Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese

In a mere 25 minutes and with just five ingredients, the perfect appetizer is all yours. Originally inspired by the bacon wrapped dates with goat cheese at Settebello in Salt Lake City, these bites are so delicious—they are creamy, chewy, sweet, smoky, and salty, checking all the boxes for an ideal snack. Plus, they are epically easy to assemble. Simply halve and pit juicy, caramel-y Medjool dates, stuff them to the brim with tangy goat cheese, wrap in your favorite bacon, and roast. For extra credit, drizzle with balsamic glaze and indulge. Whether you’re making them for a late afternoon snack or as an appetizer for a dinner party, these bacon wrapped dates do not disappoint.

All About Dates

Dates are a traditionally Middle Eastern stonefruit characterized by their sweetness and soft, jammy texture. While they’re often found in supermarkets next to dried fruits, dates themselves aren’t typically dried—though their slightly crinkled skin might convince you otherwise. There are many varieties of dates that range in color, size, and texture, with Medjool being the most popular. They are larger and a bit softer than other varieties, and the most widely available.

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese

This recipe is just as straightforward as it looks, but here is a detailed breakdown of the process. Whether you’re doing this yourself or recruiting a little help, it’s only a matter of minutes before the dates are ready to roast.

1. Halve the dates. Slicing the dates in half, especially if they are large, produces a more balanced end result. While a whole date wrapped in bacon has a definite “wow” factor, it tends to overpower the rest of the ingredients. Cut the dates in half lengthwise and remove the pit before continuing.
2. Stuff with goat cheese. Use a teaspoon to stuff the natural depression of each date, pressing the cheese into the date as much as possible. Make sure your goat cheese is at room temperature to make the process easier. If you’re starting with cold goat cheese, microwave it for 8-10 seconds to soften.
3. Wrap in bacon. After slicing each piece of bacon in half crosswise, lay it on a flat surface. Place the date cheese side down, then roll the bacon tightly around the date. You can also start by placing the date in the center of the bacon strip, tucking each end over the bottom. This way, the loose ends of the bacon remain on the bottom. Secure the bacon with a toothpick by sliding it all the way through the date.
4. Baste in maple syrup. Using a pastry brush or spoon, brush maple syrup all over the bacon. This will add a touch of extra sweetness and help the bacon to caramelize in the oven.
5. Roast at high heat. While 550° Fahrenheit might seem quite hot, it’s the ideal temperature for quickly rendering the bacon fat and leaving behind dark, charred edges. After testing a few different oven temperatures, this blast of heat proved best for delivering chewy bacon, charred flavor, and impeccable overall texture.

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The Finishing Touches

Once the bacon wrapped dates with goat cheese have roasted and cooled slightly, you can remove the toothpicks (if desired). Arrange the dates on a platter, drizzle all over with balsamic glaze, and enjoy. As a good rule of thumb, make a few more than you think you’ll need—they’re just that good.

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