Dates Wrapped in Bacon

Dates Wrapped in Bacon are an irresistible sweet-and-savory appetizer made with naturally sweet Medjool dates stuffed with creamy goat cheese or almonds, wrapped in smoky bacon, and baked until perfectly crisp.

The caramelized dates, crispy bacon, and creamy filling create an unforgettable bite that's ideal for holiday gatherings, cocktail parties, game days, or elegant dinner parties.

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Prep Time
15 mins

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Cook Time
25 mins

🍽️
Servings
24 pieces

Why You Love This Recipe

Sweet, Salty & Smoky
Perfect balance of sweet, salty, smoky, and creamy flavors.

Simple Ingredients
Easy to prepare with just a few ingredients.

Make-Ahead Friendly
Great make-ahead appetizer.

Naturally Gluten-Free
Naturally gluten-free.

Perfect for Entertaining
Perfect for holidays and entertaining.

Customizable
Customizable with different fillings.

Crowd Favorite
Always a crowd favorite.

Tools and Preparation

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking sheet
Wire rack (optional)
Parchment paper or aluminum foil
Sharp paring knife
Toothpicks
Small spoon
Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

Wire Rack
Allows the bacon to crisp evenly as excess fat drips away.

Toothpicks
Secure the bacon while baking.

Paring Knife
Easily slices and pits the dates.

Parchment Paper
Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Ingredients

For the Dates:

24 Medjool dates
12 slices thin-cut bacon, cut in half crosswise
4 ounces goat cheese, softened

Optional Fillings:
Whole roasted almonds
Toasted pecans
Blue cheese
Cream cheese
Marcona almonds

Optional Glaze:
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon balsamic glaze
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Garnishes:
Fresh thyme leaves
Chopped parsley
Cracked black pepper
Flaky sea salt

Steps To Create Recipe

1. PREPARE THE OVEN
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or place a wire rack over the baking sheet.

2. PREPARE THE DATES
Using a paring knife, make a lengthwise slit in each date. Remove the pit if necessary. Stuff each date with about 1 teaspoon of goat cheese or your preferred filling.

3. WRAP WITH BACON
Wrap each stuffed date with half a slice of bacon. Secure with a toothpick. Arrange seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

4. BAKE
Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the bacon is crisp and the dates are caramelized. For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

5. ADD THE GLAZE (OPTIONAL)
Whisk together the honey, maple syrup, and balsamic glaze. Brush lightly over the hot bacon-wrapped dates during the last 2 minutes of baking.

6. GARNISH AND SERVE
Transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh thyme, chopped parsley, cracked black pepper, and flaky sea salt. Serve warm.

How to Serve

Dates Wrapped in Bacon pair perfectly with:

Charcuterie Boards
Cured meats and cheeses.

Mixed Nuts
Crunchy and savory.

Artisan Cheeses
Variety of flavors.

Fresh Grapes
Sweet and juicy.

Apple Slices
Crisp and fresh.

Roasted Almonds
Also great with sparkling cider, dry white wine, red wine, and herbal iced tea.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Thick-Cut Bacon
Using thick-cut bacon, which may not crisp before the dates overcook.

Overstuffing
Overstuffing the dates.

No Toothpicks
Forgetting to secure the bacon with toothpicks.

Overbaking
Overbaking until the dates burst.

Skipping Turn
Skipping the halfway turn.

Crowding
Crowding the baking sheet.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze unbaked, assembled dates for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5–8 minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until heated through and crispy.

Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the dates up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which dates work best?
A: Large Medjool dates are ideal because they're soft, naturally sweet, and easy to stuff.

Q: Can I use another cheese?
A: Yes. Goat cheese, blue cheese, cream cheese, mascarpone, or even brie all work well.

Q: Can I make these without cheese?
A: Absolutely. Stuff the dates with roasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts instead.

Q: Why isn't my bacon crispy?
A: Thin-cut bacon crisps more quickly than thick-cut bacon. Baking on a wire rack also helps improve crispness.

Q: Can I grill these?
A: Yes. Grill over medium heat for 10–12 minutes, turning frequently until the bacon is crisp.

Final Thoughts

Dates Wrapped in Bacon are a timeless appetizer that delivers the perfect combination of crispy bacon, sweet caramelized dates, and creamy or crunchy fillings. Easy to prepare yet elegant enough for special occasions, they're an excellent addition to holiday spreads, cocktail parties, or charcuterie boards and are sure to disappear quickly from the serving platter.