Bacon-Wrapped Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates

Salty bacon around sweet dates stuffed with tangy goat cheese and brushed with honey, these Bacon-Wrapped Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates marry complementary flavors and textures in an easy and impressive appetizer.

The Perfect Cocktail Hour Appetizer

Combine crisp, salty bacon, caramel-like sweet dates, and the creamy tang of goat cheese all warm from the oven, brush it with honey, and what do you get? One heavenly appetizer! My Bacon-Wrapped Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates are a flavor and texture experience like no other. Simple yet sophisticated, they’re perfect for a date night in or a lively cocktail hour with friends.

Simple and Chic

Hosting a cocktail hour requires a few important elements: great friends, your favorite cocktails, and something delicious to nosh. You take care of the invitations and I’ve got the rest! You can keep it casual with margaritas and chips and dip. Or, you can do it up in style (while still keeping it easy!). These Bacon-wrapped dates are super simple and chic. And oh so scrumptious. They could not be easier and are sure to be a hit with your crowd.

Ingredients and Supplies

(see recipe card at the bottom of this post for measurements and details)

Ingredients:

• Large pitted Medjool dates: large, naturally sweet and caramel-like, Medjool dates are firm, holding the goat cheese and retaining their structure while baking.
• Goat cheese (softened): brings a sharp tangy flavor and a creamy texture. Substitutes include full fat greek yogurt and mascarpone.
• Bacon slices (halved crosswise): adds a crisp saltiness that brings out the sharpness of the goat cheese and the sweetness of the dates.
• Honey: adds an earthy, sticky sweetness to the top, complementing the saltiness of the bacon.
• Fresh thyme leaves (for garnishing): adds an earthy, herbal aroma and flavor.

Supplies:

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Piping bag (or spoon)
• Toothpicks

How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates

• Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Slice each date lengthwise on one side to open slightly (do not cut all the way through; remove the pit if not already pitted).
• Spoon or pipe a heaping teaspoon of goat cheese into the center of each date,

• Gently squeeze the dates closed.
• Wrap each stuffed date with a half strip of bacon, then secure with a toothpick. Place the wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet with the filled sides facing up.
• Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and golden. Brush the warm dates with honey as soon as they come out of the oven

• Remove the toothpicks and then arrange on a serving platter. Garnish with thyme just before serving.

Storage

Store leftover dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes, or until warmed through and the bacon is crispy again. For best results, add a fresh drizzle of honey and garnish with thyme just before serving.

Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble the stuffed dates and wrap them in bacon up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add the honey and fresh thyme after baking for the best flavor and presentation.

If you make my Bacon-Wrapped Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates, be sure to snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can see. If you’re on Facebook, be sure to join my Friends of The BakerMama group to connect and share all the fun and yummy recipes of mine that you make! 😍 I just love seeing how inspired and creative y’all get with the ideas I share. Enjoy!

xoxo,

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