Sweet, creamy, salty and simple to make — these bacon wrapped dates are an ideal holiday appetizer. Plump Medjool dates are filled with tangy goat cheese, wrapped in bacon and baked until crisp. Finish with a touch of maple syrup and flaky sea salt for a crowd-pleasing bite.
I first brought these bacon wrapped stuffed dates to a family Christmas party and they disappeared fast. Soft Medjool dates are halved and pitted, stuffed with creamy goat cheese, wrapped in smoky bacon and baked until the bacon is crisp. A light brush of maple syrup at the end caramelizes the bacon and balances the savory notes — everyone asked for the recipe.
These bites combine rich, creamy and slightly sweet flavors with the smoky saltiness of bacon. They’re easy to prep ahead, travel well and work perfectly for parties — even guests who usually avoid dates tend to love them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Medjool dates: Choose plump, soft Medjools; they’re ideal for stuffing and have natural caramel-like sweetness.
Bacon: Thin-cut bacon works best for even cooking and crisping without overcooking the dates.
Goat cheese: Creamy, tangy goat cheese contrasts nicely with the sweet dates and salty bacon.
Maple syrup: A small drizzle adds warmth and helps caramelize the bacon.
Fresh thyme: Optional, for an earthy garnish that balances richness.
Flaky sea salt: A light sprinkle brings out all the flavors.
How To Make Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates
1. Preheat the oven. Set the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Pit the dates. Slice each date lengthwise and remove the pit.
3. Stuff. Spoon a small amount of goat cheese into each date half and gently press to enclose the filling.
4. Wrap. Place a date at the end of a bacon slice and roll, stretching the bacon slightly to create a thinner layer. Aim for about 1½ wraps per date. Tuck the seam underneath the date or secure with a toothpick if needed.
5. Bake. Arrange dates seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Bake 15 minutes, brush lightly with maple syrup, then bake another 5–10 minutes until the bacon is crisp.
6. Serve. Transfer to a serving tray and let cool 5–10 minutes so the bacon firms up. Drizzle extra maple syrup, sprinkle flaky sea salt and garnish with thyme leaves. Serve warm.
Variations
Flavored goat cheese: Try cranberry-cinnamon, honey, blueberry-vanilla or an herbed variety for seasonal twists.
Swap the cheese: Blue cheese adds boldness, cream cheese keeps it mild, and whipped feta brings extra tang.
Add crunch: Fold chopped almonds, pecans or pistachios into the cheese or sprinkle on top before serving.
Different drizzle: Use honey, hot honey or a balsamic glaze instead of maple syrup for another flavor profile.
Herb swaps: Fresh rosemary or sage pair nicely for a cozy holiday feel.
Expert Tips
Buy whole dates: Whole Medjools are larger and more economical than pre-pitted packages.
Soften the goat cheese: Let the cheese come to room temperature for easier stuffing.
Don’t overfill: A small amount of filling is enough — it prevents the bacon from slipping and ensures even cooking.
Stretch the bacon: Slightly stretching slices while rolling creates a thinner layer that crisps more reliably. Depending on size, you may wrap 2–3 dates per slice or trim slices to match date length.
Secure with toothpicks: If you’re worried about unraveling, use toothpicks to hold the bacon in place while baking.
Why you’ll love this stuffed date recipe!
- Sweet, salty and delicious: Dates, goat cheese and bacon combine for an irresistible flavor balance.
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble earlier in the day or the day before, then bake before serving.
- Highly customizable: Change cheeses, add nuts, or swap drizzle to suit your taste.
- Elegant but easy: Minimal ingredients and prep deliver a fancy-looking appetizer with little effort.
More appetizer recipes you might like:
- Baked Cranberry Brie Bites
- Pomegranate White Cheddar Cheese Ball
- Crockpot Cranberry BBQ Meatballs
- Baked Spinach Artichoke Bites
Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese
Ingredients
- 24 medjool dates
- 6 oz. goat cheese, regular or flavored
- 8-12 bacon slices
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- Salt, to taste (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven. Set the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Pit the dates. Slice each date lengthwise and remove the pit.
-
Stuff. Spoon a small amount of goat cheese into each date and press gently to enclose the filling.
-
Wrap. Place a date at the end of a bacon slice and roll, stretching the bacon slightly to make a thin layer. Tuck the seam underneath or secure with a toothpick if needed.
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Bake. Arrange seam-side down on the baking sheet. Bake 15 minutes, brush with maple syrup, then bake another 5–10 minutes until the bacon is crisp.
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Serve. Let cool 5–10 minutes so the bacon firms up. Drizzle additional maple syrup, sprinkle flaky sea salt and garnish with thyme. Serve warm.