Perfect Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates Wrapped in Bacon – Easy Holiday Appetizer

Name: Perfect Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates Wrapped in Bacon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 20 large Medjool dates, pitted; 6 oz (170 g) goat cheese, softened; 10 slices bacon, halved (thin-cut preferred); 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary, optional; 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup, optional for glaze; Cracked black pepper, optional

Posted on November 25, 2025

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Introduction

Picture this: the irresistible scent of sizzling bacon filling the kitchen, mingling with the earthy sweetness of dates and the creamy tang of goat cheese. That’s the moment when you know something special is happening. Honestly, the first time I made these goat cheese stuffed dates wrapped in bacon, I stood there in front of the oven, practically mesmerized. When that timer dinged, and I took my first bite—warm, crispy, sweet, and savory all at once—I swear I had to stop for a second just to smile. It was that good.

I stumbled onto this recipe one chilly December evening years ago when I was trying to recreate an appetizer I’d tasted at a friend’s holiday party. Let’s face it, some recipes just feel like instant classics the moment they hit your tongue. This one? It’s pure festive comfort in a single bite. My family couldn’t stop sneaking them off the cooling rack (and honestly, I didn’t try too hard to stop them). These bacon-wrapped dates have since become my go-to holiday appetizer—perfect for potlucks, intimate family dinners, or those cozy nights when you just want something indulgent yet simple.

Every time I make them, I end up testing a few “in the name of research” before serving. And each time, I think, why didn’t I start making these years ago? They’re dangerously easy to put together, impressive enough for guests, and taste like something straight off a tapas menu. Trust me, you’re going to want to bookmark this one—it feels like a warm hug and looks stunning on your holiday spread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are appetizers, and then there are the ones that make people pause mid-conversation just to savor the flavor. These perfect goat cheese stuffed dates wrapped in bacon fall firmly into that second category. Tested, retested, and approved by family, friends, and even the pickiest eaters, this recipe checks every box for crowd-pleasing holiday bites.

Quick & Easy: Comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for last-minute holiday prep or unexpected guests.
Simple Ingredients: You’ll only need three everyday items—bacon, goat cheese, and dates. No complicated grocery runs required.
Perfect for Holidays: Ideal for Christmas parties, Thanksgiving spreads, or cozy New Year’s Eve gatherings.
Crowd-Pleaser: Sweet, salty, creamy, and smoky—there’s something in this flavor combo for everyone.
Unbelievably Delicious: The contrast between crisp bacon and creamy goat cheese creates a texture that’s simply unforgettable.

What makes this version stand out? It’s all in the balance. I’ve tested different cheese fillings—cream cheese, blue cheese, even brie—but the tang of goat cheese hits that perfect note against the sweetness of the date. Plus, I use center-cut bacon to keep things crisp without being overly greasy. It’s comfort food dressed up for the holidays—fancy enough for your Pinterest board, but simple enough to whip up between wrapping gifts. One bite, and you’ll understand why this recipe has become my holiday MVP: cozy, elegant, and just the right amount of indulgent.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses just a handful of wholesome ingredients that come together to create something truly special. You probably already have most of them in your kitchen, which is part of what makes this dish so effortlessly festive.

Medjool dates – about 20 large ones, pitted (these are soft, chewy, and naturally sweet; perfect for stuffing).
Goat cheese – 6 oz (170 g), softened (the tangy creaminess pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the dates).
Bacon – 10 slices, halved (use thin-cut for crispier results).
Fresh thyme or rosemary – optional, for a fragrant holiday touch.
Honey or maple syrup – just a drizzle (adds a glossy finish and enhances the sweet-savory balance).
Cracked black pepper – optional, but a small sprinkle gives a nice warmth.

Ingredient Tips:

If you can, choose fresh Medjool dates—their natural caramel flavor is unbeatable.
For the goat cheese, I love using a soft chèvre log; Montchevre or Laura Chenel are great brands.
You can swap in turkey bacon if you want a lighter version, though it won’t crisp quite the same way.
Feeling adventurous? Try mixing a little blue cheese into the goat cheese for a more tangy flavor.
If you’re planning ahead, you can stuff and wrap the dates the night before, then bake just before serving.

Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and a big payoff—what more could you ask for?

Equipment Needed

Baking sheet (lined with parchment or foil for easy cleanup)
Toothpicks (to secure the bacon during baking)
Small bowl (for mixing goat cheese if adding herbs or seasoning)
Paring knife (for slicing and pitting dates)
Cooling rack (helpful for draining excess fat after baking)

I’ve tried making these on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet—it helps the bacon crisp evenly. If you don’t have one, no worries; parchment paper works fine. My old sheet pan has seen years of holiday appetizers, and honestly, it adds a bit of rustic charm. A little tip: don’t use thick-cut bacon—it tends to stay chewy instead of crisping nicely. Simple tools, simple cleanup, and big flavor payoff.

Preparation Method

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil for easy cleanup.
Prepare the dates: Use a small paring knife to make a slit along each date and remove the pit if necessary. Be gentle—you want to create a pocket, not slice them in half.
Stuff the dates: Using a small spoon or clean fingers, fill each date with about 1 teaspoon (5 g) of goat cheese. Press gently to close the date around the cheese.
Wrap with bacon: Cut bacon slices in half. Wrap each stuffed date with a half slice and secure with a toothpick. Make sure the seam of the bacon faces down so it stays put while cooking.
Arrange and bake: Place wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Bake for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway through, until bacon is crisp and golden.
Optional glaze: If you’d like a sweet sheen, drizzle lightly with honey or maple syrup and return to the oven for 2 minutes.
Cool and serve: Remove from oven and let rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the cheese firm up slightly, keeping each bite creamy but not runny.

Notes: If your bacon starts to crisp too quickly, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). For extra flavor, sprinkle chopped herbs over the goat cheese before stuffing. You’ll know they’re perfect when the bacon edges are deep golden and the cheese inside feels warm and luscious.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

I’ve made these goat cheese stuffed dates wrapped in bacon more times than I can count, and there are a few tricks that make all the difference:

Don’t overstuff the dates. A little goat cheese goes a long way—too much, and it’ll ooze out during baking.
Keep bacon thin. Thin-cut bacon crisps up beautifully and balances the sweetness of the date.
Use a wire rack if you can. It keeps the bacon from sitting in grease and gives you that perfect crisp finish.
Flip halfway through baking. It’s a small step, but it guarantees even browning.
Serve warm. These are best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the goat cheese is soft and the bacon still crackles.

One mistake I made early on was using thick-cut bacon—it looked fancy but ended up chewy. Lesson learned! Also, if you’re making a big batch, assemble ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake. That’s my secret to staying sane when hosting. A quick reheat just before guests arrive, and they taste freshly made. You know what? It’s the kind of appetizer that makes you look like you spent hours—but really, you didn’t.

Variations & Adaptations

Dairy-Free Version: Swap goat cheese for a dairy-free cream cheese alternative—still creamy, still delicious.
Nutty Twist: Add a whole almond or walnut inside the date before stuffing with cheese for a crunchy surprise.
Spicy Option: Mix a pinch of crushed red pepper or drizzle with hot honey for a sweet-heat finish.
Vegetarian Alternative: Skip the bacon and wrap with thin strips of roasted red pepper or eggplant. It’s lighter but still flavorful.
Seasonal Touch: In summer, try stuffing the dates with goat cheese and fresh basil instead of thyme—it’s a lovely fresh variation.

My personal favorite variation? A small dab of honey mixed into the goat cheese before stuffing. It melts slightly and gives every bite a velvety sweetness that feels downright festive.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these goat cheese stuffed dates wrapped in bacon warm on a festive platter—maybe with sprigs of rosemary for a holiday vibe. They pair beautifully with sparkling wine or a simple glass of cider. You can also serve them alongside a cheese board for an elegant touch.

Storage: If you somehow have leftovers (rare, trust me), refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 minutes to restore crispness. Freezing isn’t ideal because the texture suffers, but you can freeze them unbaked and cook straight from frozen for about 5 extra minutes. Over time, the flavors deepen—the sweet date and smoky bacon meld perfectly.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Each piece clocks in around 100–120 calories depending on the bacon used. You get a lovely mix of protein, natural sugars, and healthy fats from the cheese. Goat cheese also brings probiotics and less lactose than cow’s milk cheeses—great for sensitive stomachs. Dates are rich in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, making this indulgent bite surprisingly wholesome. It’s naturally gluten-free and can be made low-carb by using sugar-free syrup for glazing. So yes, it’s delicious and sneakily nutritious.

Conclusion

These perfect goat cheese stuffed dates wrapped in bacon bring together everything we crave during the holidays—warmth, comfort, and a little indulgence. They’re simple to make, stunning to serve, and guaranteed to disappear fast. I love how they balance sweet and savory in such a natural way—it’s the kind of recipe that instantly feels like tradition.

Give them your own twist, make them ahead, or keep them classic—either way, they’ll earn you rave reviews. If you try them, leave a comment and share your favorite variation. This little appetizer might just become your new holiday staple. Honestly, once you taste one, you’ll understand why I keep making them “just to test.”

FAQs

Can I make these goat cheese stuffed dates wrapped in bacon ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble them up to a day in advance, keep covered in the fridge, and bake just before serving.

What type of dates should I use?

Medjool dates are best—they’re soft, large, and naturally sweet, which balances perfectly with the tangy goat cheese.

Can I use a different cheese?

Absolutely. Cream cheese, blue cheese, or feta all work, but goat cheese gives the most balanced flavor.

How do I keep the bacon from unraveling?

Secure with toothpicks, and make sure the bacon seam faces down on the baking sheet.

Can these be served cold?

They’re best warm, but you can serve them at room temperature. Just reheat briefly in the oven if needed for that perfect crisp bite.

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