Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese
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Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese are the simplest appetizer combining crispy bacon, sweet dates, and creamy goat cheese. Top these tasty bites with brown sugar before baking them for the perfect combo of sweet and salty!
For some other appetizer ideas, try our Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers, Baked Artichoke Dip, and Whipped Feta Dip with Honey.
Bacon-Wrapped Dates
This appetizer really is the easiest of recipes, and a real crowd pleaser. My family LOVES anything with bacon, and you probably do too. Bacon is normally used sparingly in our home, but it’s obviously a great party ingredient.
While you can definitely use just 1/2 of a slice of bacon for each date, I decided to go big and use the entire slice. I mean, why not?
Why This Recipe Works:
- SIMPLE TO MAKE – This is such an easy appetizer for a holiday party and easy to prep ahead of time.
- SUPER TASTY – Salty bacon, tangy goat cheese, and chewy dates – need I say more?
- IMPRESSIVE TO SERVE – We love finger foods and our guests normally do too. A perfect appetizer and a great addition to a spread for the holiday season, a New Year’s Eve party, or your next gathering of any kind.
What You’ll Need:
- Bacon – You’ll need one pound of thinly sliced bacon. Try to avoid using thick-cut bacon.
- Dates – My package of bacon had 18 slices, so I used 18 dates. Make sure they are fresh dates with the pits removed (or remove them with a small paring knife).
- Goat Cheese – You can use the crumbled goat cheese or the goat cheese log. Herbed goat cheese would be nice too.
- Brown Sugar – Sprinkle some on top of the bacon, for extra sweetness. Optional, of course.
You’ll also need some toothpicks to secure the bacon to the dates.
How to make Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese:
You might consider doubling this recipe for a large group. They go quickly!
Step 1
Prep. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil and then place a wire baking rack on top. (The wire rack is a great way to keep the bacon from getting too soggy from the grease.)
Step 2
Stuff the dates. Take one date at a time, and stuff it full of goat cheese, pushing as much as you can into the opening.
Step 3
Attach the bacon. Wrap one full slice of thin bacon around each stuffed date several times and secure with a toothpick. Place on the prepared baking sheet. (Make sure you place seam up.)
Step 4
Bake. Bake the dates for about 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is done to your liking. The cook time will vary with individual ovens.
Optional Step – add a sprinkle of brown sugar on top of the dates about halfway the baking for some extra sweetness.
Step 5
Serve. You can pre-make these, and bake them the final minutes right at party time. They’re also great served warm or at room temperature.
Recipe FAQs
I prefer using fresh Medjool dates that can easily be found in grocery stores. Make sure you buy pitted dates or use a sharp knife to remove the pits.
Yes, you can reheat these appetizers in the oven or in the microwave.
Dates contain fiber and antioxidants as well as several vitamins and minerals. They are, however, high in calories since they are dried fruit.
Variations to this recipe:
- Stuff the dates with other cheeses, like cream cheese, blue cheese, or a touch of brie.
- Wrap the dates with prosciutto or turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
- Stuff the dates with an almond along with the cheese.
- Use half slices of bacon instead of an entire slice.
Enjoy, friends!
Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)
xoxo ~Sue
Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 pound bacon – 18 thinly slices
- 18 dates – with pits removed
- 4 oz. goat cheese
- sprinkle of brown sugar – optional, see blog post
- toothpicks
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil and then place a wire rack on top.
- Stuff the dates with goat cheese, using your fingers to push as much as you can into the opening.
- Wrap one slice of bacon around each date, securing with a toothpick. Place on the wire rack.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until bacon is crisp to your liking. You can also add a sprinkle of brown sugar to the top of the dates about halfway through the baking time.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- These dates can be pre-made, up until the last step of baking for 15-20 minutes. Just store the pre-made dates in the refrigerator, covered.
Hi Sue! Once again, your recipes have made me the hero! I made these for New Year’s (along with your corn dip) and we all loved them! Your website is my go to when looking for delicious recipes. Thanks and Happy New Year!
Hi Paula! Thanks so much for using my site as your recipe resource! Happy New Year!!
These turned out great!
Thanks Shari! 🙂
Amazing! I eat these by the dozen…..
They are addicting, for sure! 🙂