Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Creamy Goat Cheese
These bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with creamy goat cheese are an easy, elegant appetizer combining smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors with a perfect balance of textures.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 20 large Medjool dates, pitted
- 10 slices thick-cut bacon, cut in half
- 4 ounces creamy goat cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- Small sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
- Pinch freshly ground black pepper
- Toothpicks for securing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Make a lengthwise slit in each date and remove the pit if not already pitted, creating a pocket.
- In a small bowl, mix softened goat cheese with a pinch of black pepper and, if desired, a teaspoon of honey until smooth.
- Fill each date cavity with the goat cheese mixture using a small spoon or piping bag, avoiding overfilling.
- Wrap each stuffed date with half a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Place the wrapped dates on a wire rack over a baking sheet or directly on a foil-lined baking sheet, spaced evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through to crisp all sides. Watch closely in the last 5 minutes to prevent burning.
- Remove from oven and optionally drizzle with honey and sprinkle fresh thyme or rosemary.
- Serve warm for best texture and flavor.
Notes
Use thick-cut bacon for best texture. If you don’t have a wire rack, flip the dates halfway through baking for even crispness. Let the dates cool slightly before eating to avoid burning your mouth on hot cheese. You can finish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes if bacon isn’t crisping fast enough. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days and reheat gently in the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bacon-wrapped date
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 220
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: bacon-wrapped dates, goat cheese appetizer, easy appetizer, party snack, sweet and savory, finger food