Save Sweet Medjool dates filled with tangy goat cheese, wrapped in crispy bacon—a perfect sweet-salty appetizer for any occasion.
I first served these bacon-wrapped dates at a family gathering and they were an instant hit. They disappeared within minutes!
Ingredients
- Medjool dates: 16 large, pitted
- Goat cheese: 4 oz (115 g) fresh chèvre
- Bacon: 8 slices thin-cut, halved crosswise
Tired of Takeout? 🥡
Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.
One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare dates:
- With a small knife, make a lengthwise slit in each date and remove the pit if not already pitted.
- Stuff dates:
- Fill each date with about 1 teaspoon of goat cheese, pressing gently to close the date around the filling.
- Wrap with bacon:
- Wrap each stuffed date with a half-slice of bacon, securing the ends underneath or with a toothpick if needed.
- Arrange on sheet:
- Arrange the wrapped dates seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake:
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, turning once halfway through, until bacon is crisp and browned.
- Cool before serving:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Save Making these appetizers has always brought my family together, with kids eagerly helping to prepare the dates.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm as a party appetizer or with a fresh green salad for a light lunch.
Variations
Try swapping goat cheese for blue cheese or adding a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze for a sweet finish.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently before serving.
Save These dates are a quick and impressive appetizer to prepare for any gathering.
Kitchen Help
- → What type of dates is best to use?
Large Medjool dates are ideal due to their natural sweetness and soft texture, which pairs well with creamy cheese and bacon.
- → Can I use other cheeses instead of goat cheese?
Yes, blue cheese or cream cheese can be used as alternatives, providing unique flavor profiles while maintaining creaminess.
- → How do I prevent the bacon from unraveling during baking?
Secure the bacon ends underneath the dates or use toothpicks to hold them in place before baking.
- → What is the optimal baking temperature and time?
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–22 minutes until the bacon is crisp and browned, turning once halfway through.
- → Are there suggested flavor enhancements?
Adding toasted almonds inside the dates or drizzling honey or balsamic glaze before serving adds extra layers of flavor.
