Bacon Wrapped Dates With Goat Cheese (3-Ingredient Appetizer)

Some of the best party foods are the simplest, and bacon wrapped dates prove it. Sweet, sticky dates, creamy goat cheese and crispy bacon come together in one perfect bite.

You only need three main ingredients and about 35 minutes. Stuff the dates, wrap them in bacon and bake until crisp. That’s it.

Every holiday season I make a big tray of these, and they’re always the first appetizer to vanish. Even people who say they don’t like dates go back for more.

Why You’ll Love These Bacon Wrapped Dates

• Sweet and salty. The best flavor combo for a party snack.
• 3 main ingredients. Dates, goat cheese and bacon.
• Make-ahead. Wrap them a day early and bake when needed.
• Naturally gluten-free. Great for mixed crowds.
• Elegant finger food. No plates or forks needed.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The exact amounts are in the recipe card at the end of this post. Here’s a quick guide.

• Medjool dates: Big, soft and sweet. Buy them pitted to save time, but still check for pits.
• Goat cheese: Creamy and tangy. Blue cheese or cream cheese also work.
• Regular-cut bacon: Thin bacon gets crisp in the same time the dates warm through.
• Honey or maple syrup (optional): A drizzle on top adds shine and extra sweetness.

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Dates

1. Prep. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet. Add a rack if you have one.
2. Stuff. Slit each date and fill with about 1 tsp goat cheese.
3. Wrap. Wrap with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
4. Bake. Bake 10 minutes, flip, then bake 8 to 12 minutes more until the bacon is crisp.
5. Cool and serve. Cool 5 minutes, drizzle with honey if you like and serve warm.

My Tips for the Best Bacon Wrapped Dates

• Use regular-cut bacon. Thick-cut takes longer and can stay chewy.
• Place the seam side down so the bacon stays wrapped.
• A rack lets the fat drip away so the bacon gets crispier.
• Cook until the bacon is fully browned and crisp all over.
• Let them cool a few minutes. The cheese and dates get very hot.

Variations to Try

• Blue cheese: Bold and tangy with the sweet dates.
• Almond stuffed: Tuck a whole roasted almond inside instead of cheese.
• Balsamic glaze: Drizzle with balsamic glaze right before serving.
• Spicy: Sprinkle with a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes before baking.

Make-Ahead, Storage and Reheating

• Make ahead: Stuff and wrap up to 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm at 375°F (190°C) for 5 to 7 minutes, or in an air fryer for 3 to 4 minutes.

What to Serve With It

Bacon wrapped dates are perfect on a holiday appetizer board with cheese, crackers, olives and nuts. For more party bites, try my Cranberry Brie Bites and a warm bowl of Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of dates should I use? Medjool dates are best because they’re large, soft and easy to stuff. Deglet Noor dates are smaller but work too.

Can I make them in the air fryer? Yes. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, turning once, until the bacon is crisp.

Do I need toothpicks? They help hold the bacon in place, but if you place the seam side down, you can skip them.

Can I use turkey bacon? Yes. It won’t get quite as crisp, so watch it closely and pull it once it’s browned.

One Last Thing

These bacon wrapped dates are proof that easy can still be impressive. If you make them, please leave a comment and a star rating below. And save them to your holiday appetizers board on Pinterest!