By: Jill Mills Updated: Feb 6, 2025

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Medjool dates, hickory smoked bacon, and goat cheese combine in these Bacon Wrapped Dates. Each bite-sized appetizer packs an incredible amount of sweet and savory flavor.

These bacon wrapped dates with goat cheese are my go-to when I need an appetizer that feels a little fancy but is so easy to make. They feel like something from a fancy restaurant and yet they are made with just a handful of ingredients. I love the complexity of the sweet and savory flavors.

These Bacon Wrapped Dates Are Always A Hit

I’ve found that these dates have disappeared super quickly as every gathering I’ve taken them to!

Only a few ingredients. There are 4 main ingredients in this recipe – dates, goat cheese, bacon, and brown sugar – along with a few basic seasonings. I love any appetizer that has a short ingredient list!
So many great flavors. These bacon wrapped dates have so many sweet and savory flavors. The dates themselves are naturally sweet with a caramel-like flavor. Plain goat cheese tends to be a bit tangy. Then there’s the hickory smoked bacon and sweet brown sugar infused with ancho chili powder and other savory flavors. Each bite really packs so much flavor!
Bite-sized appetizer. These are really the perfect size for a light appetizer. I love to add them to charcuterie boards but they’re lovely served before a nice meal or at a party as well.

Overhead view of ingredients needed to make bacon wrapped dates

Recipe Ingredients

This appetizer is made with 4 main ingredients plus a few spices. The exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

Dates – Pitted Medjool dates are what this recipe calls for. Medjool dates are large, soft, and naturally sweet with a caramel-like flavor, making them ideal for stuffing.
Goat cheese – Soft goat cheese is necessary for this recipe because its creamy consistency allows it to be easily spread or filled into the dates.
Bacon – Thick-cut works best. I used hickory smoked bacon. The smoky flavor of the bacon compliments the sweetness of the dates and brown sugar, as well as the tanginess of the goat cheese. Feel free to use any bacon you like.
Brown sugar – I used light brown sugar but dark brown sugar works too.
Ancho chili powder – Ancho chili powder is made purely from dried and ground ancho chilies, which are dried poblano peppers. It has a rich, mildly smoky, and slightly sweet flavor with a mild heat level. Regular chili powder will also work.
Other spices – Smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Hot honey – While this is optional, hot honey will really take the flavor to the next level. I chose to use Mike’s Hot Honey, but you could also make your own. You just need enough to drizzle over top of the dates.

How To Make Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese

One of the reasons I love this appetizer is because it takes just a few minutes to prepare and less than 20 minutes to bake. The printable version of the instructions can be found in the recipe card below.

A plate of dates stuffed with goat cheese wrapped in bacon

Prep. Preheat the oven to 375F. Cut the bacon lengthwise into thirds.
Make the rub. Combine the brown sugar and seasonings in a small bowl.
Fill the dates. Gently pry each pitted date along the natural seam, taking care to not split it completely in half. Spoon 1/2 teaspoon of goat cheese into each one. Gently press the sides of the date to partially close it around the filling.
Wrap in bacon. Starting at one end of the date, wrap it snugly in the bacon until fully covered. Secure with a toothpick.

Bacon wrapped dates on a plate of brown sugar

Add the sugar. Roll each stuffed date in the brown sugar mixture.
Bake. Place on a baking sheet 1″ apart. Bake for 18 minutes, until the bacon is crispy.
Enjoy. Serve as-is or drizzled with hot honey.

Make Them In The Air Fryer

These bacon wrapped dates can also be made in the air fryer! Cook them in an air fryer at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy. Be sure to not overcrowd the air fryer and cook in batches if needed.

A bacon wrapped date with a bite missing to show the inside

Tips & Variations

Here are a few of my top tips for making these bacon wrapped dates, as well as a few customization options.

Don’t overstuff. I know that 1/2 teaspoon doesn’t feel like a lot of goat cheese but after trialing it, I found it to be the perfect amount to allow all the flavors to shine. Plus, if you add too much, it will just ooze out in the oven.
Other types of dates. While Medjool dates are ideal due to their size and softness, other varieties like Deglet Noor can be used too. They may be smaller and firmer, though.
Soak the toothpicks. Soaking toothpicks in water before use is optional but can prevent them from browning or burning in the oven.
Avoid extra grease. To reduce grease, place the wrapped dates on a wire rack over a baking sheet, allowing the bacon fat to drain off as it cooks.

Serving Suggestions

My favorite way to serve these bacon wrapped dates is on a charcuterie board. They can also be paired with a simple salad as a light lunch or served as part of a larger appetizer spread.

Make Ahead & Storage

Make ahead. Bacon wrapped dates can be assembled up to a day in advance. Keep them covered in the fridge until ready to bake.
Fridge. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Quickly reheat in the oven or air fryer.

More Appetizer Ideas

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Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese

Medjool dates, hickory smoked bacon, and goat cheese combine in these Bacon Wrapped Dates. Each bite-sized appetizer packs an incredible amount of sweet and savory flavor.

Servings: 21 dates

Prep: 15

Cook: 18

Total: 43

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Ingredients

▢ 2 (8 ounce) packages Pitted Medjool Dates
▢ 4 ounces soft goat cheese
▢ 7 slices thick-cut hickory smoked bacon
▢ 1/3 cup light brown sugar packed
▢ 1 teaspoon Ancho Chili Powder
▢ ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
▢ ½ teaspoon garlic powder
▢ ½ teaspoon onion powder
▢ Hot Honey for drizzling, (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Cut bacon into thirds. (Lengthwise)
In a small shallow bowl, combine the brown sugar, ancho chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.
Gently hold each pitted date in your hand and use your fingers or a small paring knife to find the natural seam where the pit was removed. Carefully pry it open along the seam, ensuring you don’t split the date completely in half. If the date is stuck together, work slowly to separate it.
Spoon ½ teaspoon of goat cheese into each date. Gently press the sides of the date together to partially close it around the filling, leaving some of the goat cheese visible.
Take a slice of the bacon and start at one end of the date, wrapping it snugly until fully covered. Secure the bacon in place by inserting a toothpick through the center of the date, making sure to pierce both ends of the bacon where they meet.
Roll each stuffed date in the brown sugar mixture, coating generously.
Place dates on a baking sheet, leaving 1” apart. Bake for 18 minutes, until bacon begins to get crispy.
Serve as is or drizzle with hot honey before serving.

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Nutrition

Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese

These Bacon Wrapped Dates Are Always A Hit

Recipe Ingredients