Easy Bacon Wrapped Dates for a Sweet and Savory Appetizer
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius)
- Stuff with Goat Cheese
- Carefully cut each date in half lengthwise ¾ of the way through the date (do not slice all the way through, keep the halves attached).
- Place about 1 teaspoon of goat cheese in the middle of each date, then close the date by squeezing the halves back together.
- Wrap with Bacon
- Cut slices of bacon in half.
- Wrap one, half slice of bacon around each date (either stuffed with cheese or not) and secure with a toothpick.
- Add the Brown Sugar Topping
- Combine the topping ingredients in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle about ½ teaspoon of the topping onto each date.
- Bake & Serve
- Bake the dates for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the bacon is cooked. Rotating the baking dish once halfway through.
- Transfer the dates to a serving plate and serve warm.
Notes
Bacon: Use your favorite variety, I suggest using a thin-cut bacon so it doesn’t take too long to bake.
Pitted dates: I suggest medjool dates. Make sure they are pitted!
Goat cheese: I suggest using plain goat cheese. But herbed or even honey-flavored work well too. You can use feta or cream cheese in place of goat cheese.
Light brown sugar: Dark brown sugar is a good choice.
Paprika/Garlic Powder/Pepper: Use your favorite spices. I love this mixture but you really can use anything you like.
Make Ahead: Assemble the dates up to 24 hours in advance by stuffing them with goat cheese and wrapping them in bacon. Arrange on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Prepare the brown sugar topping separately and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Sprinkle the topping on the dates just before baking.
Optional Cheese: The dates can be made without goat cheese.
Dates: Medjool dates are recommended because they are large, soft, and naturally sweet.
Preventing Soggy Bacon: Bake the dates on a wire cooling rack placed over a baking sheet instead of placing them directly on the baking sheet.
Serving: Serve warm or at room temperature. They are suitable for holiday gatherings, parties, and football snacks.
Storage: Store leftover bacon wrapped dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a covered baking dish in the oven set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius) until warmed through, about 5 minutes.
Recipe Card and Article Difference: The recipe card specifies baking for 20 to 30 minutes, while the surrounding article specifies 25 to 30 minutes. The recipe-card instruction is preserved above.
Nutrition: Each bacon wrapped date contains approximately 128 calories, 20 g carbohydrates, 2 g protein, 5 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, 1 g polyunsaturated fat, 2 g monounsaturated fat, 0.02 g trans fat, 9 mg cholesterol, 88 mg sodium, 194 mg potassium, 2 g fiber, 17 g sugar, 75 IU vitamin A, 21 mg calcium and 0.3 mg iron.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese are a sweet and savory appetizer made with soft Medjool dates, creamy goat cheese, crispy bacon, and a lightly spiced brown sugar topping. Each bite combines the natural sweetness of dates with tangy cheese, smoky bacon, and a caramelized coating.
These stuffed dates are surprisingly simple to prepare, requiring just a few ingredients and about 35 minutes from start to finish. They’re a practical choice for holiday gatherings, Thanksgiving appetizers, Christmas parties, game-day snacks, or any occasion that calls for an easy finger food. You can even assemble them a day ahead and bake just before serving.
Why You’ll Love These Bacon Wrapped Dates
- Sweet and savory flavor: Naturally sweet Medjool dates balance the salty, smoky bacon and tangy goat cheese.
- Simple ingredients: The filling needs only dates, goat cheese, and bacon, plus four ingredients for the topping.
- Great for entertaining: Individual portions make them easy to arrange on an appetizer platter.
- Make-ahead convenience: Stuff and wrap the dates up to 24 hours before baking.
- Customizable filling: Use plain, herbed, or honey-flavored goat cheese, or substitute cream cheese or feta.
- Caramelized brown sugar topping: A mixture of brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper adds a lightly spiced finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These baked bacon wrapped dates use a short ingredient list, but the balance between sweet, salty, creamy, and smoky ingredients makes the appetizer distinctive.
For the Stuffed Dates
- 10 ounces bacon (12 slices)
- 24 pitted Medjool dates (approximately 6.5 ounces)
- 2 ounces goat cheese
For the Brown Sugar Topping
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Understanding the Ingredients
Medjool dates: Medjool dates are naturally sweet, soft, and relatively large, making them suitable for stuffing. Their caramel-like flavor complements salty bacon and tangy cheese. Always check that the pits have been removed before filling.
Bacon: Bacon creates the savory outer layer. Thin-cut bacon is particularly useful because it cooks more quickly and can crisp before the dates become excessively soft.
Goat cheese: Plain goat cheese adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet dates. Its soft texture makes it easy to press inside the fruit.
Light brown sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness to the bacon coating and helps create a caramelized finish during baking.
Paprika: Contributes a mild pepper flavor and complements the bacon’s smoky notes.
Garlic powder: Adds savory depth that balances the sweet dates and brown sugar.
Black pepper: Provides a subtle sharpness that keeps the topping from tasting overly sweet.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese
These appetizers come together in four main stages: preparing the dates, adding the cheese, wrapping with bacon, and baking until the bacon is cooked.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
Prepare a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat.
If you want the bacon to cook with less contact with rendered fat, place an oven-safe wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet instead.
Have 24 toothpicks ready so you can secure the bacon as you assemble each date.
Step 2: Slice and Prepare the Dates
Check that all 24 Medjool dates are pitted.
Using a small, sharp knife, carefully slice each date lengthwise about three-quarters of the way through.
Do not cut completely through the fruit. Keeping the two sides connected creates a small pocket for the cheese.
Open each date gently without tearing it apart.
Step 3: Stuff the Dates With Goat Cheese
Spoon a small amount of goat cheese into each date.
The supplied instructions suggest approximately 1 teaspoon per date, although the listed 2 ounces of cheese may provide less than that across 24 dates. Divide the available cheese evenly for consistency.
Gently press the date closed around the filling.
A little visible cheese is fine, but avoid overstuffing because the filling may escape during baking.
Step 4: Wrap Each Date With Bacon
Cut the 12 bacon slices in half crosswise to create 24 pieces.
Wrap one half-slice around each stuffed date.
Secure the bacon with a toothpick, positioning it so the bacon stays wrapped during baking.
Try to keep the bacon layer relatively even. Excessive overlapping can leave thicker sections that take longer to cook.
Step 5: Prepare the Brown Sugar Topping
In a small bowl, combine:
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Stir until the spices are evenly mixed into the brown sugar.
This helps distribute the seasoning across the dates rather than concentrating individual spices on a few pieces.
Step 6: Season the Wrapped Dates
Arrange the bacon wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over each date.
The original instructions suggest approximately ½ teaspoon per date. Divide the topping evenly, adjusting the amount slightly as needed to use the mixture.
Step 7: Bake Until the Bacon Is Cooked
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
Bake for approximately 20–30 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through.
The bacon should become browned and cooked, while the brown sugar develops a caramelized appearance.
Actual cooking time depends on the bacon’s thickness, oven performance, and how tightly the bacon is wrapped.
Check toward the earlier end of the range, particularly when using thin-cut bacon.
Step 8: Transfer and Serve
Remove the baking sheet from the oven.
Allow the dates to cool briefly before transferring them to a serving plate.
The cheese and caramelized sugar will be hot immediately after baking.
Serve warm or at room temperature, making sure guests can see the toothpicks.
How to Get Crispy Bacon on Stuffed Dates
One of the biggest challenges with bacon wrapped dates is getting the bacon sufficiently crisp without overcooking the filling.
The dates contain natural moisture, and bacon releases fat as it cooks. If the wrapped dates sit directly in that rendered fat, the underside of the bacon may remain softer.
Choose Thin-Cut Bacon
Thin-cut bacon cooks faster than thick-cut bacon.
Because the dates are relatively small, thinner bacon can become browned before the filling becomes overly hot or begins escaping.
Use an Oven-Safe Wire Rack
For a less greasy result, place an oven-safe wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet.
Arrange the wrapped dates on the rack so rendered bacon fat can drip below.
This allows more hot air to circulate around the bacon and reduces direct contact with accumulated fat.
Avoid Overlapping the Bacon Too Much
A single half-slice is sufficient for each date.
Wrap it securely, but avoid creating several thick layers in one area.
Thicker overlaps generally take longer to cook.
Leave Space Between the Dates
Arrange the appetizers with a little space between them.
Crowding the baking sheet can trap moisture and reduce air circulation.
Check the Bacon Before Removing
The dates themselves don’t require extended cooking, but the bacon must be thoroughly cooked.
Use the bacon’s appearance and appropriate safe cooking guidance rather than judging doneness by the softness of the dates.
Tips for the Best Bacon Wrapped Dates
Use Soft Medjool Dates
Large, soft Medjool dates are easier to open and stuff.
Very dry dates may tear while being filled or may have a tougher texture after baking.
Check Every Date for Pits
Even packages labeled pitted may occasionally contain pit fragments.
Inspect each date while slicing it to ensure nothing hard remains inside.
Use Soft Goat Cheese
Spreadable goat cheese is easier to distribute inside the dates.
If the cheese is very firm from refrigeration, allowing it to soften slightly while assembling can make filling easier.
Keep the assembled appetizers refrigerated if not baking immediately.
Prepare the Topping Separately
Mixing the brown sugar and spices before sprinkling ensures that each date receives a more balanced seasoning.
Rotate the Baking Sheet
Oven temperatures can vary across different areas of the baking sheet.
Rotating halfway through baking helps promote more even browning.
Let the Dates Cool Briefly
The sugar coating and cheese can be extremely hot straight from the oven.
A brief rest makes the dates easier to handle and serve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake: Using Thick Bacon Without Adjusting the Cooking
Thick bacon takes longer to cook and may remain soft around the dates.
Thin-cut bacon is preferable for this recipe. If using thicker slices, expect the cooking time to vary.
Mistake: Cutting the Dates Completely in Half
Separating the date into two pieces makes the filling harder to contain.
Create a lengthwise opening while leaving the sides attached.
Mistake: Overfilling With Goat Cheese
Too much filling can escape as the dates heat.
Use a modest, evenly distributed amount of cheese and gently close the dates before wrapping.
Mistake: Overcrowding the Baking Sheet
Dates placed tightly together may cook unevenly.
Leave room between pieces and use an additional baking sheet if needed.
Mistake: Leaving the Dates in Rendered Bacon Fat
Bacon releases fat as it cooks.
Using a wire rack over a baking sheet can help prevent the underside from becoming overly greasy.
Troubleshooting Bacon Wrapped Dates
Why Is My Bacon Not Crispy?
The bacon may be too thick, excessively overlapped, or sitting in rendered fat.
Use thin-cut bacon, avoid overlapping it heavily, and consider baking the dates on an oven-safe rack.
Why Is the Goat Cheese Leaking Out?
The dates may be overstuffed, or the opening may not have been closed securely.
Use a smaller amount of cheese and gently squeeze the date together before wrapping.
Some softening of the filling during baking is normal.
Why Is the Brown Sugar Burning?
Sugar can darken quickly at high temperatures, especially near hot areas of the oven.
Check the dates toward the early part of the baking range and rotate the baking sheet halfway through.
If the coating becomes very dark before the bacon finishes cooking, reduce the topping slightly on your next batch.
Why Are My Dates Too Soft?
Dates naturally soften when heated.
Overbaking can make them especially tender and may cause the filling to spread.
Remove them once the bacon is properly cooked rather than continuing to bake for additional color on the dates themselves.
Ingredient Substitutions
| Original Ingredient | Alternative | What Changes |
|---|---|---|
| Thin-cut bacon | Another bacon variety | Different cooking time, saltiness, and crispness |
| Plain goat cheese | Herbed goat cheese | Adds savory herbal flavor |
| Plain goat cheese | Honey-flavored goat cheese | Creates a sweeter filling |
| Goat cheese | Cream cheese | Milder flavor and softer cheese filling |
| Goat cheese | Feta cheese | Saltier, firmer filling |
| Light brown sugar | Dark brown sugar | Stronger molasses flavor |
| Paprika, garlic powder, black pepper | Preferred dry spices | Changes the seasoning profile |
These substitutions can affect flavor, texture, and nutrition. When changing the bacon variety, judge cooking carefully rather than assuming the same timing will always apply.
Easy Variations to Try
Bacon Wrapped Dates Without Cheese
You can prepare these dates without goat cheese.
Simply slice and pit the dates, close them, wrap with bacon, and add the brown sugar topping.
The finished appetizer will have a more pronounced sweet-and-salty contrast without the tangy filling.
Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates
Replace the goat cheese with cream cheese.
This creates a milder, creamier filling that works well with the sweetness of the dates.
Herbed Goat Cheese Dates
Use herbed goat cheese in place of plain goat cheese.
The herbs add a savory note that balances the brown sugar topping.
Honey Goat Cheese Dates
Use honey-flavored goat cheese for a sweeter center.
Because the dates and topping already contain sugar, the overall flavor will be noticeably sweeter.
Feta Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates
Substitute feta for goat cheese.
Feta has a saltier flavor and a more crumbly consistency. Press the filling gently inside the dates to help keep it in place.
What to Serve With Bacon Wrapped Dates
These stuffed dates are rich and flavorful, so lighter appetizers and fresh foods make especially good accompaniments.
Cheese and charcuterie boards: Arrange the dates alongside cheese, crackers, fresh grapes, and other savory bites.
Fresh vegetables: Serve with cucumber slices, carrots, or a simple vegetable platter to balance the rich bacon.
Green salads: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette provides contrast to the sweet and salty appetizer.
Party appetizer spreads: Pair with caprese skewers, baked appetizers, or other individual finger foods for a varied selection.
Holiday gatherings: The combination of dates, bacon, and brown sugar suits Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and other festive occasions.
For the best texture, serve the dates warm, with the bacon freshly cooked.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Dates Ahead of Time
These appetizers are convenient for entertaining because most of the preparation can be completed before guests arrive.
Prepare Up to 24 Hours Ahead
- Slice and pit the Medjool dates.
- Fill each date with goat cheese.
- Wrap each stuffed date with a half-slice of bacon.
- Secure the bacon with a toothpick.
- Arrange the dates on a baking sheet.
- Cover securely and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Keep the brown sugar and spice topping separate in an airtight container at room temperature.
When ready to cook, uncover the dates, sprinkle on the topping, and bake according to the recipe.
Preparing the topping separately helps prevent it from absorbing moisture while the dates are refrigerated.
How to Store Leftover Bacon Wrapped Dates
Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly.
According to the supplied recipe, bacon wrapped dates can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Because the appetizers contain both cooked bacon and cheese, don’t leave them at room temperature for extended periods.
For food safety, refrigerate within 2 hours of serving, or within 1 hour if the surrounding temperature is above 90°F (32°C).
How to Reheat Bacon Wrapped Dates
The oven is a suitable method for reheating because it warms the filling and bacon without the concentrated heat of a microwave.
Oven Reheating
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Place the dates in a baking dish.
- Cover the dish.
- Reheat until warmed through, approximately 5 minutes according to the supplied recipe.
Reheating time may be longer for thoroughly chilled appetizers. Ensure leftovers are reheated adequately; a food thermometer is more reliable than timing alone.
For previously cooked leftovers, USDA guidance recommends reheating to 165°F (74°C).
Freezing isn’t included in the supplied storage guidance, so refrigerator storage is the recommended make-ahead approach for this recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Bacon Wrapped Dates?
Bacon wrapped dates are a sweet and savory appetizer made by wrapping dates in bacon and baking until the bacon is cooked. They can be stuffed with cheese or served without filling.
Do You Have to Pit Medjool Dates Before Stuffing?
Yes. Remove the pits before adding goat cheese. Always check pre-pitted dates for any remaining pit fragments.
What Cheese Goes Best With Bacon Wrapped Dates?
Goat cheese is a popular choice because its tangy flavor balances the sweetness of dates and the saltiness of bacon. Cream cheese and feta are also suitable alternatives.
Can You Make Bacon Wrapped Dates Without Goat Cheese?
Yes. The dates can be wrapped in bacon and baked without any cheese filling. They will still have a sweet and savory flavor.
How Do You Keep Bacon Wrapped Dates From Getting Soggy?
Use thin-cut bacon and bake the wrapped dates on an oven-safe wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet. This allows rendered bacon fat to drain away instead of collecting underneath the dates.
Can Bacon Wrapped Dates Be Made Ahead?
Yes. Stuff and wrap the dates up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add the brown sugar topping just before baking.
How Long Do Bacon Wrapped Dates Take to Bake?
The supplied recipe recommends baking for 20–30 minutes at 400°F (204°C). Actual time depends on bacon thickness and oven performance.
Can You Use Cream Cheese Instead of Goat Cheese?
Yes. Cream cheese produces a milder, creamy filling that pairs well with Medjool dates and bacon.
Can Bacon Wrapped Dates Be Served at Room Temperature?
Yes, they can be served warm or at room temperature. However, because they contain cooked bacon and cheese, they should not remain unrefrigerated beyond standard food-safety limits.
How Do You Reheat Leftover Bacon Wrapped Dates?
Place them in a covered baking dish in a 350°F (177°C) oven until thoroughly reheated. The supplied recipe suggests approximately 5 minutes, but allow additional time if needed.
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