Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Dates Recipe (2024)

These easy Stuffed Dates make for the perfect appetizer for any party and especially around the Holidays! Pitted dates stuffed with goat cheese, wrapped in bacon, and drizzled with honey then baked until the bacon is crispy and so flavorful.

This stuffed dates recipe joins our Grape Jelly Meatballs and Jalapeno Poppers as crowd-pleasing finger foods at parties.

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Stuffed Dates Recipe

If there’s a combination of flavors that pairs savory with sweetness well, these dates would be on the list. The nutty sweet flavor from the dates combined with the mildly tart flavor of goat cheese wrapped in bacon with a hint of honey then and baked until crispy is the perfect combination of unexpected flavors.

The combination of sweet, savory, and creamy is irresistibly good in this stuffed dates recipe.

Though the stuffed dates are great for parties or potlucks, they are equally amazing for an afternoon snack or a road trip snack.

Ingredients for Stuffed Dates

You only need 4 simple ingredients for this easy recipe and it comes together so quickly making it a winning recipe.

• Medjool dates – We like using Medjool dates as they are large and have that perfect sweetness to them. You can use your favorite dates for this recipe.
• Goat cheese – Your favorite plain soft goat cheese will work.
• Bacon – We prefer thin bacon because it gets crispy in the oven faster. Thick-cut bacon will take longer and the dates and filling will end up a little overcooked.
• Honey – Though honey can be optional, the added drizzle of flavor is welcoming.

How to Make Stuffed Dates

1. Line baking sheet – For easier cleanup, line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Remove pit – Use a pairing knife to slice the dates lengthwise on one side and remove the pit.
3. Stuff cheese – Generously stuff each date with goat cheese.
4. Wrap bacon – Wrap the bacon tightly around the date so the ends meet under the date.
5. Drizzle Honey – Place the dates onto your baking sheet with the bacon seam side down. Drizzle with honey.
6. Bake – Bake the stuffed dates until the bacon is crispy.

Pro Tip: You can slice bacon into three if you prefer less bacon. In this case, secure the bacon with a toothpick so it doesn’t come undone.

Storing & Make-Ahead

We love appetizers that we can make ahead of time like Shrimp co*cktail or Hummus. It makes entertaining that much easier and more relaxed. You’ll love that these stuffed dates keep well.

• Make-Ahead – These can easily be made one day in advance, covered, and refrigerated. Then just bake before serving.
• Refrigerate – Store the leftovers in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat – To reheat the stuffed dates, bake them in the oven or air fryer until reheated.

Common Questions

Variations and Substitutions

The stuffed dates are so versatile and may be enjoyed in so many different ways. Here are some different sweet or savory ways you can stuff your dates:

• Cream cheese instead of goat cheese
• Peanut butter and almonds
• Peanut butter stuffed and coated with chocolate
• Substitute prosciutto for bacon
• Top or stuff with crushed pistachios or almonds
• Skip the bacon for a no-bake option

More Appetizers to Enjoy

• Shish*to Peppers with Dipping Sauce
• Cowboy Caviar
• How to Make a Charcuterie Board
• Bacon Wrapped Chicken
• Smoked Salmon Crostini