Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese
Easy Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese combine sweet Medjool dates, tangy creamy goat cheese, and crispy smoky bacon for a perfect bite-sized appetizer. Ready in under 30 minutes, this crowd-pleaser balances flavors beautifully and is ideal for parties, game days, or quick snacks.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 12 large Medjool dates, pitted
- 12 teaspoons goat cheese (approximately 1 teaspoon per date)
- 6 bacon strips, cut in half
- Toothpicks (as needed)
Optional Extras
- Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or rosemary) for garnish
- Honey, maple syrup, or balsamic glaze for drizzling
- Toasted almonds or walnuts for stuffing
- Thin jalapeño slices for spicy variation
- Alternative cheeses: blue cheese, cream cheese, or vegan cheese
- Prepare the Dates: Slice each Medjool date lengthwise on one side and gently remove the pit, creating a pocket for the goat cheese.
- Fill with Goat Cheese: Spoon or pipe about a teaspoon of creamy goat cheese into each pitted date, making sure not to overfill to avoid leaks while cooking.
- Wrap with Bacon: Cut bacon strips in half to fit the size of the dates, then wrap each stuffed date tightly, securing them with a toothpick to hold everything together.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the wrapped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil, then bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crispiness.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven once the bacon is golden and crispy. Let them cool slightly before serving to keep the cheese creamy and enjoyable.
Notes
- Use soft Medjool dates for easier stuffing and better texture.
- Secure bacon with toothpicks to prevent unraveling during baking.
- Do not overfill dates with goat cheese to avoid spills and maintain neat appearance.
- Ensure bacon fully wraps dates for consistent crispiness and flavor.
- Monitor the oven closely during the last minutes to prevent burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed date wrapped with bacon
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: bacon-wrapped dates, goat cheese appetizer, easy party bites, sweet and savory appetizer, quick snacks, Medjool dates recipes