Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Ready IN

30 mins

Servings

Save

July 17, 2026Updated:July 30, 2026

This has got to be one of my favorite appetizer recipes! I love trying new foods and am often inspired by restaurants, which is what happened with these bacon-wrapped dates. They are inspired by the “Devils on Horseback” appetizer I enjoyed at The Pearl restaurant in Dublin, Ohio. I personally love the goat cheese center, but you can leave it out if you want or replace it with an almond. They’re simple but sure to impress, and I can’t wait for you to try them.

How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Glaze: Make the glaze by combining maple syrup, cilantro, red pepper flakes, and sweet onion.

Prep Dates: Use a knife to make a lengthwise slit in the center of the date and remove the pit (if needed).

Assemble: Slice bacon strips in half. Scoop a teaspoon of goat cheese inside the date and wrap a piece of bacon around each date, securing with a toothpick. Arrange on a metal cooling rack on top of an aluminum-lined baking sheet. Lightly brush a coating of the glaze over each date (save the rest).

Bake at 400 degrees F for 15 to 25 minutes, until bacon is crispy. Remove from oven and drizzle with remaining glaze. Serve warm or at room temperature. Refrigerate after 2 hours of sitting out. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.

Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions

To Make Ahead: Fully assemble the dates with the goat cheese and bacon wrapped around them, cover, and refrigerate for up to 48 hours (depending on how fresh the bacon is).

Store: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.

To Freeze: Follow the steps to assemble the bacon-wrapped dates with the goat cheese and secure the wrapped bacon with a toothpick. Arrange in a freezer-safe container and keep in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before continuing the recipe by brushing on the glaze and baking.

Recipe Variations:

Cheese: Swap out goat cheese for your favorite soft cheese, such as Boursin, cream cheese, or blue cheese, or omit the cheese altogether.
Nuts: Instead of the cheese, use a crunchy almond stuffed inside the date.

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Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Lauren Allen

Time

30 mins

(Prep 10 minsCook 20 mins)

Servings

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

20 mins

Total Time

30 mins

Servings

Ingredients

12 slices bacon, thin cut
24 medjool dates, fresh, pitted
goat cheese, chèvre, plain

Glaze:

1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1 tablespoon sweet onion, minced
pinch crushed red pepper flakes, if desired

Instructions

STEP 1

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place a metal cooling rack on top of a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment. (I like to cook the dates on a baking tray, to allow air to circulate under them, for crispy bacon).

STEP 2

Make glaze by stirring the glaze ingredients together. Set aside.

STEP 3

Fill dates: Cut a slit in the center of the dates, lengthwise. Remove pit, if needed. Stuff the opening with a teaspoon of cheese.

STEP 4

Wrap in bacon: Cut bacon strips in half and wrap the bacon around each date, securing it with a toothpick. Place on prepared baking sheet. Brush a light coating of maple syrup glaze over each (reserve the extra).

STEP 5

Bake at 400 degrees F for 15-25 minutes, or until bacon is crisp. Remove from oven and drizzle with any remaining glaze.

STEP 6

Serve warm or at room temperature (refrigerate after 2 hours sitting out). Leftovers will keep for 2-3 days in the fridge.

Goat Cheese

We use plain, but you may use herb flavored, or replace with your favorite soft cheese like boursin, cream cheese, bleu cheese.

Nuts

Instead of the cheese, use a crunchy almond inside instead

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates

Preheat air fryer to 390 degrees F. Place assembled dates inside and air fry for 7-8 minutes. Open air fryer and flip the dates to a new side. Air fry for 3-5 more minutes or until crispy

Make Ahead Instructions

Follow the recipe to assemble the dates with the goat cheese and bacon wrapped then cover and keep in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours (depending on how fresh your bacon is).

Storage

Storing leftovers covered in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Freezing Instructions

Fill dates with cheese and wrap in bacon. Place in a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before adding glaze and baking.

Nutrition

Calories: 177kcal, Carbohydrates: 41g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 2g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.05g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.5g, Cholesterol: 4mg, Sodium: 56mg, Potassium: 353mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 36g, Vitamin A: 169IU, Vitamin C: 0.04mg, Calcium: 51mg, Iron: 1mg

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