Bacon Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese

A Sweet and Salty Surprise

Let me tell you about a little party trick. It is bacon, dates, and goat cheese. They sound like they shouldn’t work together. But trust me, they do. The first time I tried one, my eyes got wide. It was magic.

You get a sweet, chewy date. Inside is tangy, creamy cheese. Then it’s all wrapped in crispy, salty bacon. Each bite is a perfect little package. Doesn’t that sound like a fun project? What is your favorite sweet-and-salty snack?

Why This Simple Combo Works

This matters because food is about balance. Too much sweet can be boring. Too much salty can make you thirsty. But when you put them together, they sing. Each flavor makes the other one better.

It also matters because it’s easy. You only need three things. I love recipes like that. They don’t make a big mess. You can focus on the fun part: wrapping them up. It feels like making tiny, tasty presents.

My First Bacon-Wrapped Date

I learned this from my friend Margie years ago. She brought them to a book club. We were all talking, then we each tried one. The whole room got quiet for a second. Then everyone started laughing. We couldn’t believe how good they were.

We ate the whole platter before we even picked our next book. I still laugh at that. The hostess was a little annoyed! But it was the best compliment for Margie’s cooking. Have you ever had a snack that stopped the conversation?

Let’s Get Wrapping

First, get your dates. Make sure the pits are out. Slice them open and tuck in a bit of goat cheese. Don’t be shy with it! Then close the date. It will be a little plump.

Cut your bacon strips in half. Wrap one piece around each date. Use a toothpick to pin it shut. Lay them on a pan. They shouldn’t touch. Now, into a hot oven they go. In about 15 minutes, your kitchen will smell amazing.

A Tip and a Fun Fact

Let them rest for five minutes after baking. I know it’s hard to wait. But the cheese inside is like lava! A short rest saves your tongue. Then you can eat them warm or cool. I like them warm best.

Fun fact: The Medjool date is sometimes called the “king of dates.” It is bigger, sweeter, and softer than other kinds. That’s why it’s perfect for stuffing! Do you think you’ll make these for a special event, or just for a treat at home?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Dates (Medjool)	12 ounces	About 24 dates
Bacon	12 ounces	Thin slices work best
Goat Cheese	4 ounces

My Favorite Fancy Little Bites

Hello, my dear! Let’s make something special today. These are bacon-wrapped dates. They sound fancy, but they are so simple. I first had them at my friend Mabel’s party. I ate four before I even said hello! They are sweet, salty, and creamy all at once. Doesn’t that sound amazing? They are perfect for when you want to feel a bit fancy. Or just for a very good snack. Let’s get our hands a little sticky. It’s the best part.

Step 1: First, heat your oven to 425 degrees. Now, let’s prepare the dates. If your dates have pits, you need to remove them. Just slice one side open with a small knife. Pop that little pit right out. Be gentle so they don’t tear. I still laugh at the time I used super-sticky dates. My fingers were glued together!

Step 2: Next, take your goat cheese. Use a small spoon or your fingers. Stuff a little bit into each open date. Then pinch the date closed around the cheese. It’s like giving each date a cheesy little hug. (A hard-learned tip: if the cheese is too cold, it’s crumbly. Let it sit out for 10 minutes first!).

Step 3: Now for the bacon! Cut each strip in half. Wrap one half around a stuffed date. It should cover it nicely. Secure it with a toothpick. Place them on a baking sheet. Don’t crowd them. Why do we give them space on the pan? Share below!

Step 4: Time to bake! Put the pan in the hot oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Watch for the bacon to get crispy and golden. Your kitchen will smell incredible. Then, you must let them rest for 5 minutes. The cheese inside is like lava! This wait is the hardest part.

Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: About 24 pieces (6 servings)
Category: Appetizer, Snack

Let’s Get Creative with It!

Once you know the basic dance, you can change the tune. Here are three fun twists I love. They make the recipe feel new again.

The Spicy Sweetheart: Add a tiny slice of jalapeño inside with the cheese. It gives a nice little kick!

The Nutty Professor: Tuck one almond or pecan inside the date before the cheese. It adds a wonderful crunch.

The Herby Dream: Mix a teaspoon of fresh chopped rosemary into your goat cheese. It smells like a garden.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving Them Up with Style

These little bites are stars on their own. But I like to make a pretty plate. Arrange them on a simple white platter. Sprinkle with just a pinch of flaky salt. You could add some fresh thyme sprigs for color. They are rich, so a light side is nice. I often serve them with a simple green salad. The crisp lettuce is a perfect match.

For a drink, a cold glass of apple cider is wonderful. The tartness cuts through the richness. For the grown-ups, a sip of dry sherry is a classic pairing. It just works. Which would you choose tonight?

Storing Your Sweet & Savory Bites

Let’s talk about keeping these tasty dates. They are best fresh from the oven. But you can save them for later.

Store cooled leftovers in the fridge. Use them within three days. You can freeze them on a tray first. Then pack them in a container for a month.

To reheat, use your oven or toaster oven. Warm them at 350°F until crisp. This keeps the bacon nice. The microwave makes them soggy.

I once made a double batch for a party. It saved me so much time that day. Batch cooking lets you enjoy your own gathering. That is why it matters so much.

Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Fixes for Common Little Hiccups

Sometimes cooking has small troubles. Here are easy fixes. First, if your bacon won’t stay put, dry the dates first.

A damp date makes the bacon slide. Pat them with a paper towel. Second, if the bacon is not crispy, your slices might be too thick.

Thin bacon works best for quick cooking. I remember when I used thick bacon. We had to bake them much longer.

Third, if the cheese oozes out, don’t overstuff. A teaspoon per date is plenty. Securing it with the toothpick helps too.

Solving these issues builds your kitchen confidence. It also makes sure every bite is perfect. That is the goal.

Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Quick Questions, Answered

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes, it is naturally gluten-free. Just check your bacon label to be sure.

Q: Can I make them ahead? A: Absolutely. Assemble them a day early. Keep them covered in your fridge until baking.

Q: What can I use instead of goat cheese? A: Cream cheese or blue cheese work nicely. *Fun fact: I used cream cheese for my grandkids.*

Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Of course! Use two sheet pans. Switch their spots in the oven halfway through.

Q: Any optional tips? A: A drizzle of honey after baking is lovely. A sprinkle of chopped nuts adds crunch too.

Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love making these little treats. They always bring smiles to my table. Food is about sharing joy and stories.

I would love to see your creations. Your kitchen adventures make me so happy. Please share your photos with our community.

Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! You can find me at @AnnaWhitmoreEats. Thank you for cooking with me today.

Happy cooking!

—Anna Whitmore.