Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Honey

A photo of 3-ingredient bacon wrapped dates with goat cheese with toothpicks inserted in the center on a platter.

Bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese are the kind of appetizer that vanishes the moment they’re set out. The combination of sweet Medjool dates, tangy creamy goat cheese, and crisp bacon is irresistible. With just three ingredients, these are simple to make and always popular at gatherings.

This recipe has been a family favorite for years and is an easy, make-ahead appetizer that works for parties, potlucks, and holiday gatherings. They’re naturally gluten-free and fold well into any appetizer spread. Even guests who say they don’t usually like dates often come back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

Only 3 ingredients. Dates, goat cheese, and bacon—no long shopping list required.
Make-ahead friendly. Assemble up to a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Naturally gluten-free. No substitutions needed for a gluten-free appetizer.

Ingredients

Close-up of bacon wrapped dates with goat cheese and toothpicks on a serving platter showing crispy bacon.

TIP

Use regular-cut bacon rather than thick-cut. Thick slices take longer to crisp and can dry out the dates before the bacon is done. Regular-cut gives the best balance of crispiness and proper timing.

Ingredient Notes

Medjool dates – Choose big, soft, plump Medjool dates. Slice lengthwise to remove the pit while keeping the base intact. If Medjools aren’t available, dried figs can be used as a substitute.
Goat cheese – Use fresh, spreadable goat cheese (chevre) in a log. Let it warm to room temperature for about 30 minutes so it’s easy to spoon into the dates. Plain chevre is classic; herb-flavored varieties add extra nuance.
Bacon – Regular-cut bacon works best; cut each slice in half for wrapping. Check the label if you need guaranteed gluten-free bacon, as some brands add flavorings that contain gluten.

Recipe FAQs

Do I need to use toothpicks?

Toothpicks aren’t required but are helpful to keep the bacon secured while baking and make serving easier. If you don’t use toothpicks, place the bacon seam-side down on the baking sheet so it stays closed.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes. Omit the goat cheese and stuff the dates with a roasted almond, almond butter, or a dairy-free cashew cheese. You can also serve them plain.

How do I know when the bacon is done?

The bacon should be golden brown and crispy. If it still looks pale after the suggested baking time, continue baking for an additional 3–5 minutes until crisped to your liking.

Overhead view of bacon wrapped dates on a white plate with goat cheese filling visible.

Expert Tips

Let the goat cheese warm to room temperature so it’s easy to spoon into the dates.
Don’t overstuff — about 1 teaspoon of goat cheese per date is enough. Overfilling causes the cheese to leak while baking.
Use a wire rack on the baking sheet for crispier bacon so drippings fall away; place foil under the rack for easy cleanup.

Storage instructions

Make ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and keep covered in the refrigerator. If baking from chilled, add 2–3 minutes to the cook time as needed.

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to crisp the bacon.

Freezer: Freeze unbaked, assembled dates for up to 1 month. Flash-freeze on a sheet, transfer to a freezer bag, and bake from frozen adding about 5 extra minutes.

A photo of a hand holding a bacon wrapped date over a platter of goat cheese stuffed dates.

Variations

Blue cheese: Substitute crumbled blue cheese for a bolder flavor.

Almond-stuffed: Skip the cheese and place a roasted almond in each date for a dairy-free, crunchy alternative.

Balsamic glaze: Drizzle finished dates with a balsamic reduction to add tang and brightness.

Spicy: Mix a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes into the goat cheese or use peppered bacon.

Cream cheese: Use cream cheese instead of goat cheese for a milder, kid-friendly option.

More gluten-free appetizers to try

All Appetizers

Did you make this recipe?

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Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese

Bacon-wrapped dates with goat cheese are always the first appetizer to disappear. Sweet, salty, and easy to make ahead with only three ingredients.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Servings 24 bites

Ingredients

24 medjool dates, pitted
5 oz goat cheese, softened
12 slices bacon, cut in half

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil. For crispier bacon, place a wire rack on the sheet.
Slice each date lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Remove and discard the pit.
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of softened goat cheese into each date.
Wrap each stuffed date with half a slice of bacon, tuck the end underneath, and secure with a toothpick.
Arrange dates seam-side down on the rack or baking sheet. Bake 15 minutes, then flip (if not using a rack) and bake another 10–15 minutes until bacon is golden and crisp.
Let cool 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Ingredient Notes: Use regular-cut bacon for best timing. Let goat cheese warm to room temperature for easier stuffing.
Crispy Bacon Tip: If not using a rack, flip the dates halfway through baking so the bacon crisps evenly.
Make Ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours before baking and refrigerate.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days; reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes.

Nutrition