Introduction

There’s something absolutely magical about the combination of sweet, salty, and creamy all in one bite—and Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese deliver just that, and more! This crowd-pleaser of an appetizer is perfect for casual get-togethers but can easily feel elegant enough for your next dinner party. The crisp bacon contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the dates, while the tangy goat cheese brings the whole bite together. Talk about party favorite, right?

Hook: Serve these at your next gathering, and don’t be surprised if they disappear as fast as you set them down!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Minimal Ingredients: You only need 3 simple ingredients, but the flavor explosion makes it feel next-level.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for prepping ahead of time, so you can pop them in the oven just before guests arrive.
• Gluten-Free: No gluten in sight, which makes them an easy grab-and-go option for guests with dietary restrictions.
• Customizable: Want to change up the filling? Try cream cheese or even almonds for a crunchy twist!

Ingredients Breakdown

• Medjool Dates – These dates are larger and chewier than others, making them the perfect vessel for stuffing. Look for pitted dates, but if you can only find whole dates, no worries—just cut a slit and remove the pit yourself.
• Goat Cheese – Creamy, tangy, and soft enough to easily stuff inside the dates. If goat cheese isn’t your thing, you can substitute with cream cheese for a milder flavor.
• Bacon – Regular bacon works best here; it gets nice and crispy in the oven. Thin-cut bacon tends to wrap more easily and crisps evenly, but if you’re a thick-cut fan, just increase the cook time slightly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prep the Dates

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, if your dates still have pits, gently cut a slit down one side of each date and remove the pit, creating a little pocket for the cheese.

Step 2: Stuff the Dates

Using a small spoon or your fingers, stuff each date with a teaspoon of goat cheese. Press the dates gently closed to hold the cheese inside.

Step 3: Wrap with Bacon

Cut the slices of bacon in half crosswise so you have roughly 3-4-inch pieces. Wrap one piece of bacon around each stuffed date and secure it with a toothpick to keep everything tight and in place during cooking.

Step 4: Bake Until Crispy

Place the bacon-wrapped dates seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each for air circulation. Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and golden. Depending on your bacon thickness, you can adjust by adding a few extra minutes if necessary.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once baked, transfer the dates to a serving platter. Let them cool for just a few minutes—they’ll be hot! Serve warm, and watch them disappear fast!

Chef’s Tips and Tricks

• Toothpicks Are Key: Secure your dates with a toothpick to ensure the bacon stays wrapped during baking.
• Batch Baking: If you are making a large batch, use a wire rack on your baking sheet. This allows air to circulate, making sure each piece gets that perfect crisp all around!
• Make-Ahead: Prep these a few hours ahead and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just pop them in the oven right before guests arrive for a stress-free appetizer!

Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions

• Different Cheeses: Not into goat cheese? Try cream cheese—or go bold and use blue cheese for a more tangy, intense flavor experience.
• Add a Crunch: Insert a whole or halved almond inside the date before stuffing with cheese for a surprising crunch in every bite!
• Serving Idea: Pair these bacon-wrapped dates with a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or serve alongside a sparkling wine for a touch of elegance.

FAQs

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes! To make in the air fryer, preheat to 375°F and cook the bacon-wrapped dates for 10-12 minutes, checking half-way through to ensure even crisping.

How do I store leftovers?

While these are best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes to crisp them back up.

Can I freeze bacon-wrapped dates?

Yes! Before baking, wrap the dates tightly and store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding an additional 5 minutes to the cook time.

Recipe Card

These Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese are bound to be a hit at your next gathering—trust me on this one! I’d love to hear all about your experience if you make them. Leave a comment below or share a photo and tag me on Instagram at @thekitchensaid—can’t wait to see your delicious creations!