Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese
These festive bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with creamy goat cheese are the perfect make-ahead Christmas appetizer. Sweet, smoky, and savory, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any holiday gathering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 24 Medjool dates, pitted
- 4 oz goat cheese, softened
- 12 slices smoked bacon, cut in half
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)
- Toothpicks
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Stuff each pitted date with about 1 teaspoon of softened goat cheese.
- Wrap each stuffed date with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Arrange wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until bacon is golden and crispy and dates are caramelized.
- Cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh rosemary if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
You can assemble these up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Chill wrapped dates for 15 minutes before baking to help bacon stick. For extra crispness, try air frying. Swap goat cheese for dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan option. Bacon-wrapped dates freeze well for up to a month.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 2
Keywords: Christmas appetizers, make-ahead, bacon-wrapped dates, holiday party, goat cheese, finger food, festive, easy appetizer