Bacon-Wrapped Dates With Goat Cheese Appetizer – Sweet, Salty, and Crowd-Pleasing

Sweet dates, creamy goat cheese, and crispy bacon—this little bite has everything going for it. It looks fancy, but it’s easy enough for a weeknight or last-minute gathering. You can prep it ahead, bake it just before serving, and watch it disappear within minutes.

This appetizer works for holidays, game nights, and everything in between. If you like simple recipes that taste like you worked much harder than you did, this one’s for you.

What Makes This Special

This appetizer hits the flavor trifecta: sweet, salty, and tangy. Each bite blends the caramel-like sweetness of dates with the rich tang of goat cheese and the smoky crunch of bacon.

It’s a classic combination, but the texture contrast really sets it apart. Beyond the flavor, it’s also incredibly flexible. You can add nuts for a bit of crunch, drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze, or tweak the cheese to suit your tastes.

Plus, it’s naturally finger-friendly and pairs well with everything from sparkling wine to cold beer.

What You’ll Need

• Medjool dates (about 20): Choose plump, soft ones. Pitted dates save time.
• Goat cheese (4–5 ounces): Soft, spreadable chèvre works best.
• Bacon (10 slices): Regular-cut, not thick-cut, so it crisps and cooks evenly.
• Toothpicks: To secure the wraps.
• Optional add-ins:
  • Almonds or pecans (20 pieces): Adds a crunchy center.
  • Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary: Chop finely and mix into the goat cheese.
  • Honey or balsamic glaze: For drizzling after baking.
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: For a little heat in the filling.
  • Orange zest: Brightens the flavor.
• Equipment:
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack (optional but helps crisp the bacon)
  • Foil or parchment for easy cleanup
  • Small spoon or piping bag for the cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the pan: Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment. If you have a wire rack, set it on top to help the bacon crisp.
2. Prepare the dates: If your dates aren’t pitted, slice lengthwise to remove the pits.

   Keep the slit small so the filling stays put.

3. Make the filling: In a small bowl, soften the goat cheese with a fork. Stir in a pinch of salt, pepper, and any add-ins like chopped herbs, red pepper flakes, or a touch of orange zest.
4. Fill the dates: Use a small spoon or piping bag to stuff each date with about 1 teaspoon of goat cheese. If using nuts, press one almond or pecan into the cheese.
5. Wrap with bacon: Cut each bacon slice in half.

   Wrap a half-slice snugly around each filled date. Secure with a toothpick through the seam.

6. Arrange and bake: Place the wrapped dates seam-side down on the rack or lined sheet. Bake for 15–20 minutes, turning once halfway, until the bacon is browned and crisp.
7. Optional glaze: In the last 2–3 minutes, brush lightly with honey or balsamic glaze for a glossy finish.

   Keep an eye on them so the sugars don’t burn.
8. Rest and serve: Let them cool for 5 minutes. The cheese will be hot. Transfer to a platter and finish with a sprinkle of chopped herbs if you like.

Keeping It Fresh

These are best hot from the oven, but you can still plan ahead.

Stuff and wrap the dates up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready, bake as directed; you may need an extra 2–3 minutes if they’re cold. For leftovers, store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes to crisp the bacon again. Avoid microwaving—it softens the bacon and makes the texture less appealing. If you’ve drizzled with honey or glaze, reheat on parchment to minimize sticking.

Why This is Good for You

This appetizer feels indulgent, but there are some solid upsides.

Dates provide natural sweetness, fiber, and minerals like potassium and magnesium. Goat cheese offers protein and tends to be easier to digest for some people than cow’s milk cheese. Bacon brings richness and flavor, so a little goes a long way.

Because these are portioned individually, it’s easy to enjoy them mindfully. If you’d like to lighten it up, there are swaps and tips below that keep the spirit of the dish intact.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using thick-cut bacon: It takes longer to crisp and can overcook the dates. Choose regular-cut for even results.
• Overfilling the dates: Too much cheese leaks out and burns.

  Aim for about 1 teaspoon per date.

• Skipping the rack: A wire rack helps render fat and crisp the bacon. If you don’t have one, flip the dates halfway and drain excess fat.
• High heat without monitoring: At 400°F, sugars caramelize fast. Turn once and watch the final minutes closely.
• Serving straight from the oven: Give them 5 minutes to settle so the cheese isn’t lava-hot.

Alternatives

• Cheese swaps: Try cream cheese for a milder filling, blue cheese for funk, or feta for a briny edge.

  For dairy-free, use a plant-based soft cheese.

• Nut variations: Almonds add crunch; pecans bring buttery sweetness; pistachios add color and a gentle bite.
• Meat options: Use prosciutto for a lighter wrap (reduce bake time to avoid drying). Turkey bacon works; brush with a little oil to help it crisp.
• Heat and sweet: Add a slice of fresh jalapeño inside the date for spice, or finish with hot honey for a sweet kick.
• Balsamic vs. honey: Honey leans sweeter and rounds the flavors. Balsamic glaze adds tang and depth.

  Both work; choose based on your menu.

• Make it gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free; just confirm labels if using flavored bacon or glaze.

FAQ

Can I make these ahead and freeze them?

Yes. Assemble the stuffed, wrapped dates and freeze on a sheet until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 1 month.

Bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, turning once.

What if my dates are dry or tough?

Soften them by soaking in warm water for 5–10 minutes, then pat dry thoroughly. You want them soft enough to split and fill without cracking.

How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?

Don’t overfill, and press the date gently closed before wrapping with bacon. Position the slit facing up when placing on the sheet, and secure the bacon seam with a toothpick.

Can I cook these in an air fryer?

Absolutely.

Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–14 minutes, shaking or turning once. Work in batches to avoid crowding so the bacon crisps evenly.

What can I serve with them?

They pair well with a simple arugula salad, olives, or a cheese board. For drinks, try sparkling wine, light beer, or a citrusy cocktail to cut through the richness.

How many should I plan per person?

For appetizers, plan on 2–3 per person if there are other snacks.

If these are the main bite, go with 4–5 each.

Can I use different dates?

Medjool dates are ideal because they’re large and soft. Deglet Noor dates are smaller and firmer; they can work, but they’re trickier to fill and may cook faster.

In Conclusion

Bacon-wrapped dates with goat cheese are the kind of appetizer that checks every box: easy to make, big on flavor, and adaptable to what you have on hand. With a bit of planning and a few smart tweaks, you can serve them hot and perfectly crisp every time.

Keep a batch ready for the freezer, and you’ll always have a knockout bite for guests—or for yourself when the craving hits.