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Home » Appetizers » Bacon Wrapped Dates

February 13, 2020 By Sara 15 Comments

Bacon Wrapped Dates

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These bacon wrapped dates are stuffed with goat cheese, covered in bacon, then brushed with maple syrup before they go into the oven to bake to perfection. A super easy and unique 4 ingredient appetizer!

You can never go wrong with bacon, whether it’s bacon mac and cheese, bacon deviled eggs, or these sweet and savory bacon wrapped dates.

Bacon Wrapped Dates #appetizer #bacon #dates #cheese #dinneratthezoo Bacon Wrapped Dates #appetizer #bacon #dates #cheese #dinneratthezoo

A plate of bacon wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese.

When I’m looking to serve something a little unexpected at a party, I turn to these bacon wrapped dates. They’re fun to eat, simple to make and always get rave reviews from family and friends.

How do you make bacon wrapped dates?

This recipe starts with large Medjool dates. Cut each date open and remove the pit. Fill the dates with goat cheese, then wrap each date in a slice of bacon and secure the bacon with a toothpick. Brush the dates with maple syrup, then bake until the bacon is golden brown. Sprinkle with parsley, then serve immediately and enjoy.

Dates split open on a plate.

How do you pit dates?

The easiest way to pit a date is to use a small paring knife. Cut a line lengthwise down each date. The cut should be about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick, you’ll know when to stop when your knife hits the pit. Gently pull the date open and remove the pit. You can also buy pre-pitted dates at many grocery stores which makes prep time go much faster.

Tips for the perfect appetizer

  • You can use a small spoon to fill your dates, or a piping bag fitted with a plain tip.
  • Do not use thick cut bacon for this recipe, it will take much longer to cook.
  • You can serve your dates with the toothpicks intact, or remove the toothpicks for a more elegant presentation.
  • Be sure to turn your dates occasionally as they cook so that the bacon will crisp up on all sides.
  • You can asssemble your dates up to 8 hours before you plan to bake them.

Dates cut in half and filled with goat cheese.

Bacon wrapped dates variations

This is an easy and simple way to do bacon wrapped dates, but there are many different ways to customize this recipe to your tastes.

  • Coating: Try wrapping your dates in prosciutto or pancetta instead of bacon. If you use prosciutto, just be aware that the cook time will be reduced.
  • Cheese: Instead of goat cheese, use cream cheese, blue cheese or a mixture of cheeses.
  • Fillings: It is very common to add nuts to stuffed dates. Add a whole almond or a pecan half for a bit of added crunch.
  • Spices: You can mix spices into your goat cheese such as Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder or onion powder. Fresh herbs such as minced chives are also a nice touch.

Dates wrapped in bacon and secured with toothpicks.

Can you reheat bacon wrapped dates?

These dates can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated for later use. Place chilled dates on a sheet pan, then bake at 350 degrees F for 6-8 minutes or until dates are warmed through and bacon is crisp.

Bacon wrapped dates on a sheet pan garnished with parsley.

Everyone will be so impressed when you bring this fun snack to your next gathering. That sweet and salty combination just can’t be beat!

More easy appetizer ideas

  • Reuben Dip
  • Baked Chicken Wings
  • Potato Skins
  • Avocado Dip
  • Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Bacon Wrapped Dates Video

A plate of bacon wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese.
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5 from 11 votes

Bacon Wrapped Dates

These bacon wrapped dates are stuffed with goat cheese, covered in bacon, then brushed with maple syrup before they go into the oven to bake to perfection. A super easy and unique 5 ingredient appetizer!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword bacon wrapped dates
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 20
Calories 146kcal
Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

  • 20 Medjool dates pits removed
  • 6 ounces goat cheese softened
  • 10 slices bacon cut in half
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • cooking spray
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a sheet pan with cooking spray.
  • Use a small spoon or a piping bag to stuff each date with about 1 teaspoon of goat cheese. Press each date shut.
  • Wrap each date in a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
  • Brush the maple syrup all over the wrapped dates.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until bacon is browned and crispy.
  • Sprinkle with parsley then serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 146kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 105mg | Potassium: 200mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 128IU | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1mg

Filed Under: Appetizers Tagged With: Bacon

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Comments

  1. Carla says

    November 28, 2020 at 5:14 pm

    5 stars
    These were amazing! A little bundle of flavor! Thanks for the great recipe and instructions.

    Reply
  2. Kristy says

    April 27, 2020 at 4:29 pm

    5 stars
    The whole house smelled so good when I made these yummy treats!

    Reply
  3. Janice Meiburger says

    April 25, 2020 at 2:13 pm

    Could I substitute cream cheese or some other cheese for the goat cheese? Not a fan of goat cheese.

    Reply
    • Sara says

      April 25, 2020 at 4:12 pm

      Yes cream cheese is fine!

      Reply
    • Janet says

      June 26, 2020 at 12:11 pm

      5 stars
      It’s better to stuff the dates with a firmer cheese, such as queso or feta, so it doesn’t get runny, during baking.

      Reply
  4. Angela Allison says

    February 21, 2020 at 2:59 am

    5 stars
    LOVE this dish! The creamy cheese, sweet dates, and salty bacon satisfied all of my tastebuds. So easy to make! Will definitely make again 🙂

    Reply
  5. Emmeline says

    February 20, 2020 at 11:54 pm

    One of my favorite appetizers of all time – I make it almost every time i have friends over for dinner. I have never stuffed mine, just wrapped dates in bacon – but love the suggestion of putting goat cheese inside so will try this next time around!

    Reply
  6. Tonje says

    February 20, 2020 at 10:37 pm

    5 stars
    One of my absolute favorite appetizers!

    Reply
  7. Anita says

    February 20, 2020 at 9:18 pm

    5 stars
    I love everything about these little treats. These will be great to serve at a party indeed.

    Reply
  8. Cathy says

    February 20, 2020 at 9:33 am

    Dates are my FAVORITE…and bacon just makes them better! Such a perfect little bite!

    Reply
  9. Chrissie Baker says

    February 18, 2020 at 1:34 pm

    5 stars
    Y.U.M. this has all of my favorite things in one bite sized treat!

    Reply
  10. Toni says

    February 18, 2020 at 11:46 am

    5 stars
    I really love this idea! A great combination of flavors!

    Reply
  11. katerina says

    February 18, 2020 at 7:37 am

    5 stars
    Oh wow! Such an amazing appetizer! A MUST try recipe!!

    Reply
  12. Vikki says

    February 17, 2020 at 8:37 pm

    5 stars
    I’ve never had anything like this before but it is so delicious! What a flavorful appetizer

    Reply
  13. Carrie Robinson says

    February 17, 2020 at 3:55 pm

    5 stars
    I just love the sweet & salty combo happening here! 🙂

    Reply

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With 3 young kids, dinner can feel like feeding time at the zoo! I'm a mom on a mission to create easy, healthy and family friendly recipes ...Read More
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