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
- Line baking sheet – For easier cleanup, line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Remove pit – Use a pairing knife to slice the dates lengthwise on one side and remove the pit.
- Stuff cheese – Generously stuff each date with goat cheese.
- Wrap bacon – Wrap the bacon tightly around the date so the ends meet under the date.
- Drizzle Honey – Place the dates onto your baking sheet with the bacon seam side down. Drizzle with honey.
- 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 Cocktail 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
Yes! You can just skip the bacon and no baking will be required. Just drizzle the honey over the dates and goat cheese.
Though the appetizers are best when served warm, they are just as good if they are served cold.
Dates really are healthy. Their antioxidant properties may help support gut and bone health, and dates are high in nutrients and fiber making them a great treat! They are also the greatest processed sugar substitute because they are naturally sweet.
If you are looking for an extra crispy finish to your bacon, just cook them a few minutes longer than indicated.
No, you can use your favorite dates, just be sure to pit them before stuffing.
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
- Manchego Cheese Bites
- Shishito Peppers with Dipping Sauce
- Cowboy Caviar
- How to Make a Charcuterie Board
- Bacon Wrapped Chicken
- Smoked Salmon Crostini
Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates Recipe
Ingredients
- 24 Medjool dates
- 12 slices bacon, regular cut, (not thick-sliced)
- 4 oz goat cheese
- 2 Tbsp honey
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using a small paring knife, pit and slice the dates in half lengthwise. Stuff dates with goat cheese.
- Cut bacon strips in half. Wrap bacon around each date and place on the baking sheet with the bacon seam-side-down.
- Drizzle with honey and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.
Nutrition Per Serving
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Hi! I'm Natasha Kravchuk. Here you'll find delicious, trusted recipes with easy step-by-step photos and videos. 
Absolutely delicious! I’ll be bringing these to every future family function as an appetizer. Made them for thanksgiving and my husband’s birthday and they were well loved!! Thank you!
Would this recipe work using an air fryer?
Hi Terese! I have not tested an air fryer, but I assume it would be fine.
hello valentina, do you slice the bacon in half crosswise or lengthwise?
Hi Consuelo, these are cut crosswise just to make the baked long enough to wrap the date.
Wished to have seen a video. I’m better at visualize instructions
Thank you for that feedback Toni!
Do you think cream cheese instead of goat cheese would be good?
Hi Lila, that will work, please see the “Variations and Substitutions” note in the recipe post. I hope you love this recipe!
I had the same question about cream cheese as I have some. I went back to the recipe and there is no Variations.
Hi Cynthia! It’s above the recipe card in the blog post, right below the common questions section. I just scrolled up and was able to view it.
Made these for my family and they loved them (and they don’t like dates!)
That’s wonderful, Debbie! I’m so glad they loved them.
Made these for my daughter’s & son in laws Christmas Party. They were delicious!!!! Will be making them again and again. Thank you for your great recipes and video’s. I have made several of your recipes over the years. Keep it up!!
That’s wonderful! Thank you for the wonderful feedback and support!
Made these for my daughter’s & son in laws Christmas Party. They were delicious!!!! Will be making them again and again. Thank you for your great recipes and video’s.
Hi Michelle! I’m so glad they were a hit! Thank you for sharing!
I have been making stuffed dates with blue cheese for many parties, and they always were the first to go. I will try this recipe with bacon, but with blue cheese. Will report.
Thank you so much for sharing that with me!
Love this idea… I’ve done smoked sweet peppers stuffed goat cheese, wrapped in prosciutto and then coated with a red pepper jelly and they were amazing and a big hit at Thanksgiving. I will be trying these this weekend!
I hope you love this recipe!
Delicious – they made a wonderful appetizer. We made your recipe for a Christmas party last week. It was a hit!
I’m so glad you love it!
So many yummy flavors in this recipe! I made them for a get-together and they went so fast!
Great to hear that the recipe was a huge hit!
so freaking delicious! the goat cheese, the bacon, the date, they all mix so well together and I love this recipe so much, thank you!
I’m so glad you loved it, Jess! Thank you for the feedback.