Irresistible Bacon Wrapped Dates

If you’re yet to experience the culinary delight that is bacon-wrapped dates, prepare yourself for an absolutely irresistible treat! This appetizer goes beyond its catchy name; it’s a sophisticated interplay of textures and tastes. Each sweet, chewy date is not only enveloped in savory bacon but also generously stuffed with creamy, tangy goat cheese. The resulting combination of sweet, salty, and chewy elements creates a flavor explosion that is truly unforgettable, making these little bites utterly addictive. They pair wonderfully with a crisp, ice-cold beer, much like our equally delicious salty soft pretzel bites served with a rich beer cheese dipping sauce.

I recently served these delectable stuffed dates as an appetizer at a belated family Christmas party, which finally took place in January after holiday colds and fevers delayed our celebrations. They were an enormous success! I had secretly hoped for a few leftovers to enjoy with my breakfast the next day, but alas, they vanished quickly – a true testament to their popularity. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for anyone looking to impress their guests with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Unforgettable Bacon Wrapped Dates: A Party Essential

These bacon-wrapped dates are more than just an appetizer; they are a culinary experience designed to delight. Here’s why they stand out and are destined to be a hit at your next event:

A Symphony of Flavors: Sweet, Savory, and Smoky

Imagine the rich sweetness of dates perfectly harmonizing with the salty, smoky crunch of bacon and the creamy tang of goat cheese. This trifecta creates an incredibly balanced and complex flavor profile that tantalizes the taste buds. What truly elevates this recipe is the addition of an insanely delicious brown sugar spice rub. This special rub drives home that coveted salty-sweet combination, adding a subtle warmth and depth that makes each bite utterly unique and memorable. It’s the secret ingredient that transforms a good appetizer into an extraordinary one.

Dynamic Contrasting Textures

While flavor is paramount, texture plays an equally crucial role in creating an enjoyable eating experience. These bacon-wrapped dates excel in this department, offering a delightful contrast in every bite. You get the soft, chewy interior of the date, the melt-in-your-mouth creaminess of the goat cheese, and the satisfying crispness of the perfectly cooked bacon. This multi-textured sensation ensures that each piece is a miniature masterpiece, providing a harmonious balance that makes them irresistible as a party snack.

Effortless Hosting: Perfect for Make-Ahead Preparation

Hosting a party can be stressful, but this recipe offers immense convenience. These bacon-wrapped dates can be prepped well in advance, allowing you to assemble them and then simply bake them immediately before serving. This invaluable make-ahead capability frees up your time on the day of the event, enabling you to focus on more demanding tasks or simply enjoy the company of your guests. It’s the ideal solution for entertaining with ease and elegance.

Versatile for Any Occasion

The beauty of bacon-wrapped dates lies in their incredible versatility. Whether you’re planning a casual game day gathering, a festive holiday celebration, or a sophisticated formal party, these appetizers fit right in. Their gourmet appeal combined with their approachable nature makes them suitable for a wide range of events. They are guaranteed to impress, no matter the setting or the formality of the occasion, proving themselves to be a truly adaptable and beloved snack.

Key Ingredients for Perfect Bacon Wrapped Dates

Crafting the perfect bacon-wrapped dates begins with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:

• Dates: For this recipe, I highly recommend using Deglet Noor dates. These dates are generally smaller and possess a firmer texture compared to their Medjool counterparts, which helps them hold their shape better when stuffed and wrapped. They are also often more budget-friendly, making them an excellent choice for appetizers. Store unopened packages in your pantry, but once opened, dates should be refrigerated to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
• Thick-Cut Bacon: The quality of bacon makes a significant difference. I experimented with both regular and thick-cut bacon, and the results with thick-cut bacon were far superior. Thinner slices tend to shrink considerably during baking, almost disappearing into the date, whereas thick-cut bacon holds its structure and provides a much more satisfying, crisp texture and robust flavor that truly complements the sweetness of the date and the tang of the cheese.
• Goat Cheese: A log of plain goat cheese is your best friend here. We tested various cheeses, but many “melting” varieties, such as cheddar or mozzarella, tended to ooze out of the dates during baking, resulting in a tough and chewy texture. Goat cheese, however, maintains its creamy consistency and stays beautifully contained within the date, ensuring a perfectly gooey center in every bite.
• Dark Brown Sugar: To achieve that irresistible sweet and savory balance, dark brown sugar is preferred. Its higher molasses content provides a deeper, richer flavor that stands up wonderfully to the robust notes of bacon and spices. While light brown sugar can be used in a pinch, dark brown sugar truly enhances the overall complexity of the rub.
• Flavorful Spices: Our carefully chosen blend of chili powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper adds a fantastic layer of warmth and a hint of gentle heat. This spice combination perfectly complements the sweetness of the dates, the richness of the bacon, and the creaminess of the cheese. These spices are mixed with the brown sugar to create an aromatic rub that coats each date before baking.
• Wooden Toothpicks: Don’t underestimate the importance of wooden toothpicks! You’ll need one per date to securely hold the bacon in place during baking. Beyond their functional role, they also serve as convenient little handles, making it easy for guests to pick up and enjoy these bite-sized appetizers.

Simple Steps to Crafting Bacon Wrapped Dates

Creating these sensational bacon-wrapped dates is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these steps for an appetizer that will impress everyone:

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Setup

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a standard sheet pan with aluminum foil. This simple step is a game-changer for easy cleanup. Next, place an oven-proof wire rack directly on top of the foil-lined baking sheet. Lightly coat the wire rack with a nonstick cooking spray. The rack allows air to circulate around the dates, ensuring the bacon cooks evenly and gets perfectly crispy, while the foil catches any drips, making post-party cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Create Pockets in the Dates

Carefully use a sharp paring knife to cut a small slit lengthwise into one side of each date. Be sure not to slice all the way through, as you need to create a pocket for the filling. As you do this, take a moment to double-check that all pits have been removed. Occasionally, a stray pit or fragment can remain even in “pitted” dates, and no one wants an unexpected crunch!

Step 3: Stuff with Creamy Goat Cheese

Gently tuck approximately ¾ teaspoon of soft goat cheese into the slit you’ve created in each date. While it might not seem like a large amount of cheese, it’s the perfect portion. Attempting to overstuff the dates can make it difficult to pinch the edges back together, which is crucial for keeping the cheese from oozing out during baking. Aim for a neat, compact filling.

Step 4: Wrap and Secure the Dates

Cut your thick-cut bacon slices into thirds. Take one piece of bacon and carefully wrap it around each cheese-stuffed date, ensuring that the bacon tightly encloses the cheese-filled slit as much as possible. Secure the bacon with a wooden toothpick. For optimal results and to prevent the cheese from escaping as it melts, position the cut side of the date (where the cheese is stuffed) facing upwards, and the ends of the bacon facing downwards against the date. The toothpick should be pushed all the way through the date and bacon, creating a convenient handle for serving.

Step 5: Prepare the Signature Spice Rub

In a small mixing bowl, combine the dark brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Use a fork to thoroughly whisk these ingredients together, making sure to break up any clumps of brown sugar. This ensures a consistent and flavorful coating for each date. This unique rub is what truly sets these bacon-wrapped dates apart, adding a complex blend of sweetness and subtle spice.

Step 6: Coat the Dates Evenly

Once your spice rub is prepared, roll each bacon-wrapped date thoroughly in the mixture. Apply gentle pressure to ensure that the brown sugar and spices adhere well to the bacon. A generous coating will create a caramelized, flavorful crust during baking, enhancing both the taste and texture.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the coated dates on the wire rack, ensuring they are evenly spaced to promote consistent cooking. Bake in your preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the bacon is beautifully crisp and golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven and the thickness of the bacon. Once baked, allow the dates to cool for at least five minutes before serving. This cooling period is essential, not just for safety (hot goat cheese can be very hot!) but also to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to set slightly, providing the perfect gooey texture.

Exciting Recipe Variations to Explore

While the classic bacon-wrapped date recipe is perfect as is, feel free to get creative with these delicious variations to suit different tastes or ingredients you have on hand:

• Customizing the Spice Rub: The brown sugar spice rub is key to this recipe’s unique flavor. If you prefer a bolder, spicier kick, consider doubling the amounts of chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne while keeping the brown sugar consistent. For a different kind of sweetness and depth, maple sugar can be a fantastic substitute for brown sugar if you have it available. For those who love heat, an extra pinch or even a full ⅛ teaspoon of cayenne will definitely turn up the spice.
• Experimenting with Other Cheeses: As mentioned, goat cheese is my top recommendation because it holds its shape beautifully and doesn’t melt out. However, if goat cheese isn’t your preference, you have other soft cheese options. Try stuffing the dates with cream cheese for a milder, richer flavor, or crumbled feta for a salty, tangy counterpoint. For a bolder taste, a small amount of gorgonzola or blue cheese can add a pungent, sophisticated note that pairs surprisingly well with the sweet dates and savory bacon.
• Substituting Almonds for Cheese: For a delightful textural contrast or a dairy-free alternative, consider stuffing each date with a whole almond instead of cheese. Almonds provide a wonderful crunch that complements the chewy dates and crispy bacon, adding another layer of texture and a subtle nutty flavor. In fact, many hosts prepare a double batch: one with the creamy goat cheese and another with crunchy almonds, offering a variety that caters to all guests.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

Whether you’re hosting an elegant cocktail party, a casual game day gathering, or a festive holiday celebration, a well-rounded selection of appetizers and drinks is essential. These bacon-wrapped dates are versatile enough to fit into any spread. Here are some ideas to help you complete your party menu:

• Complementary Appetizers: Beyond these delightful dates, consider adding other crowd-pleasing finger foods. Sausage pinwheels are another fun, savory bite, and butternut squash crostini with creamy ricotta always prove popular. The beauty of crostini is its incredible versatility; they can be topped with almost anything from fresh bruschetta to pâté. Don’t forget bacon-wrapped water chestnuts, often served with a tangy barbecue sauce, for another irresistible sweet and savory option. Other great ideas include mini quiches, shrimp cocktail, or a vibrant caprese skewers.
• Refreshing Cocktails & Drinks: To perfectly complement the rich flavors of the dates, offer a selection of beverages. A classic Negroni cocktail with its bittersweet notes makes an excellent pairing. For something a bit more festive, try a vanilla bourbon fizz or an apple cider mule (a delightful fall twist on the Moscow mule). Simple white wine spritzers are always a refreshing hit. For wine lovers, a crisp Prosecco or a dry Rosé can beautifully cut through the richness, while a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir can also be a pleasant choice.
• Delicious Dips: While you might not necessarily dip the bacon-wrapped dates (though you certainly could!), no party spread feels complete without at least one fantastic dip. Our crab rangoon dip is absolutely amazing and incredibly addictive. A creamy slow cooker spinach artichoke dip is another perennial favorite. Other crowd-pleasing options include classic hummus with pita bread, fresh guacamole, or a spicy buffalo chicken dip.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate: Any leftover bacon-wrapped dates can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to enjoy them within this timeframe to maintain their best flavor and texture.

Reheat: To bring your leftover dates back to their crispy, gooey glory, reheating them in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) is an excellent method. Alternatively, you can use a conventional oven. When reheating, always remember to place the dates with the slit side facing upwards to prevent the delicious goat cheese from spilling out. Avoid overheating, as this can dry out the dates or make the bacon too brittle.

Recipe

Bacon Wrapped Dates

4.49 from 27 votes

By
Rachel Gurk

Prep Time:

20 mins

Cook Time:

30 mins

Additional Time:

5 mins

Total Time:

55 mins

Servings:
30

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These bacon wrapped dates are stuffed with creamy goat cheese and coated with an irresistibly delicious brown sugar spice rub. They are guaranteed to be the highlight of your next party!

Ingredients

• 1 pkg. (8 oz.) pitted dates, approximately 30 dates (Deglet Noor works best)
• 4 oz. log plain goat cheese
• 1 pkg. (16 oz.) thick cut bacon (see note below regarding bacon type)
• ¼ cup dark brown sugar (light brown is acceptable as well)
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 pinch cayenne powder, or up to ⅛ teaspoon
• 30 wooden toothpicks

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easier cleanup. Place an oven-safe wire baking rack on top of the foil-lined sheet and lightly spray the rack with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Using a sharp paring knife, carefully cut a small slit into the side of each date, taking care not to slice it completely through. This creates a pocket for the filling. Ensure that all pits have been removed from the dates; occasionally, a fragment may remain. Fill the opening of each date with about ¾ teaspoon of goat cheese. Gently pinch the opening closed around the cheese to secure it.
   1 pkg. (8 oz.) pitted dates, about 30 dates,
   4 oz. log plain goat cheese
3. Cut each strip of thick-cut bacon into thirds. Wrap one piece of bacon around each cheese-filled date. Secure the bacon with a wooden toothpick. For best results, position the cut side of the date facing up and the ends of the bacon facing down, which helps prevent the cheese from oozing out as it melts. Refer to the accompanying photos for visual guidance on proper wrapping technique.
   1 pkg. (16 oz.) thick cut bacon
4. In a small bowl, combine the dark brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne powder. Stir the mixture with a fork until all ingredients are well-combined and any clumps of brown sugar are broken up.
   ¼ cup dark brown sugar,
   ½ teaspoon chili powder,
   ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika,
   1 pinch cayenne powder, or up to ⅛ teaspoon
5. Roll each stuffed and wrapped date in the brown sugar spice mixture, pressing down lightly to ensure the rub adheres well to the bacon and date surface. This coating will create a delicious caramelized crust during baking. Place the coated dates on the wire rack, ensuring the ends of the bacon are facing down and the cheese-filled slit is facing up to minimize cheese leakage.
6. Bake the dates for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the bacon is thoroughly cooked through and crispy. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-browning. Once baked, allow them to cool for at least 5 minutes before serving. This brief cooling period is crucial, as the goat cheese will be very hot. The toothpicks can remain in the dates, serving as convenient handles for your guests.

Notes

• Bacon Choice: For optimal results, we highly recommend using thick-cut bacon, such as Oscar Mayer, as specified in the ingredients. If you opt for a thinner or even thicker cut of bacon, be aware that the cooking time may vary slightly. It’s advisable to monitor the dates closely towards the end of the baking period to ensure the bacon achieves perfect crispness without becoming overly browned.
• Serving Size: When planning for a gathering, I typically estimate about 3 stuffed dates per person. However, this can certainly vary depending on the other appetizers and dishes you’ll be serving alongside them. Adjust accordingly to your guests’ appetites and the overall menu.
• Enhancing the Flavor: The provided brown sugar topping offers a subtle and delightful balance of sweet and savory with a hint of spice. If you prefer a bolder, more intense flavor profile, consider doubling the quantity of all the spices (chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne) while keeping the brown sugar measurement the same. This will give you a spicier, more pronounced rub.
• Almond Alternative: For a fantastic textural contrast or as an alternative to cheese, stuffing each date with a whole almond is a superb choice. The crunchy almond pairs wonderfully with the sweet date and salty bacon. In fact, many hosts prepare a double batch: one with the creamy goat cheese filling and another with the satisfying crunch of almonds to offer a delightful variety for all tastes.
• Make-Ahead Instructions: These appetizers are ideal for preparing in advance. You can assemble the stuffed and wrapped dates an hour or two before your event and refrigerate them until ready to bake. For longer storage, assemble the dates up to the point of adding the brown sugar rub. Store the prepared dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to cook, simply preheat your oven, roll the dates in the spice rub, arrange them on the wire rack, and bake as directed in the instructions. This method allows for maximum freshness with minimal last-minute effort.

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Nutrition

Serving: 1date

,

Calories: 101kcal

,

Carbohydrates: 8g

,

Protein: 3g

,

Fat: 7g

,

Saturated Fat: 3g

,

Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g

,

Monounsaturated Fat: 3g

,

Trans Fat: 0.02g

,

Cholesterol: 12mg

,

Sodium: 115mg

,

Potassium: 84mg

,

Fiber: 1g

,

Sugar: 7g

,

Vitamin A: 63IU

,

Vitamin C: 0.03mg

,

Calcium: 11mg

,

Iron: 0.2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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