Crispy Beef Bacon Wrapped Dates Goat Cheese (Printable)

Medjool dates stuffed with goat cheese and wrapped in crispy beef bacon. An elegant, easy-to-make appetizer for entertaining.

# What goes in:

→ Dates & Filling

01 - 16 large Medjool dates, pitted
02 - 4 oz goat cheese, softened

→ Wrapper

03 - 8 slices beef bacon, cut in half

→ Garnish

04 - 1 tablespoon honey, optional for drizzling
05 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Gently open each pitted date. Fill each date with approximately 1 teaspoon of softened goat cheese, then press closed.
03 - Wrap each stuffed date with half a slice of beef bacon, securing with a toothpick if necessary.
04 - Arrange the wrapped dates seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
05 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and browned.
06 - Transfer to a serving plate. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • These little bites strike that magical balance between sweet and savory that makes it impossible to eat just one.
  • The contrasting textures make each bite an experience rich creamy cheese giving way to chewy date all wrapped in that crispy bacon exterior.
02 -
  • Letting the goat cheese come to room temperature makes it infinitely easier to work with I learned this after struggling with cold cheese that kept crumbling.
  • Dont skip turning the dates halfway through baking this ensures the bacon crisps evenly on all sides and prevents burning.
03 -
  • If your dates are on the smaller side, chop the beef bacon into thirds instead of halves to avoid overwhelming the delicate fruit.
  • For the crispiest bacon exterior, pat the bacon dry with paper towels before wrapping your dates this removes excess moisture that can prevent proper crisping.

Return