Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese (Easy Holiday Appetizer!)

If you’re looking for the ultimate elegant-yet-easy appetizer that makes everyone at your party say “wow,” look no further than Bacon Wrapped Dates. These irresistible little bites combine sweet Medjool dates, creamy tangy goat cheese, and crispy savory bacon into one perfect mouthful that’s equal parts sophisticated and addictive. The combination of sweet, salty, creamy, and crispy textures creates a flavor explosion that keeps guests coming back for more—and asking for the recipe!

These stuffed bacon wrapped dates have become a staple at cocktail parties, holiday gatherings, wine tastings, and elegant dinner parties across America. What makes this bacon date appetizer so incredibly popular is the way it balances contrasting flavors beautifully—the natural sweetness of dates caramelizes slightly during baking, the bacon crisps up perfectly, and the cheese adds luxurious creaminess that ties everything together. Despite tasting like something from an upscale restaurant, they’re surprisingly simple to make at home.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, a Christmas party, New Year’s Eve celebration, wedding shower, or just want to impress guests at your next gathering, these bacon wrapped dates with cheese deliver maximum impact with minimal effort. They’re gluten-free friendly, low-carb, and suitable for keto diets when you choose the right ingredients. Best of all, they can be prepared ahead of time, leaving you free to enjoy your own party instead of being stuck in the kitchen.

History / Background

Bacon wrapped dates represent a beautiful collision of culinary traditions that spans continents and centuries. Dates themselves have been cultivated in the Middle East and North Africa for over 5,000 years, prized for their natural sweetness and energy-sustaining properties. Ancient civilizations considered them a luxury food, and they remain deeply embedded in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine today.

The concept of wrapping sweet or savory items in bacon is decidedly more modern and Western. Bacon-wrapped appetizers gained popularity in America during the mid-20th century, particularly the 1950s and 60s, when cocktail parties and elaborate entertaining became fashionable. Rumaki—bacon-wrapped water chestnuts—became the signature appetizer of this era, appearing at virtually every sophisticated gathering.

Bacon wrapped dates likely evolved from this tradition, with creative cooks experimenting with different sweet-savory combinations. The addition of cheese—often goat cheese, blue cheese, or cream cheese—added another layer of complexity and transformed these from a simple sweet-and-salty bite into something truly special. This stuffing innovation probably emerged in the 1990s and early 2000s as American chefs began embracing Mediterranean ingredients and flavor profiles.

The recipe gained tremendous popularity through restaurant menus, particularly in Spanish tapas bars where dates wrapped in jamón (Spanish ham) had long been traditional. As food blogs and Pinterest emerged in the 2000s, bacon wrapped dates became one of those recipes that spread rapidly through social sharing, earning their place as a modern entertaining classic.

Today, these elegant appetizers bridge multiple culinary traditions—the ancient sweetness of dates, Mediterranean cheese-making, Spanish tapas culture, and American bacon obsession—into one internationally beloved bite that works for casual and upscale occasions alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t just another appetizer—they’re the recipe that makes you look like a gourmet chef while requiring almost no cooking skills whatsoever. The combination of flavors and textures is so perfectly balanced that even picky eaters and adventurous foodies alike will be reaching for seconds and thirds.

Here’s why these bacon wrapped dates will become your go-to party appetizer:

• Ridiculously Simple – Just three main ingredients and basic assembly, no special techniques required
• Impressive Presentation – Looks elegant and sophisticated, like something from an upscale restaurant
• Perfect Flavor Balance – Sweet dates, salty bacon, and tangy cheese create irresistible harmony
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble hours or even a day ahead, then pop in the oven before serving
• Universally Loved – Appeals to virtually everyone, from kids to grandparents to food snobs
• Diet-Friendly – Naturally gluten-free and works for low-carb, keto, and paleo diets
• No Mess to Eat – Perfect finger food that guests can grab without plates or utensils
• Quick Cooking – Just 15-20 minutes in the oven and they’re ready to serve
• Versatile Occasions – Works for everything from casual game day to fancy holiday parties
• Budget-Friendly Elegance – Uses affordable ingredients to create upscale results

Ingredient Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—just a few quality ingredients create something extraordinary:

Medjool Dates – These are the star of the show, providing natural sweetness and soft, caramel-like texture. Medjool dates are larger, softer, and sweeter than other varieties, making them perfect for stuffing. Look for plump, moist dates without crystallized sugar on the outside (a sign of drying out). You’ll need to pit them if they’re not already pitted—just slice lengthwise and remove the seed. Regular Deglet Noor dates can substitute in a pinch, but they’re smaller and firmer with less caramel flavor.

Bacon – Regular-cut bacon works best for this recipe. Thick-cut bacon can be too substantial and won’t crisp as evenly around the dates. Choose good-quality bacon without excessive water content—it should sizzle when cooking, not steam. You’ll cut each strip in half or thirds depending on date size. Turkey bacon can be substituted for a lighter option, though it won’t crisp quite as beautifully as pork bacon.

Goat Cheese – Soft, creamy goat cheese (chèvre) is traditional and provides tangy contrast to the sweet dates. Use plain goat cheese at room temperature for easiest stuffing. If goat cheese isn’t your preference, cream cheese offers milder flavor, blue cheese adds bold pungency, feta provides salty brininess, or boursin gives herby richness. Each creates a different but delicious flavor profile.

Toothpicks – Not technically an ingredient, but essential! Use wooden toothpicks to secure the bacon around each date. Soak them in water for 10 minutes before using to prevent burning in the oven.

Optional Add-Ins:

• Almonds – A whole roasted almond tucked inside adds wonderful crunch
• Pecans or Walnuts – Provide earthy, nutty flavor
• Fresh Herbs – A small basil or thyme leaf adds aromatic complexity
• Honey or Balsamic Glaze – Drizzled over finished dates for extra sweetness

Equipment Needed

You’ll need minimal kitchen equipment for these elegant appetizers:

• Baking Sheet – A standard rimmed baking sheet or half-sheet pan
• Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil – Lines the pan for easy cleanup and prevents sticking
• Wooden Toothpicks – For securing the bacon (soak in water first)
• Small Bowl of Water – For soaking toothpicks
• Sharp Paring Knife – For slicing dates and removing pits if needed
• Small Spoon or Piping Bag – For stuffing cheese into dates (optional but helpful)
• Wire Cooling Rack (Optional) – Elevating dates on a rack allows bacon to crisp more evenly
• Kitchen Scissors – For cutting bacon strips cleanly
• Serving Platter – For presenting your beautiful finished appetizers

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Tips & Variations

Blue Cheese Version: Replace goat cheese with creamy blue cheese or gorgonzola for bold, pungent flavor that pairs beautifully with dates and bacon. This is a favorite among cheese lovers!

Cream Cheese Classic: Use plain or herbed cream cheese for milder, crowd-pleasing flavor that even cheese-shy guests will enjoy.

Manchego Upgrade: Stuff with Spanish Manchego cheese and wrap with prosciutto instead of bacon for authentic tapas-style elegance.

Spicy Kick: Add a tiny slice of jalapeño or sprinkle of cayenne pepper inside with the cheese for heat lovers.

Herbed Elegance: Mix fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil into the goat cheese before stuffing for aromatic complexity.

Nut-Stuffed: Tuck a roasted almond, pecan half, or walnut piece inside with the cheese for delightful crunch contrast.

Balsamic Glaze Finish: Drizzle finished dates with store-bought or homemade balsamic reduction for sophisticated presentation and extra sweetness.

Honey Drizzle: A light drizzle of raw honey over warm dates intensifies the sweet-savory contrast beautifully.

Air Fryer Method: Cook at 380°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, for super crispy bacon with less grease.

Prosciutto Alternative: Use thin prosciutto slices instead of bacon for a lighter, more delicate Italian-inspired version.

Pro Chef Tips

Room Temperature Cheese is Key: Always bring your goat cheese to room temperature before stuffing. Cold cheese is difficult to work with and won’t fill the dates evenly. Leave it out for 30-45 minutes before assembling, or microwave for 10 seconds to soften.

The Toothpick Soak Matters: Soaking wooden toothpicks in water for 10 minutes prevents them from burning or catching fire in the hot oven. This small step makes a big difference in presentation.

Cut Bacon Strategically: The length of bacon needed depends on date size. Larger Medjool dates need half a strip; smaller dates might need just a third. Test with one date first to determine the right length, then cut all bacon accordingly.

Seam-Side Down First: Always place wrapped dates seam-side down initially. This allows the bacon’s own fat to help seal and crisp the seam. Flip carefully halfway through to crisp all sides.

Watch the Last Few Minutes: Bacon can go from perfectly crispy to burnt quickly. Set a timer and check frequently during the final 3-4 minutes of cooking. Every oven is different!

The Rest is Essential: Those 2-3 minutes of resting after removing from the oven allow the bacon to finish crisping and the cheese to set slightly, making them easier to handle and better textured.

Uniform Size Matters: Choose dates that are all roughly the same size. This ensures even cooking—smaller dates can burn while larger ones are still undercooked if sizes vary dramatically.

Elevate for Ultimate Crispness: Using a wire rack elevates dates so air circulates all around, creating evenly crispy bacon without needing to flip. This is the restaurant secret to perfect results.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Thick-Cut Bacon: Thick bacon looks impressive but doesn’t crisp properly in the time it takes to warm the dates. It ends up chewy rather than crispy. Stick with regular-cut bacon for best results—it crisps beautifully while the dates caramelize perfectly.

Overstuffing with Cheese: More cheese seems better, but overfilling makes it difficult to wrap the bacon securely and causes cheese to leak out during cooking. Use just 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per date—it’s the perfect amount for flavor without mess.

Not Securing Bacon Properly: Loosely wrapped bacon will unravel during cooking, leaving unevenly crisped sections. Make sure the toothpick goes all the way through the date and bacon, holding everything tightly together. If bacon seems loose, use two toothpicks.

Crowding the Pan: Placing dates too close together causes steam buildup that prevents bacon from crisping. Leave at least 1 inch between each date for proper air circulation and even browning.

Baking at Too Low Temperature: Some recipes suggest 350°F, but 400°F is optimal for bacon wrapped dates. Lower temperatures cook them too slowly, resulting in soggy bacon and dried-out dates. The higher heat crisps bacon while keeping dates moist and caramelized.

Forgetting to Flip: While using a wire rack eliminates flipping, if baking directly on a sheet pan, you must flip halfway through. Otherwise, the bottom bacon stays pale and chewy while the top overcrisps.

Storage & Meal Prep

Room Temperature Serving: Bacon wrapped dates are best served warm, but they can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours during parties. The bacon will lose some crispness as they cool, but the flavor remains excellent.

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover cooked dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The bacon will soften considerably when cold—they’re still delicious but lose that crispy texture.

Reheating from Refrigerator: The best method is reheating in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes until warmed through and the bacon re-crisps. You can also use an air fryer at 350°F for 5-6 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch (30-45 seconds) but makes bacon chewy rather than crispy.

Traveling to Events: These transport beautifully to potlucks and parties. If already cooked, place in a single layer in a container and reheat at your destination. Better yet, assemble ahead and bake fresh at the party location for best results.

Batch Cooking: These are perfect for making large quantities. Double or triple the recipe easily—just use multiple baking sheets and rotate their oven positions halfway through cooking.

Make-Ahead & Freezer Notes

Assembling in Advance: This is where bacon wrapped dates really shine for entertaining! Assemble completely (stuff, wrap, and secure with toothpicks) up to 24 hours before your event. Arrange in a single layer on the baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking for even cooking.

Day-Before Prep: You can even prep components separately. Stuff dates with cheese and refrigerate covered for up to 2 days. Cut bacon strips and store in the refrigerator. Wrap and assemble the morning of or evening before your event.

Freezing Assembled Unbaked: Freeze uncooked assembled dates for ultimate convenience. Arrange on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 2 hours), then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the cooking time.

Freezing After Cooking: You can freeze already-cooked dates, though texture quality decreases slightly. Cool completely, arrange in a single layer in a freezer container with parchment between layers, and freeze for up to 1 month.

Thawing and Reheating: For frozen cooked dates, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. For frozen uncooked dates, no thawing needed—bake at 400°F for 20-23 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Party Prep Strategy: Assemble 2-3 days of appetizers at once and freeze in batches. Pull out only what you need for each event, making entertaining effortless throughout the holiday season.

Serving Suggestions

These elegant appetizers pair beautifully with various accompaniments and occasions:

Cocktail Party Presentation:

• Arrange on a white platter garnished with fresh herbs
• Serve with cocktail napkins for easy grabbing
• Provide a small bowl for used toothpicks
• Pair with other finger foods like cheese board and crudités

Wine Pairings:

• Sparkling wine or champagne for celebration
• Rich red wines like Cabernet or Merlot
• Sweet dessert wines that complement the dates
• Spanish Rioja or Tempranillo for authentic pairing

Complete Appetizer Spread:

• Artisan cheese board with crackers
• Marinated olives and roasted nuts
• Hummus with vegetables
• Charcuterie selection
• Stuffed mushrooms or bruschetta

Holiday Dinner Starter:

• Serve as elegant first course before Thanksgiving turkey
• Perfect Christmas Eve appetizer with wine
• New Year’s Eve party essential
• Easter brunch addition

Beverage Pairings:

• Sparkling water with citrus
• Craft cocktails like Old Fashioned or Manhattan
• Hard cider for autumn gatherings
• Spanish sherry for authentic tapas experience

Complementary Appetizers:

• Serve alongside other bacon-wrapped items
• Pair with lighter options like shrimp cocktail
• Include vegetarian choices for dietary variety
• Offer sweet and savory balance

FAQs Section

Can I make these without cheese?

Absolutely! While cheese adds wonderful creaminess and tang, you can make simple bacon-wrapped dates without any filling. They’re still delicious—the dates caramelize beautifully and provide plenty of sweetness against the salty bacon. Some people prefer this simpler version, especially if serving to kids or those who don’t enjoy cheese. Just wrap and bake according to recipe instructions.

What if my bacon isn’t getting crispy enough?

Several solutions can help: First, make sure you’re using regular-cut (not thick-cut) bacon. Second, try elevating dates on a wire rack so air circulates underneath. Third, increase oven temperature to 425°F for the last 3-4 minutes. Finally, you can briefly broil them for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching very carefully to prevent burning. Starting with room-temperature dates (not cold from the fridge) also helps bacon crisp more evenly.

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Yes, turkey bacon works as a lighter alternative, though results differ slightly. Turkey bacon contains less fat, so it won’t crisp quite as dramatically as pork bacon. It also tends to be shorter and narrower, so you may need to adjust how you wrap it around dates. Increase baking time by 2-3 minutes and watch carefully. The flavor is milder but still delicious, especially for those avoiding pork.

Why are my dates leaking cheese everywhere?

This usually happens from overstuffing or not securing the bacon tightly enough. Use only 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of cheese per date—it seems like a small amount, but it’s perfect. Make sure the toothpick goes all the way through, holding the bacon snugly against the date. Also, ensure your cheese is softened but not too warm and melty before stuffing. Finally, place dates seam-side down initially so gravity helps keep cheese inside.

Can I prepare these in an air fryer?

Definitely! Air fryers work beautifully for bacon wrapped dates. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Arrange dates in a single layer without touching (you may need to work in batches). Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until bacon is crispy. The circulating air creates exceptionally crispy bacon. This method also uses less energy and doesn’t heat up your kitchen.

What type of dates should I buy?

Medjool dates are absolutely the best choice for this recipe. They’re large, soft, sweet, and have caramel-like flavor. Look for plump, moist dates in the produce section—avoid any that look dried out or crystallized. Deglet Noor dates (the smaller, firmer variety) can work in a pinch but won’t have the same luxurious texture. Buy pitted dates to save time, or pit them yourself by slicing lengthwise and removing the seed.

How do I know when they’re done?

The bacon should be golden brown and crispy on all sides, with visible caramelization. The dates will darken slightly and may have some caramelized spots—this is perfect! If you gently squeeze one, you should feel firm bacon exterior with soft date interior. Total baking time is typically 15-18 minutes at 400°F, but watch carefully as ovens vary. It’s better to check a minute early than discover they’ve burnt.

Conclusion

Few appetizers deliver such impressive results with so little effort as Bacon Wrapped Dates. They represent entertaining at its finest—elegant enough for the most sophisticated gathering, yet simple enough for even novice cooks to master. The magical combination of sweet, salty, creamy, and crispy creates a flavor experience that transcends the humble simplicity of just three ingredients.

What makes these stuffed bacon wrapped dates truly special is their universal appeal. I’ve served them at casual game day parties where they disappeared in minutes, and at formal holiday dinners where guests raved about the sophisticated flavor pairing. Whether your guests are adventurous foodies or meat-and-potatoes traditionalists, these little bites win everyone over.

The make-ahead convenience means you can prepare them when it’s convenient for you, then bake fresh when guests arrive—filling your home with that irresistible aroma of crisping bacon while you relax and enjoy the party. And knowing you have a foolproof, crowd-pleasing appetizer in your repertoire gives you confidence for any entertaining situation.

Ready to make the appetizer that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe? Grab some dates, bacon, and goat cheese, and prepare to become everyone’s favorite party host! I’d love to hear about your experience—drop a comment below and let me know what occasion you made these for or what variations you tried. Don’t forget to pin this recipe to your Pinterest boards for your next gathering! Tag me in your photos—seeing your delicious creations always makes my day. Happy entertaining, friends!