These bacon wrapped dates are sweet, salty, crispy, and creamy all in one bite, and they disappear at every party. ♡
Medjool dates get stuffed with tangy goat cheese and a whole almond for crunch, then wrapped in bacon and baked until the bacon is shatteringly crispy. The contrast of caramel-sweet dates with salty, smoky bacon is pure magic.
Pit some dates and preheat your oven. Let’s make it together.
Ingredients
Bacon Wrapped Dates
- 24 Medjool dates, pitted
- 4 oz goat cheese, softened
- 24 whole almonds
- 12 slices bacon, cut in half
- Flaky sea salt
- Fresh rosemary (optional)
- Toothpicks
Optional fillings:
- Blue cheese instead of goat cheese
- Cream cheese with jalapeño
- Marcona almonds instead of regular
- A drizzle of balsamic glaze
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Dates
- Stuff. Preheat oven to 400F. Slit each date open lengthwise and remove the pit. Stuff with about 1 teaspoon of goat cheese and tuck an almond inside.
- Wrap. Wrap each stuffed date with a half slice of bacon, making sure the seam side is down. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
- Bake. Place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the bacon is crispy all around.
- Finish. Remove from oven and sprinkle immediately with flaky sea salt and a tiny bit of fresh rosemary if using. Let cool for 2 minutes before serving.
Tips
- Use Medjool dates, not Deglet Noor. Medjool dates are larger, softer, and have that caramel-like sweetness.
- Thin-cut bacon works best. Thick bacon takes too long to crisp and overwhelms the date.
- Don’t skip the flaky sea salt on top. It balances the sweetness and makes the flavor pop.
- Place seam-side down so the bacon doesn’t unravel during baking.
- These can be assembled up to a day ahead. Store in the fridge and bake right before serving.
Variations
- Stuff with blue cheese and walnuts for a bold flavor combination.
- Add a small piece of jalapeño inside each date for heat.
- Drizzle with balsamic reduction after baking for a tangy finish.
- Use prosciutto instead of bacon for a more delicate wrap.
- Stuff with peanut butter and dark chocolate for a dessert version (no bacon).
FAQ
Can I make bacon wrapped dates in an air fryer?
Yes. Air fry at 375F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway. They get extra crispy in the air fryer. Use a toothpick to keep the bacon secure.
How far ahead can I prep these?
Assemble them up to 24 hours ahead and store covered in the fridge. Bake them right before guests arrive so the bacon is hot and crispy.
What if I don't like goat cheese?
Cream cheese, mascarpone, or blue cheese all work great. Even a smear of peanut butter is surprisingly good inside a bacon wrapped date.
How many should I make per person?
Plan for 3 to 4 per person as an appetizer. They go fast, so it’s better to make too many than too few. They’re rarely left over.
Bacon Wrapped Dates
Sweet dates stuffed with goat cheese and almonds, wrapped in crispy bacon and finished with sea salt.
Ingredients
Method
- **Stuff.** Slit dates, fill with goat cheese and almond.
- **Wrap.** Wrap each in half slice bacon, seam down.
- **Bake.** 400F for 18 to 22 minutes, flip halfway.
- **Finish.** Sprinkle with flaky sea salt immediately.
Notes
- Use Medjool dates and thin-cut bacon.
- Assemble up to 24 hours ahead.
- Don't skip the sea salt.
- Assemble up to 24 hours ahead.
- Don't skip the sea salt.
