Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese & Honey
These Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese and Honey are the ultimate sweet and savory appetizer. Plump Medjool dates are stuffed with creamy herbed goat cheese, wrapped in crispy bacon, and finished with a golden drizzle of honey.Ready in just 35 minutes, they are perfect for holiday gatherings, cocktail parties, or any occasion where you want to impress a crowd with minimal effort.
Equipment
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small paring knife
- Toothpicks
- Small mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 20 large Medjool dates pitted
- 4 oz goat cheese softened to room temperature
- 10 strips thin-cut bacon cut in half crosswise
- 2 tablespoons honey plus more for serving
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves optional
- freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and set aside.
- Using a small paring knife, make a lengthwise slit in each date. Gently open the date and remove the pit if not already pitted. Be careful not to split the date completely in half.
- In a small bowl, combine the softened goat cheese with fresh thyme leaves and a generous crack of black pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Use a small spoon or your fingers to fill each date with approximately one teaspoon of the goat cheese mixture. Press the date gently closed around the filling.
- Wrap one half-strip of bacon tightly around each stuffed date, overlapping slightly to keep it secure. Insert a toothpick through the center to hold the bacon in place.
- Arrange the wrapped dates seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about one inch apart to allow the bacon to crisp evenly.
- Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping each date once halfway through at the 9 to 10 minute mark, until the bacon is golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove toothpicks if desired, then arrange on a serving platter and drizzle generously with honey just before serving.
Notes
For best results, allow goat cheese to soften at room temperature for at least 20 minutes before stuffing. Thin-cut bacon crisps faster and wraps more evenly than thick-cut. To make ahead, stuff and wrap dates up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate unbaked on a lined sheet pan. Add 2 to 3 minutes to the bake time when cooking from cold. Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 5 to 7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it makes the bacon rubbery.