Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you love snacks that are just a little bit fancy but totally doable — enter this Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of smoky bacon, creamy tangy goat cheese, and sweet, tender dates that make every bite a little party in your mouth. I promise, once you try these, they’ll be your go-to appetizer for every gathering or a cozy night in. Stick around, because I’m sharing all my best tips so you nail this recipe every time!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese Recipe lies in the fantastic harmony of just a few simple ingredients. Each component brings something special to the table, and I find that using quality products makes all the difference. Here are the must-haves and why I choose them.

• Dates: I usually grab Medjool dates—they’re large, sweet, and soft, which means they’re perfect for stuffing and wrapping.
• Goat cheese: Creamy and slightly tangy, it contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the dates and the smoky bacon.
• Bacon: I cut the slices into thirds or halves depending on the size of the dates—thinner bacon crisps nicely without overpowering the bite.
• Honey: A light drizzle of honey at the end adds another layer of sweetness and makes the whole thing glossy and irresistible.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance the flavors once everything’s baked.
• Fresh thyme leaves and parsley: These fresh herbs add a lovely aromatic note and a pop of color that makes the dish feel extra special.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese Recipe is how easy it is to adapt to your own tastes. Over the years, I’ve tweaked it in small ways — and you should feel free to do the same! Don’t hesitate to add your favorite herbs or switch up the cheese if goat isn’t your jam.

• Variation: I once added chopped toasted pecans inside the goat cheese filling to give some crunch and extra richness—it was a hit at a holiday party!
• Cheese swap: If goat cheese isn’t your favorite, try cream cheese or blue cheese for different flavor profiles.
• Vegetarian version: Use plant-based bacon alternatives and keep the filling as is to accommodate dietary needs without losing flavor.
• Spice it up: Sprinkle a bit of smoked paprika or cayenne before baking for a subtle kick.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Dates Like a Pro

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F — you want it hot enough to crisp the bacon but not burn it. Slice your dates in half lengthwise and double-check for pits; I’ve found some packages already have pitless dates, but it’s always good to be safe. Having clean dates makes stuffing them much easier.

Step 2: Fill ‘Em Up

Spoon about ½ to 1 teaspoon of goat cheese into each date half. I like to be generous here because the creaminess really balances the bacon’s saltiness—and it won’t ooze out too much if you don’t overfill. If the cheese is too soft, putting it in the fridge briefly beforehand helps keep its shape.

Step 3: Wrap with Bacon

Cut your bacon slices into thirds or halves depending on the size of the dates, then wrap one piece around each stuffed date half. Secure with a toothpick to keep everything nicely together while baking. This step can get a little messy but don’t stress; just bead the bacon snug without stretching it too thin.

Step 4: Bake Until Perfectly Crispy

Place the bacon-wrapped dates on a wire rack set over a baking sheet—this lets the bacon crisp evenly from all sides instead of steaming. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, turning them once halfway through to get every side golden and crisp. Keep an eye on them towards the end; you want crispy bacon but not burnt.

Step 5: Drizzle, Season, and Garnish

As soon as they come out of the oven, drizzle with honey and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper. The honey adds that sticky sweet finish that makes these bites addictive. Finally, scatter fresh thyme leaves and chopped parsley on top for a bright, herbal punch and pretty presentation.

How to Serve Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish these off with fresh thyme leaves and a sprinkle of chopped parsley because their bright herbal flavor contrasts so nicely with the richness of the bacon and cheese. Sometimes, I add a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt—just enough to make those flavors pop even more.

Side Dishes

These bites pair beautifully with light salads—think arugula with lemon vinaigrette—or alongside a cheese platter with crusty bread and olives for a perfect party spread. I’ve also served them with roasted veggies or a glass of crisp white wine for a simple yet elegant appetizer.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to arrange them on a wooden board with sprigs of fresh herbs scattered around and tiny bowls of extra honey and mustard for dipping. Another fun idea is threading several onto small skewers for easy grab-and-go snacking that looks so chic!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover bacon-wrapped dates in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to enjoy again, I find they still taste great, especially when reheated to bring back that crispy bacon texture.

Freezing

If I’m making a big batch for a party, I sometimes freeze them uncooked on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When it’s party day, I bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. The flavor holds up nicely!

Reheating

To reheat, I pop these in a 350°F oven for about 8–10 minutes to crisp up the bacon again without drying out the cheese or dates. Avoid the microwave—it tends to make bacon rubbery and soggy, which kills that perfect texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese Recipe is one of those little culinary gems that always impresses without any fuss. Whether you’re hosting friends or just craving a cozy snack, it delivers every time. I love how it feels gourmet but comes together in a snap—definitely invite these to your snack rotation. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making them again and again, like I do!

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