Quick and one pan easy bacon wrapped dates recipe, stuffed with goat cheese. This 30 minute appetizer is made with simple ingredients.
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The first time I had these was probably as a teenager and I truly thought it was the most vile thing I had ever eaten. haha. Well, fast forward a few years and my palette has developed and I actually like them now! They are delicious, sweet and salty and fancy enough to serve at dinner parties, tailgating, Super Bowl game day partiesĀ and even New Year's parties. I enjoy this bite sized finger food as much as my Bacon Wrapped Smokies (One Pan) and this Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip (One Bowl).
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Key ingredients
- Bacon- Make sure not to use thick bacon. It should be the thin kind for best results.
- Dates- Medjool dates are best in my experience because they are larger in size and have an incredibly rich flavor. Be sure to pit them or buy them pitted.
- Goat cheese- The sharp and tangy flavor of this cheese compliments the sweetness of the dates perfectly. For a milder cheese flavor, you can use thick ricotta or even mascarpone cheese.
Variations
- Wrap in prosciutto- Instead of bacon, simply wrap in prosciutto or even pancetta.
- Add maple syrup topping- Drizzle with maple syrup for a sweet and salty version.
- Add sugar topping- You can sprinkle brown sugar on top of the bacon and bake accordingly for a caramelized/ candied bacon version.
- Try different cheeses- Stuff with cream cheese, ricotta, mascarpone, whipped feta, blue cheese, brie or gorgonzola cheese.
- Add herbs and spices to cheese filling- Min in fresh basil, chives, dill, parsley, garlic powder or red chili flakes for spice.
- Stuff nuts in too- Pistachios or almonds are popular choices.
- Leave out cheese- Simply skip this step if you prefer a dairy free option.
- Make it vegetarian- Omit the bacon, and bake for a few less minutes.
How to make easy one pan bacon wrapped dates recipe from scratch?
1. Remove pits from dates- Or you can just buy pitted dates.
2. Fill-With goat cheese.
3. Wrap- With slices of bacon.
4. Secure- With toothpick.
5. Place them- On lined baking tray.
6. Bake- Until bacon is cooked through.
What to serve with stuffed dates?
Serve them with other bite-sized items on a charcuterie board. Include some or all of the following:
- Crackers- Such as Ritz crackers, butter crackers, cracked pepper, wheat, or whatever you prefer.
- Breadsticks-Ā Hard breadsticks work well.
- Bread- Like French bread, sourdough, or ciabatta.
- Cured meats- Summer sausage, salami, or other smoked meats.
- Nuts- Such as walnuts, almonds, pecans, cashews, pistachios, or peanuts.
- Fruit-Ā Apples, pears, grapes, cherries, or dried fruit like apricots.
- Puff pastry- Try these Garlic Cheese Bombs (One Pan) or these Chicken Puff Pastry (One Pan) or these Cheesy Spinach puffs (One Pan) or even these Cranberry Brie Bites (One Pan).
- Dips- Try this Homemade French Onion Dip (One Bowl) or this Spinach Artichoke Dip (One Bowl) or this Creamy Dill Dip (One Bowl).
Tips And Techniques
- Don't use thick cut bacon- It takes too long to cook. It will either be underdone bacon, or the dates will be overdone.
- Line the baking tray with aluminum foil- Because this prevents the bacon from sticking to the tray and ripping when being removed.
- Use pitted dates- Because this makes preparation even easier and faster.
- Remove toothpicks before serving- This is optional but some people do it for better presentation. However, keeping it intact makes it easy for guests to help themselves. It's basically a personal preference.
- Make sure to turn the dates during baking- Because this ensures that all sides get crispy and cooked through.
- How do I know when bacon wrapped dates are done? They are done when bacon is cooked through and golden brown on top.
Recipe FAQs
Simply slice an opening in the end of the date and dig the pit out with your fingers or the end of a knife. You can also make a small cut on the side of the date and push against the back of the date to make it pop out. Another option is to buy pitted dates if you want to skip this step entirely.
The best cheese options are: Brie, Ricotta, Camembert, Smoked gouda, Sharp cheddar, Parmesan, Gorgonzola, Mozzarella.
Storage
- Refrigerate- These are best served immediately, but can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The bacon won't stay as crispy.
- Freeze- This is not recommended since it won't thaw well and in my experience, ended up becoming so wet and sticky. Super gross!
- Reheat- In the oven or microwave but it just won't have the same amazing crispy texture as it did when it was freshly baked.
- Make ahead instructions-Ā These can be assembled 1 day in advance, refrigerated and then baked before guests arrive.
More one pot bacon recipes
- Green Beans with Bacon (One Pot)
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta (One Pot)
- Fried Cabbage with Bacon (One Pot)
- Bacon Pasta (One Pot)
- Bacon Fried Rice (One Pot)
Recipe
Easy One Pan Bacon Wrapped Dates
Video
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Ingredients
- 8 slices Bacon Cut each strip into half
- 16 Dates Preferably Medjool dates, Pitted
- Ā¾ cup Goat cheese
Instructions
- Spread out the opening on top of the dates and fill the cavity with some goat cheese. Press the sides together to close.
- Wrap each date with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Place them on a baking tray, lined with aluminum foil.
- Bake for at 350 degrees F for about 8 minutes. Then, turn them on their sides and bake them for another 5-7 minutes or until bacon is fully cooked.Ā
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Don't use thick bacon because it takes too long to cook.
- Line baking tray with aluminum foil or parchment paper to prevent sticking.Ā
- Instead of pitting dates yourself, just buy pitted ones and save time.Ā
- Try other types of cheeses like mascarpone, cream cheese, mozzarella, blue cheese.Ā
- Remember to to turn the dates during baking because this ensures that all sides get crispy and cooked through.
- Instead of bacon, you can wrap in prosciutto.Ā
- Read additional tips and variations above.
Nutrition
An automated tool is used to calculate the nutritional information. As such, I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information provided for any recipe on this site.
Cindy says
Yummazing, definitely going to try this. What about the pits of the dates - should I remove them and put the goat cheese in their place?
Abeer Rizvi says
Yes, remove the pits and fill the empty space with cheese.
Liz says
These have become a party favorite! I am always on the hunt for easy, yummy appetizers and these are perfect!