Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese

Bacon wrapped dates with goat cheese are the party appetizer that disappears first. Soft Medjool dates are filled with tangy goat cheese, wrapped in bacon and roasted until the bacon is crisp. Then they get a drizzle of honey, fresh thyme and black pepper.

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Every bite is sweet, salty, creamy and smoky. You need 30 minutes and 7 ingredients. The recipe makes 24 pieces, which is enough for about 8 people.

What goes into bacon wrapped dates

• 24 pitted Medjool dates
• 4 oz goat cheese, softened
• 12 slices bacon, cut in half crosswise
• 1 tbsp honey
• Fresh thyme leaves
• Black pepper
• 24 toothpicks

Medjool dates are large and soft, almost like caramel inside, so they are easy to fill. Smaller dates work too, but they hold less cheese. If you can only find dates with pits, slit them open and push the pit out before filling. Take the goat cheese out of the fridge 20 minutes early so it spreads easily.

Why regular bacon works best

Thick cut bacon sounds like a good idea, but it takes too long to crisp. By the time it is done, the dates inside have dried out and the cheese has melted out. Regular sliced bacon wraps snugly around each date and turns crisp in about 20 minutes, just as the date warms through. Half a slice goes around once with a little overlap.

Set the dates on a rack

A rack over the sheet pan lets the bacon fat drip away, so the bacon crisps on all sides instead of frying in its own grease. Lining the pan with foil makes cleanup quick. If you do not have a rack, bake the dates directly on parchment and turn them once halfway through.

How to make them

• Heat the oven to 400°F and set a rack in a foil lined sheet pan.
• Slit each date down one side, fill with about 1/2 tsp goat cheese and press closed. A small spoon or a butter knife makes this easy. More cheese than that tends to leak out in the oven.
• Wrap each date in a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick through the seam. Let the bacon ends meet at the slit so one toothpick holds both the bacon and the date closed.
• Arrange seam side down on the rack and bake 18 to 22 minutes until the bacon is crisp. Start checking at 18 minutes. The bacon should be deep golden and crisp at the edges.
• Rest 5 minutes, drizzle with honey and finish with thyme and pepper. The short rest lets the filling set a little and keeps anyone from burning their mouth. The honey adds shine and a floral sweetness, and a few turns of pepper balance it.

Another one worth making: Bacon Balsamic Onion Jam .

Hosting for Christmas? Our Christmas jam baked brie is ready in 20 minutes.

If you want another bite-size party snack next to these, try our bacon cheddar mini cheese balls rolled in bacon, pecans and chives.

Ways to change the filling and finish

Swap the goat cheese for blue cheese if you like a stronger flavor, or use cream cheese for kids. A whole almond tucked inside with the cheese adds crunch. Maple syrup works in place of honey, and a pinch of red pepper flakes gives a little heat.

Making them ahead and reheating

You can fill and wrap the dates up to a day before your party. Keep them covered in the fridge on the rack, then bake them straight from the fridge, adding 2 to 3 minutes to the baking time.

They are best warm, though they still taste great at room temperature, which makes them easy to set out on a buffet table. To reheat leftovers, warm them in a 350°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes so the bacon crisps again. The microwave turns the bacon soft.

Planning a bigger spread? Our bacon wrapped green bean bundles bake at the same time, a jar of bourbon maple bacon jam goes well on a cheese board, and for drinks you can pour a White Christmas margarita pitcher or set out a tray of champagne jello shots .

Questions about bacon wrapped dates

Can I make them in the air fryer?

Yes. Cook them at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes in a single layer, until the bacon is crisp.

How do I keep the cheese from leaking?

Stick to about half a teaspoon per date and press each one firmly closed. Baking them seam side down also keeps the cheese inside.

Do I have to use toothpicks?

They help a lot. The toothpick holds the bacon in place and keeps the date shut while the bacon shrinks in the oven. Pull them out before serving if little kids are at the table.

Can I use dates that still have pits?

Yes. Slit each date along one side, push the pit out, then fill it the same way.

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Written and edited by The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team

The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team writes and edits the recipes on Foodie Yummy: classic American potluck salads, holiday sides and easy comfort food, with a few low-carb options. Every recipe lists exact quantities, numbered steps and a printable recipe card, plus notes on swaps, storage and make-ahead timing. Spot a problem with a recipe? Tell us through the contact page and we will correct it. About us