Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates

There’s blissful decadence in each bite of these Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates. Crispy bacon drenched in a maple glaze surrounds each date that is stuffed with creamy goat cheese. This is one appetizer that takes minutes to make and that everyone loves.

Bacon-wrapped appetizers such as this one and these Little Smokies Wrapped in Bacon are some of the best bites to eat during a party. They’re great appetizers to serve during the holidays alongside other festive apps such as Cranberry Meatballs or this Smoked Cheese Ball.

I first made these dates with goat cheese and bacon shortly after I’d moved to Charleston from New York City. I needed an appetizer to bring to a girls’ night with new friends and I wanted it to be something delicious.

Well, years later this dates appetizer is still one of my favorites to serve to guests and especially new friends. They’re bursting with flavor and are an appetizer that’s easy to eat.

I can also never get enough bacon in my life, which is why I love recipes like this one as well as Hot Bacon Dressing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make. There are only a handful of steps to prepare this easy appetizer. Stuff the dates and then wrap them in bacon. After they’re baked you prepare the sauce and drizzle it on top. They take less than 20 minutes to bake and there are less than 10 minutes of prep involved.
• Everyone loves them. Every time I prepare this date appetizer they’re gone before all the guests have even arrived. Your guests will love them and they make a great addition to any Dessert Charcuterie Board.
• Great for the holidays. This sticky and sweet app is great for the holidays and one you can get kids to help you make. There’s no need to worry about these being pretty. Have your kids help you stuff them.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredient Notes

• Bacon – Any type of bacon will work for this recipe and though it’s slightly harder to work with I prefer to use the thick-cut kind. You end up with more bacon per date using that kind, but any version will work.
• Dates – I recommend getting pitted dates for this appetizer. It will save you a ton of time and they’re already split down the side making it extra easy to stuff them.
• Goat Cheese – This recipe is extremely versatile and if you can find herb goat cheese or honey goat cheese then use it. It will add so much flavor to each bite. I usually just use plain goat cheese though.

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Dates

These stuffed dates with bacon and goat cheese have only a few easy steps until they end on a serving platter. Below are step-by-step instructions on how to prepare them.

Prep. Before you get started go ahead and preheat the oven to 425º F and place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet. If you don’t have these items then you can line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.

1. Fill the dates with goat cheese. Using a butter knife carefully pry the slit on the side of the date open and spread some of the goat cheese inside (remember it doesn’t have to be pretty).
2. Wrap the dates with bacon. Take a half slice of bacon and wrap it around each date making sure to cover the slit with the goat cheese. Use a toothpick to secure the bacon ends together.

3. Arrange them on the baking sheet. Arrange each date on a baking rack set on a rimmed baking sheet in an even layer with about 1 to 2 inches of space in between.
4. Bake. Bake them for 18 to 25 minutes or until the bacon becomes crispy. With 8 minutes left to bake remove the sheet from the oven and flip the dates using the toothpicks to the other side and return to the oven to finish cooking.

5. Prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and then whisk the brown sugar and maple syrup in. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it bubble for about 5 to 8 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
6. Coat the dates in the glaze. Brush or drizzle the maple glaze over the cooked dates and place it back into the oven for an additional 3 minutes to caramelize the glaze.

Make Ahead Instructions

You can get started on these dates with goat cheese and bacon a couple of days before you plan on baking and serving them.

1. Stuff the dates with the goat cheese and then wrap them in the bacon. Secure the bacon with a toothpick. Store them in an air-tight container until you’re ready to bake them.
2. When ready bake the dates and prepare the glaze while they’re baking.

Recipe Notes and Tips

• Buy pitted dates to save time when preparing these. They come sliced on the side, which makes it easy to stuff the goat cheese on the insides.
• Swap the maple syrup. These don’t have to be served during the holidays. They’re great year-round and you can swap the maple syrup for honey if you plan on serving them during the warmer months.
• Instead of using bacon, you could use prosciutto instead. It cooks faster than bacon so cut the baking time in half.
• Store bacon-wrapped dates in an air-tight container and keep them in the fridge. They’ll last for 3 to 4 days and can be reheated on a baking sheet in the oven at 300º F.

FAQS

More Fall Appetizers

• Cinnamon Roasted Pecans – If you’re building a meat and cheese tray then you’ll want to include a batch of these.
• Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread – This savory pull-apart bread is a delicious holiday treat that looks beautiful on a table.
• Cranberry Meatballs Appetizer – These are just like Party Meatballs but with a holiday twist.
• Little Smokies Wrapped in Bacon – Any appetizer with bacon involved is usually pretty amazing, which is why these little smokies are always a party hit.