Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Bacon wrapped dates stuffed with creamy goat cheese make an irresistible appetizer that’s simple to prepare and bursting with sweet and savory flavor. Perfect for parties or a special snack, these bite-sized treats are sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 1 (8-ounce) package pitted dates*
• 4 ounces goat cheese, room temperature
• 1 (12-ounce) package bacon, not thick cut

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and set aside. Also, line a plate with paper towels.
2. Step 2: Cut each slice of bacon into thirds and set aside.
3. Step 3: Fill the dates with goat cheese. Using a piping bag with a small tip, insert the tip into one end of each date and fill with cheese, or cut each date in half lengthwise, remove the pit if needed, and spoon the goat cheese inside.
4. Step 4: Wrap each stuffed date with a piece of bacon and secure it with a toothpick through the center.
5. Step 5: Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and flip each date using the toothpick handle.
6. Step 6: Return to the oven and bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and browned to your liking.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and place the dates on the paper towel lined plate to drain excess grease. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• If using dates with pits, be sure to remove the pits before filling.
• For extra flavor, add a small almond or walnut inside each date along with the goat cheese.
• Try using turkey bacon for a leaner alternative.
• Serve these with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a tangy contrast.

Storage

Store leftover bacon wrapped dates covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, either remove the toothpicks and microwave briefly or leave the toothpicks in and broil the dates in the oven or toaster oven for a couple of minutes until warmed and crispy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dates with pits?

Yes, but you will need to cut the dates in half lengthwise and remove the pits before filling with goat cheese.

What type of bacon works best?

Regular sliced bacon that is not thick cut works best to wrap tightly around each date and crisp up nicely in the oven.

Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 100 reviews

Delicious bacon wrapped dates stuffed with creamy goat cheese, baked to crispy perfection. These savory-sweet bites make a perfect appetizer or party snack with a balance of smoky bacon and tangy cheese.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: About 24 bacon wrapped dates 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dates and Filling

• 1 – 8 ounce package pitted dates
• 4 ounces goat cheese, room temperature

Bacon Wrap

• 1 – 12 ounce package bacon, not thick cut

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and set aside for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare Bacon: Cut the bacon slices into thirds and set aside for wrapping the dates later.
3. Fill Dates: Using a piping bag fitted with a small tip, insert the tip into the hole on one end of each pitted date and fill with goat cheese. To ensure the dates are completely filled, you may also insert the tip into the opposite side. Alternatively, you can carefully cut each date in half lengthwise, remove pits if using pit-in dates, and spoon or pipe goat cheese into the center.
4. Wrap with Bacon: Once all dates are filled, wrap each date with a piece of bacon and secure it with a toothpick through the center to hold it together during baking.
5. Bake First Side: Place the wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
6. Flip and Bake Second Side: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Using the toothpicks as handles, flip each date over carefully to cook the other side of the bacon. Bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes or until bacon is browned and crispy to your liking.
7. Drain and Serve: Remove the dates from the oven and place them on a paper towel lined plate to soak up excess grease. Serve warm or at room temperature.
8. Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, remove toothpicks and microwave until warmed through or keep toothpicks in and broil for a couple of minutes in the oven or toaster oven for crispy finish.

Notes

• If using pit-in dates, be sure to remove the pits by slicing the dates in half lengthwise before filling with cheese.
• Using room temperature goat cheese helps with easier filling and smoother piping.
• Thinner cut bacon is recommended to ensure it crisps up well and cooks through while wrapped around the dates.
• Do not overcrowd the baking sheet to allow even cooking and crispiness.

Keywords: bacon wrapped dates, goat cheese appetizer, party snacks, baked bacon dates