Bacon-wrapped dates with goat cheese! Creamy, savory, and sweet, this easy appetizer will impress your guests.
This is one of my favorite appetizers: naturally gluten-free, simple to prepare, and easy to make ahead. A drizzle of hot honey elevates the flavors if you want to take them up a notch.
If you’ve never tried bacon-wrapped dates, you’re in for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures: creamy goat cheese, sweet chewy dates, crisp smoky bacon, and the optional touch of honey on top. This combination is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
These bites are perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Super Bowl gatherings, game nights, or any casual get-together. They’re quick to assemble and disappear fast—prepare plenty!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious sweet-and-salty appetizer
- Quick and easy to make
- Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
- Ideal for parties and make-ahead entertaining
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients before you start:
- Dates: Use fresh, soft dates such as Medjool for the best texture and flavor. Pre-pitted dates save time.
- Goat cheese: A creamy, plain goat cheese that’s easy to spoon or spread into the dates.
- Bacon: Choose regular sliced pork bacon (center-cut is great). Avoid thick-cut bacon so the pieces crisp evenly.
- Toothpicks: Small toothpicks to secure the bacon around each date for easy baking and serving.
- Hot honey (optional): A light drizzle of hot honey brings a pleasant sweet-heat contrast; regular honey works well, too.
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice each date lengthwise on one side (don’t cut all the way through) to form a pocket. Remove pits if they aren’t already pitted.
- Spoon a small amount of goat cheese into each date pocket.
- Cut bacon slices in half so each piece is about 5 inches long. Wrap a slice of bacon around each stuffed date and secure with a toothpick.
- Arrange the wrapped dates on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for about 10 minutes. Flip each date, bake 5 minutes more, then flip again and bake a few additional minutes until the bacon is crisp and evenly browned.
- Remove from the oven and let cool 5 minutes. Drizzle with hot or regular honey if desired, then serve warm.
Storage Instructions
To store: These are best eaten fresh from the oven, but leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. Reheat briefly in the oven to restore crispiness.
To make ahead: Assemble the stuffed dates and wrap them in bacon up to two days before serving. Keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to bake.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Use regular sliced bacon, not thick-cut: Thinner slices crisp more reliably and cook through in the same time as the dates.
- Choose fresh Medjool dates: Their soft, caramel-like texture complements the creamy cheese and salty bacon.
- Assemble ahead: Make the bites up to two days before and bake just before serving for the best texture.
MORE FAVORITE APPETIZERS
Easy Gluten-Free Garlic Knots (with Greek Yogurt Dough!)
Gluten-Free Soft Pretzels
15 Easy Gluten-Free Appetizers to Hold Everyone Over Until the Turkey’s Ready
Gluten-Free Baked Brie
Gluten-Free Bruschetta
Gluten-Free Charcuterie
I hope you enjoy this recipe! If you make these bacon-wrapped dates with goat cheese, leave a comment or rating to share how they turned out.
Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese (and Hot Honey!)
Naturally gluten-free and perfect for making ahead. Add a drizzle of hot honey to bring out the flavors.
Ingredients
- 4-6 ounces goat cheese
- 12-16 ounces dates (Medjool preferred)
- 6-8 oz center-cut bacon regular sliced, not thick-cut
- Toothpicks
- Hot honey or regular honey for drizzling optional
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Slice each date lengthwise on one side to form a pocket and remove pits if necessary.
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Fill each date with a small spoonful of goat cheese.
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Cut bacon slices in half (about 5 inches). Wrap each stuffed date in bacon and secure with a toothpick.
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Arrange on a rimmed baking sheet and bake 10 minutes. Flip and bake another 5 minutes, then flip again and bake until bacon is crisp all around.
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Let cool 5 minutes, drizzle with honey if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Avoid thick-cut bacon: Regular sliced bacon crisps more evenly and pairs better with the dates.
- Pick fresh dates: Medjool dates provide the best texture and flavor; use pre-pitted if you prefer.
- Make ahead: Assemble up to two days in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.