Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese
That first bite delivers an incredible contrast – crispy bacon giving way to sweet, tender dates and tangy goat cheese. These Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese pack restaurant-quality flavor into a simple three-ingredient appetizer. Trust me, you’ll want to make a double batch because these disappear fast!
Why This Bacon-Wrapped Dates Flavor Combo Works So Well
The magic happens when salty bacon meets naturally sweet Medjool dates and creamy goat cheese. Each component plays a starring role – the bacon adds smokiness and crunch, while dates bring honeyed sweetness that balances the tangy cheese. You’ll taste all three flavors in perfect harmony, not one overpowering the others. It’s like having the best charcuterie board bite wrapped up in one perfect package.
Make These Bacon-Wrapped Dates Hours Ahead for Stress-Free Entertaining
Here’s your secret weapon for party prep – you can assemble these beauties up to 24 hours before your guests arrive. Just stuff the dates, wrap with bacon, and pop them in the fridge covered with plastic wrap. When it’s showtime, simply transfer to your baking sheet and cook as directed. Your kitchen stays clean and you get to actually enjoy your own party instead of scrambling in the kitchen.
Endless Ways to Customize Your Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Once you master the basic recipe, the fun really begins! Swap goat cheese for cream cheese mixed with herbs, or try blue cheese for bold flavor. Add chopped walnuts or almonds for crunch, or drizzle finished dates with honey and balsamic glaze. You can even stuff them with chorizo or prosciutto instead of wrapping with bacon. Each variation creates a completely different taste experience that’ll keep your guests guessing.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Choose Nueske’s or Benton’s thick-cut bacon for the best flavor and texture – thin bacon gets too crispy and can break when wrapping around the dates.
- Pat dates completely dry with paper towels before stuffing to prevent the goat cheese from sliding out during cooking, especially if dates seem sticky or moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular dates instead of Medjool dates for this recipe?
Regular dates work but won’t be as sweet or tender as Medjools. If using Deglet Noor dates, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes first to soften them up. You’ll get better results sticking with Medjool dates though.
How do I reheat leftover bacon-wrapped dates without making them soggy?
Reheat them in a 375°F oven for 3-4 minutes on a wire rack to restore the bacon’s crispiness. Avoid the microwave completely as it makes the bacon chewy and unappetizing.
What’s the best way to scale this recipe up for a large party?
This recipe doubles or triples easily – just use multiple baking sheets and rotate their positions halfway through cooking. You can prep up to 100 pieces this way, cooking in batches of 24-30 per sheet.
Can I freeze these bacon-wrapped dates for later use?
Freeze the assembled but uncooked dates on a baking sheet for 2 hours, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese
Ingredients
Main Components
Assembly
Equipment Needed
- Large rimmed baking sheet
- Wire cooling rack
- Small spoon or piping bag
- Sharp knife
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with a wire rack for even cooking and crispy bacon all around.
- Prepare the Dates: Make a small lengthwise slit in each date and remove the pit if not already done, being careful not to cut all the way through the date.
- Stuff Dates with Cheese: Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of softened goat cheese into the cavity of each date, gently pressing to close the opening slightly.
- Wrap with Bacon: Wrap each stuffed date with a half-strip of bacon, starting at one end and overlapping slightly, then secure with a toothpick through the center.
- Arrange for Baking: Arrange wrapped dates on the wire rack, spacing them about 1 inch apart so bacon can crisp evenly on all sides.
- Bake Until Crispy: Bake for 10-12 minutes until bacon is golden brown and crispy, rotating the pan halfway through for even browning.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool for 3-4 minutes before serving – the cheese will be molten hot and needs time to set slightly for the best eating experience.
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving (4 pieces)
