Bacon Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese – A Sweet & Savory Appetizer 🥓🧀🍯
These Bacon Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese are the perfect bite-sized combination of sweet, creamy, salty, and crispy. They’re elegant yet easy, making them ideal for dinner parties, holiday spreads, or a simple snack that tastes like gourmet indulgence. 💚
Why You’ll Love This Appetizer 💚
- ✅ Sweet & Savory Contrast: Caramel-like dates meet creamy cheese and salty bacon.
- ✅ Simple Ingredients: Just 3 core components and a few minutes to prep.
- ✅ Crowd-Pleaser: Always the first thing to disappear from the appetizer tray.
- ✅ Oven-Baked & Crispy: No frying or mess—just golden, irresistible bites.
🥓 Stuffed Date Appetizer Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 Medjool dates, pitted 🍯
- 4 oz goat cheese, softened 🧀
- 8 slices thin-cut bacon, halved 🥓
- Toothpicks, for securing 🪵
- Optional: honey, crushed almonds, fresh thyme for garnish 🌿
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven:
Set to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. - Stuff the dates:
Slice each pitted date open lengthwise (but not all the way through). Fill with about 1 tsp of goat cheese, then pinch closed. - Wrap with bacon:
Wrap each stuffed date with half a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick. - Bake:
Place on prepared baking sheet seam-side down. Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway, until bacon is crisp and golden. - Serve:
Let cool for a few minutes. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with chopped almonds or thyme if desired. 🥓🧀🍯
💡 Tips & Flavor Variations
- ✨ Make it nutty: Add a toasted almond or pecan inside each date for crunch.
- ✨ Use different cheese: Blue cheese or cream cheese work great too.
- ✨ Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne to the goat cheese for heat.
- ✨ Air fryer option: Cook at 390°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes until crispy.
🌿 Nutritional Highlights
Packed with protein, natural sugars, and healthy fats, these bites offer indulgence with balance. Use nitrate-free bacon and low-fat goat cheese for a lighter version.
🧊 Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- ✅ Make-ahead: Stuff and wrap the dates up to 24 hours in advance. Refrigerate until ready to bake.
- ✅ Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes before serving.
- ✅ Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use turkey bacon?
Yes—turkey bacon works great, just keep an eye on the baking time as it cooks faster and dries more easily.
What’s the best way to pit dates?
Slice down one side with a paring knife and gently remove the pit. Medjool dates are easiest to work with.
Can I serve them cold?
They’re best served warm, but they still taste great at room temperature—perfect for party platters!
Crispy, Creamy & Crowd-Loving 💚
These Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese are a bite-sized explosion of flavor—perfect for any gathering or holiday feast. 🥓💬 Pin now and tag us when you share your platter!
