there keeps it exciting.

• Cheese swap: Sometimes I swap goat cheese for blue cheese or cream cheese for a milder, creamier texture.
• Spice it up: Sprinkle a bit of smoked paprika or cayenne on the bacon before baking for a subtle kick.
• Nutty crunch: Wrapping a toasted almond or walnut inside with the cheese adds an unexpected crunch I’ve grown to love.
• Herb variations: Try rosemary or basil instead of thyme and parsley for different aromatic notes.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Dates Like a Pro

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. Then take your dates and slice them in half lengthwise. Most dates come pitted these days, but I always double-check and remove any pit to avoid surprises while eating. This step is crucial—it makes filling them with goat cheese so much easier and neater.

Step 2: Stuff Those Sweet Gems

Using a teaspoon, fill each date half with about half to one teaspoon of goat cheese. I like to keep it balanced—not too much so the cheese melts out, but enough so that every bite has that creamy surprise. Don’t worry if some cheese slips out; it just adds to the rustic charm!

Step 3: Wrap and Secure with Bacon

Cut your bacon slices into thirds or halves depending on the size of your dates. Wrap each stuffed date with a bacon piece and secure it gently with a toothpick. Try not to wrap too tightly—it helps the bacon get crispy all around when it cooks. Arranging them on a baking rack placed over a baking sheet lets the fat drip away for crispier bacon.

Step 4: Bake Until Crispy Perfection

Pop your baking tray into the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Around the halfway point, I flip each date to make sure the bacon crisps evenly—this little extra step takes the results from good to amazing. You’ll know they’re done when the bacon looks golden and crisp but not burnt.

Step 5: Honey Drizzle & Seasoning Finish

Once out of the oven, immediately drizzle the hot dates with honey—it melts beautifully and adds that irresistible shine. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, then let them cool a few minutes before topping with fresh parsley and thyme leaves. These final touches bring freshness and depth to every bite.

How to Serve Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I’m really into fresh herbs on this recipe—parsley adds a pop of green and a mild flavor, while fresh thyme leaves bring a subtle earthiness. I also love a little extra drizzle of honey right before serving for a beautiful glaze and extra sweetness. If you like a bit of zing, a tiny sprinkle of chili flakes can wake it up.

Side Dishes

These Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese make great finger food alongside a crisp green salad or a charcuterie board with nuts, cheeses, and fruits. I enjoy pairing them with a tangy arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. They also shine as part of tapas or small-plates style dining.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to thread several bacon-wrapped dates onto pretty skewers or cocktail picks for an elegant look. You can also arrange them on a slate or wooden board surrounded by fresh herbs and small bowls of honey or spicy mustard for dipping. It’s super festive and makes guests feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep them on a paper towel-lined plate or container base to absorb any extra grease and preserve crispiness as much as possible.

Freezing

I’ve frozen wrapped but unbaked dates before by placing them on a tray, freezing until firm, then transferring to a zip-top bag. When ready to eat, bake from frozen adding a few extra minutes to cooking time. This method works great for prepping ahead of time and making entertaining less stressful.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend using the oven or toaster oven to bring back the bacon’s crispiness—about 8-10 minutes at 350°F does the trick. Microwaving tends to make the bacon soggy, so I try to avoid that unless I’m in a real hurry.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it transforms simple ingredients into something magical, easy but elegant, sweet yet savory. I hope you give it a whirl soon because grabbing one, biting into that crispy, creamy, honey-drizzled yum is truly the best little moment in the kitchen. You’ll find yourself reaching for them again and again, and honestly, I’m right there with you!

Print