Introduction
Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese are a truly irresistible appetizer that perfectly blends sweet, savory, smoky, and creamy flavors into one elegant bite. At first glance, the recipe may look incredibly simple—just three key ingredients—but the combination creates a harmony that feels sophisticated, indulgent, and unforgettable. This dish has become a favorite in many kitchens and is often described as the ultimate party starter because it checks all the boxes: it’s easy to prepare, looks impressive on a platter, and never fails to delight guests.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its contrast of flavors and textures. The natural sweetness of the dates, which have a caramel-like richness, pairs beautifully with the tangy creaminess of goat cheese. When wrapped in smoky, salty bacon and roasted until golden and crisp, the result is a bite-sized morsel that’s crunchy on the outside and soft, gooey, and flavorful on the inside. Each bite is a delightful explosion of sweet and savory that leaves you reaching for more.
Why I Love This Recipe
I absolutely love this recipe because it delivers an extraordinary flavor experience with just three simple ingredients. The natural sweetness of the dates pairs beautifully with the tangy creaminess of the goat cheese, while the crispy, smoky bacon adds the perfect salty contrast. It’s a bite-sized appetizer that manages to feel both rustic and elegant at the same time.
What makes it even more special is its versatility. These little gems can be served at a casual family gathering, a holiday party, or even as part of a sophisticated cocktail hour spread, and they always manage to steal the show. I love how easy they are to prepare—minimal prep work, quick assembly, and just a short baking time—and yet, they taste like something you’d order at a high-end restaurant.
Another reason I adore this recipe is its universal appeal. Guests with different tastes almost always fall in love with it because it balances sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy in one irresistible bite. The goat cheese adds a luxurious creaminess that elevates the flavor profile, and the bacon provides that satisfying crunch and savory depth that everyone craves.
Why This is a Must-Try Dish
This dish is truly a must-try because it’s one of those rare appetizers that combines simplicity with show-stopping flavor. With only three main ingredients—dates, goat cheese, and bacon—you get a stunningly gourmet bite that feels both indulgent and effortless.
The reason this recipe stands out is because of its perfect balance of flavors and textures:
- The sweetness of the dates is rich and caramel-like.
- The tangy, creamy goat cheese provides a luscious filling that melts slightly as it bakes.
- The crispy, smoky bacon ties everything together, adding a savory crunch that elevates the entire bite.
It’s also a dish that works across occasions—whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a festive holiday celebration, or a formal gathering, these little bites always disappear fast. They’re elegant enough for a wedding appetizer, but comforting enough for a casual night in.
Another reason this is a must-try dish is its customizability. You can swap in blue cheese for a bolder flavor, add almonds or pecans for crunch, or drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze for a touch of sophistication. That adaptability makes it a go-to recipe you can tweak for any occasion.
Preparation & Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 20 appetizers (about 10 servings, 2 per person)
- Calories (per serving of 2 pieces): ~180 calories
Cuisine, Cooking Method & Course
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired / Modern American
- Cooking Method: Baking (or pan-searing option)
- Course: Appetizer / Snack
Ingredients
- 20 Medjool dates (pitted)
- 4 oz (115 g) goat cheese (softened)
- 10 slices of bacon (cut in half crosswise)
- 20 toothpicks (for securing)
Optional additions:
- 1 tbsp honey (for drizzling)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)
- Chopped fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Prepare the dates: Make a small slit in each date and remove the pit if not already pitted.
- Stuff the dates: Fill each date with about 1 teaspoon of goat cheese.
- Wrap with bacon: Wrap half a slice of bacon around each stuffed date and secure with a toothpick.
- Bake: Place wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet seam-side down. Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy.
- Optional glaze: Drizzle lightly with honey and sprinkle with herbs or red pepper flakes before serving.
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Gather ingredients and preheat oven.
- Slice and pit the dates.
- Fill dates with goat cheese.
- Cut bacon slices in half.
- Wrap bacon around stuffed dates, secure with toothpicks.
- Arrange on baking sheet.
- Bake until crispy, flipping halfway.
- Serve warm with an optional honey drizzle.
How to Serve
- Serve warm as an appetizer on a platter.
- Garnish with fresh herbs (like rosemary) for presentation.
- Pair with sparkling wine, champagne, or a crisp white wine for a perfect flavor balance.
Tips & Variations
- Spicy twist: Add a sliver of jalapeño inside the date before stuffing with cheese.
- Nutty version: Add an almond or walnut inside with the goat cheese.
- Cheese swap: Use blue cheese, cream cheese, or brie instead of goat cheese.
- Glazed: Brush with maple syrup before baking for added sweetness.
Freezing & Storage
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven until warm and crispy.
- Freezing: Assemble (before baking), freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 22–25 minutes.
Special Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or foil
- Small knife (for slicing dates)
- Toothpicks
Conclusion
Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese are a simple yet luxurious appetizer that balances sweet, salty, and creamy flavors in every bite. They’re easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to wow guests at any gathering.
Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese
Description
Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese are a truly irresistible appetizer that perfectly blends sweet, savory, smoky, and creamy flavors into one elegant bite. At first glance, the recipe may look incredibly simple—just three key ingredients—but the combination creates a harmony that feels sophisticated, indulgent, and unforgettable.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat oven : to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
-
Prepare the dates : Make a small slit in each date and remove the pit if not already pitted.
-
Stuff the dates : Fill each date with about 1 teaspoon of goat cheese.
-
Wrap with bacon : Wrap half a slice of bacon around each stuffed date and secure with a toothpick.
-
Bake : Place wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet seam-side down. Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy.
-
Optional glaze : Drizzle lightly with honey and sprinkle with herbs or red pepper flakes before serving.
Note
These Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese are a quick, elegant, and flavor-packed appetizer. With only three main ingredients, they’re proof that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most irresistible
