Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese
These sweet and savory bites combine crispy bacon with tender, caramelized dates and creamy goat cheese, creating the perfect one-bite appetizer for holiday entertaining. With make-ahead convenience and elegant presentation, they're guaranteed to impress your guests while requiring minimal effort.
Equipment
- Rimmed Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Toothpicks
Ingredients
- 24 Medjool dates approximately 1 pound, plump and soft with glossy skin
- 12 slices thin-cut bacon about 8-10 ounces, regular or applewood smoked
- 4 ounces goat cheese chèvre, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup honey for drizzling (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves optional
- freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Slice each Medjool date lengthwise on one side, being careful not to cut all the way through. Gently open each date and remove the pit, creating a pocket for the goat cheese filling.
- Take your room-temperature goat cheese and stuff approximately 1/2 teaspoon into each date's cavity. The cheese should fill the date but not overflow.
- Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise, creating 24 shorter strips. Pat the bacon dry with paper towels for maximum crispiness.
- Wrap each cheese-stuffed date with a half-slice of bacon, overlapping the ends slightly. Secure with a toothpick inserted through the overlap to prevent unraveling during cooking.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the wrapped dates on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper, seam-side down.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the bacon is crisp and caramelized, turning once halfway through for even cooking. For extra caramelization, brush lightly with honey during the final 3 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 3-5 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, drizzle lightly with honey if desired, and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves and freshly cracked pepper. Serve while still warm.
Notes
Make-ahead tip: These can be assembled up to 24 hours before baking; store covered in refrigerator on baking sheet.
For a lighter version: Try turkey bacon, or replace half the goat cheese with Greek yogurt mixed with fresh herbs.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes (avoid microwave reheating which results in soggy bacon).
Substitutions: Cream cheese or mascarpone can replace goat cheese; prosciutto can replace bacon; add a small piece of almond or pecan for extra texture.
Nutrition
Calories: 275kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 9gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 310mgPotassium: 432mgFiber: 3gSugar: 32gCalcium: 68mgIron: 0.6mg
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