Bacon Wrapped Dates
Sweet Medjool dates stuffed with tangy goat cheese, wrapped in crispy bacon — an irresistible three-bite appetizer.
Details
Ingredients
- 24 Medjool dates, pitted
- 4 oz goat cheese
- 12 slices bacon, halved crosswise
- Toothpicks
- Honey, for drizzling
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2
Slit each date lengthwise and stuff with about 1 tsp goat cheese.
- 3
Wrap each stuffed date with a half slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick.
- 4
Arrange seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- 5
Bake 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway, until bacon is crispy and rendered on all sides.
- 6
Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Serve warm.
About This Recipe
Few appetizers captivate a crowd quite like Bacon Wrapped Dates, a modern classic that beautifully marries ancient flavors with contemporary flair. While the pairing of dates with savory meats dates back centuries in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cultures, this specific rendition — featuring the creamy tang of goat cheese and the irresistible crispness of bacon — gained widespread popularity in American entertaining. What makes this dish truly special is its symphony of textures and tastes: the sticky, caramel-like sweetness of plump Medjool dates, the sharp, almost citrusy counterpoint of fresh goat cheese, and the smoky, salty crunch of perfectly rendered bacon. The key to its success lies in selecting tender, moist Medjool dates, ensuring the bacon is wrapped snugly to achieve uniform crispness, and baking to a golden perfection that allows the flavors to meld. Beyond goat cheese, common variations include stuffing with an almond, blue cheese, or even a spicy cream cheese mixture, or wrapping with prosciutto for a lighter touch. A final drizzle of local honey and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt elevate these three-bite delights, making them an essential offering for holiday gatherings, cocktail parties, or any occasion deserving of a truly memorable starter.
Tips & Tricks
- • To ensure perfectly crispy bacon without overcooking the dates, consider baking them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows air to circulate evenly around the bacon, promoting crisping and draining excess fat.
- • For a delightful variation, substitute the goat cheese with a crumbly blue cheese for a more pungent kick, or a cream cheese mixture for a milder, creamier filling. Prosciutto can also be used instead of bacon for a lighter, saltier wrap.
- • These appetizers can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator, ready to bake. Before baking, let them come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. Leftovers can be gently reheated in an oven or air fryer until warmed through and the bacon crisps up again.
- • Serve these warm with a refreshing sparkling wine or a crisp hard cider, which beautifully cuts through the richness of the bacon and cheese. A balsamic glaze drizzle or a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also add another layer of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (approximate)