How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Dates That Disappear in Seconds

Hello, friends! I’m so glad you’re here. If there’s one recipe I’ve come to rely on when I need a quick, impressive appetizer, it’s these bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese. My name is Jenna, and I started The Sweet Tooth Diabetic simply because I love sharing recipes that combine simple ingredients with big, bold flavors. Although the blog’s name might sound like it’s all about low-sugar or diabetic-specific dishes, it’s really a celebration of sweet moments—no matter who you are.

Over the years, this recipe has become my “secret weapon” when I need something quick that feels gourmet. I love having guests over for game night—so I’ll prep these days in advance, stash them in the fridge, and then slide a pan into the oven when it’s time to eat. While they bake, I pour myself a glass of wine, and when the timer goes off, I’m basically a kitchen rock star. No one needs to know it took less than 30 minutes from start to finish!

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or someone who dreads complicated recipes, this post will walk you through every step with plenty of tips, variations, and serving ideas. Plus, I’ve included a printable recipe card at the end so you can easily add it to your own recipe stash. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love These Bacon-Wrapped Dates

• Quick & Easy Preparation: With only four main ingredients—dates, goat cheese, bacon, and toothpicks—you can have a tray of these ready in under 30 minutes.
• Sweet & Savory Flavor Explosion: The natural caramel notes of Medjool dates pair perfectly with smoky bacon and tangy goat cheese, giving every bite a delicious complexity.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the dates a day in advance, refrigerate them on a baking sheet, and then bake them off right before your guests arrive. Zero stress!
• Impressive Presentation: A simple garnish of fresh herbs or a drizzle of balsamic reduction makes these dates look like they belong in a gourmet restaurant.
• Versatile Party Appetizer: Perfect for holiday gatherings, bridal showers, game-day snacks, potlucks, or just an elegant weeknight treat.

I learned early on that people really respond to small bites that taste fancy but aren’t complicated to prepare. That’s why I love sharing recipes like this often, it’s the simplest ideas that produce the most delighted “oohs” and “ahhs” from family and friends.

Ingredients & Notes

Gather the following ingredients. Aside from the dates, most of these items might already be in your fridge or pantry:

• 20 large pitted Medjool dates (about 2 dates per bacon slice)
  • Medjool dates are my go-to because they’re large, sweet, and have a soft, chewy texture. If you can’t find Medjools, any plump, pitted dates will work—you may just need to adjust baking time if they’re smaller or drier.
• 6 ounces goat cheese, softened
  • Room-temperature goat cheese is easiest to scoop and spreads beautifully inside the dates. If your fridge is cold, microwave the log for 10–15 seconds to make it softer.
• 10 slices of bacon (regular or thick-cut)
  • I recommend cutting each slice of bacon in half lengthwise, so you have 20 strips that each wrap one date. Thin bacon will crisp faster; thick-cut bacon will feel more substantial. Choose whichever you prefer.
• 20 toothpicks
  • They secure each date so no cheese oozes out and bacon stays in place.
• Optional: fresh herbs (chopped parsley or chives) and balsamic glaze for garnish
  • A sprinkle of parsley or a drizzle of balsamic reduction takes these from tasty to utterly gourmet.

Pro Tip: If you can find bacon that’s labeled “center-cut,” it tends to be a bit leaner and crisps up nicely without being overly greasy. You can also use prosciutto or pancetta if you want a slightly different flavor profile. Just watch the baking time—prosciutto can go from perfect to overdone very quickly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prep:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. This helps the dates not stick and makes clean-up a breeze.
2. Cut bacon strips: If your bacon isn’t already in 20 thin strips, slice each of the 10 bacon slices in half lengthwise. This creates 20 strips—one strip per date.
3. Soften goat cheese: If your goat cheese is cold, microwave it for about 10–15 seconds (just enough to make it spreadable).

Stuff and Wrap:
4. Prepare each date: Using a small paring knife, slice each date lengthwise on one side (like opening a book), then gently press it open to make a pocket. If your dates have pits, remove them completely.
5. Fill with goat cheese: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of goat cheese into the center of each date. You can also pipe it in using a pastry bag for a cleaner look if you prefer.
6. Wrap in bacon: Take one bacon strip and wrap it around the center of the stuffed date, overlapping slightly, and secure it with a toothpick inserted lengthwise (through the top of the date into the baking sheet). Place each wrapped date seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake and Flip:
7. First bake: Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 8 minutes. This initial blast of heat begins crisping the bacon.
8. Flip each date: Using tongs or a spatula, carefully turn each date so the other side of the bacon gets direct heat.
9. Second bake: Return the dates to the oven for another 7–8 minutes, or until the bacon is golden brown and crisp. If you like extra-crispy bacon, you can bake for an additional 1–2 minutes—but watch closely to avoid burning.

Cool & Garnish:
10. Rest slightly: Remove the pan from the oven and let the dates rest on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes. This helps the cheese set so it doesn’t ooze out immediately when you bite into them.
11. Garnish (optional): Transfer the dates to a serving platter. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or a pinch of chopped chives, and drizzle lightly with balsamic glaze for a beautiful, tangy finish.

Tips, Variations & Tricks

• Cheese Options: If goat cheese isn’t your favorite, try cream cheese, blue cheese, or feta. Cream cheese yields a milder, kid-friendly flavor; blue cheese adds a sharp tang. You can also mix herbs—like finely chopped rosemary or thyme—into the cheese before stuffing.
• Bacon Alternatives: Swap prosciutto, pancetta, or even thinly sliced ham for bacon. Prosciutto crisps very quickly, so check after 6 minutes on the first bake and 4 minutes after flipping.
• Sweet Glaze Variation: Brush each bacon strip with honey, maple syrup, or a sprinkle of brown sugar before wrapping for a candied finish. Baste halfway through the baking process for maximum caramelization.
• Spiced-Up Fillings: Stir in a pinch of chili powder, smoked paprika, or crushed red pepper flakes into the goat cheese to add a subtle kick. A little cayenne goes a long way for those who love heat.
• Nutty Crunch: Before baking, press a few chopped pistachios or walnuts onto the exposed goat cheese at the top of each date. The nuts toast in the oven and add a lovely crunch.
• Make-Ahead Prep: Stuff and wrap the dates up to 24 hours ahead of time. Keep them in a single layer on a baking sheet in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes while the oven preheats, then bake as directed.
• Extra-Crispy Bacon: To ensure the bacon is fully crisp, partially cook the bacon strips in a skillet for 2–3 minutes per side (until just starting to brown but not fully crispy). Then wrap the dates and finish baking in the oven for about 6–7 minutes per side.
• Garnish Ideas: Fresh herbs (parsley, chives, or basil), flaky sea salt, finely chopped nuts, or a drizzle of balsamic reduction all beautify the final platter. For a festive touch, scatter pomegranate arils around the serving tray.
• Dietary Notes: These dates are naturally gluten-free. They’re relatively low-carb for those monitoring sugar intake, but remember that dates do contain natural sugars—so enjoy in moderation if you’re counting carbs.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

• Charcuterie Board Companion: Arrange bacon-wrapped dates alongside cured meats (prosciutto, salami), cheeses (brie, manchego, aged cheddar), olives, nuts, and crusty bread for an unforgettable spread.
• Wine Pairings: A crisp, bubbly Prosecco or Champagne cuts through the richness of the bacon and cheese, while a fruity Pinot Noir or Zinfandel complements the sweetness of the dates. For white-wine lovers, try an off-dry Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc.
• Cocktail Pairings: These bites pair wonderfully with classic cocktails—think an Old Fashioned, Negroni, or a simple gin and tonic. If you prefer nonalcoholic sips, a sparkling apple cider or ginger beer provides a refreshing contrast.
• Holiday Table Centerpiece: For Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve, place these on a decorative platter with sprigs of rosemary or thyme. Guests love picking them off the tray as they mingle.
• Game-Day Appetizer: Serve alongside sliders and wings for a football party. They’re easy to eat in one or two bites while cheering on your team.
• Brunch Addition: Add a savory twist to brunch by pairing these dates with mini quiches, smoked salmon canapés, and fruit skewers. They’re a fun change of pace from typical breakfast fare.

If you’re hosting a potluck or buffet, I guarantee these will disappear within minutes. The combination of flavors is just so addictive—sweet, salty, and creamy all at once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! Cream cheese, feta, blue cheese, or even mascarpone will work. Each cheese gives a different flavor profile: cream cheese is mild and kid-friendly, feta adds tang, blue cheese provides a bolder bite, and mascarpone yields an ultra-creamy finish. Feel free to experiment or mix cheeses together.

What if I can’t find Medjool dates?
You can use any pitted dates, though smaller varieties (like Deglet Noor) may need a bit more oven time or will produce smaller bites. Medjools are preferred because they’re juicy and large, but any soft, pitted date will do. If using drier dates, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, pat dry, then proceed with the recipe.

Can I bake these on a convection setting?
Absolutely. If using a convection oven, reduce the temperature to 400°F (205°C) and watch the baking times closely—start checking around 6 minutes before the suggested time on each side. Convection heat circulates more evenly, so bacon will crisp faster.

How far in advance can I prep them?
You can stuff and wrap the dates up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in a single layer in the fridge, covered lightly with plastic wrap. Before baking, let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes so the cheese isn’t ice-cold when going into the oven.

Can I freeze wrapped dates?
I don’t recommend baking from frozen, as the bacon and cheese won’t bake evenly. However, you can freeze stuffed (but unwrapped) dates for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator before wrapping in bacon and baking as instructed.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
To reheat, place leftover dates on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, or until warmed through and the bacon re-crisps. You can also pop them under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.

Are there nut-based variations?
Yes—after stuffing each date but before wrapping, press a small amount of finely chopped pistachios or walnuts onto the exposed goat cheese. As the dates bake, the nuts toast and add delightful crunch and color.

Can I make them vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute bacon with vegan “bacon” strips (many brands are available at health-food stores). Use a vegan cream-cheese alternative or mashed cashews blended until smooth with a bit of nutritional yeast and lemon juice. Keep an eye on baking times, as vegan bacon crisps differently.

Why do some dates split open?
If your dates are overly ripe or handled roughly, they can split. To prevent this, handle them gently when slicing open. If a date splits slightly, just press it back together after filling and wrap with bacon. The toothpick will help keep it intact while baking.

Recipe Scaling Tips:

• Doubling: You can double the recipe to serve a larger crowd. Use two baking sheets to avoid overcrowding—dates need space for hot air to circulate for crisp bacon.
• Halving: If you only need 10 dates, cut each ingredient in half and adjust cook time slightly: start checking crispness at 6 minutes on the first side and 5 minutes on the second.

Closing Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about serving a recipe that looks and tastes extravagant yet takes almost no time to prepare. These bacon-wrapped, goat cheese–stuffed dates are exactly that. They’re proof that four simple ingredients can be transformed into an appetizer that wows everyone at the table.

Next time you’re planning a holiday, a game-day spread, or even a cozy family dinner, remember this recipe. Prep ahead, bake quickly, and take all the credit for a showstopping, melt-in-your-mouth appetizer. And don’t forget to garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for that extra “wow” factor.

I hope you love making these as much as I do. If you try the recipe, please come back to The Sweet Tooth Diabetic and let me know how your guests reacted. Tag me on social media with your own photos—I can’t wait to see your creations!

Happy cooking, friends!

— Jenna, The Sweet Tooth Diabetic