I remember the first time I made Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates—it was one of those evenings when the chaos of homework, dinner prep, and bedtime was about to tip me over. I’d heard about these savory sweet appetizers from a friend and figured it might be a delicious way to bring some comfort to our hectic family dinner. Spoiler: It was a total win! My kids were curious about these bite-sized goodies at first but quickly became obsessed with the mix of creamy goat cheese and crispy bacon wrapped around naturally sweet dates.
This recipe turned into our cozy kitchen secret. Every time I bring out these Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates, it feels like I’m handing my family a little pocket of comfort. It’s such a simple recipe with big flavors that somehow manage to satisfy everyone—from the pickiest of snackers to my husband, who loves a good savory sweet appetizer. The unexpected creaminess of the goat cheese stuffed inside the smoky, crunchy bacon is a tiny celebration in every bite.
Over time, perfecting this dish became a fun adventure. Early on, I learned the importance of balancing the saltiness of the bacon with the sweetness of the dates and the tang of the goat cheese. Some days we swapped in cream cheese when I was out of goat cheese (more on that later), and each version brought its own cozy twist. This little recipe fits perfectly into my cooking goals: feeding my family well without sweat, mess, or stress, and with enough flavor to keep everyone happy.
If you’re a busy mom looking for an easy party finger food or a savory sweet appetizer that feels like a rewarding treat, I’m here with open arms and this comforting recipe. You’re going to love how Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates bring warmth and ease to your kitchen, just like they have to mine. Let’s chat about how to get you set up with this family favorite!
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Here’s what you’ll gather for our cozy Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates, perfect for busy moms needing comfort without complexity!
- 20 large Medjool dates (pitted) — packed with natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with savory bacon
- 4 ounces goat cheese — creamy, tangy, and just the right touch to soften the sweetness of the dates
- 10 slices of bacon (cut in half) — smoky and crispy, the superstar wrapping your stuffed dates
- Optional: chopped toasted nuts (like almonds or pecans) — for extra crunch and warmth
- Drizzle of honey (if desired) — adds a little boost of sweetness that makes this stuffed dates appetizer a crowd-pleaser
If you’re out of goat cheese, no worries! I’ve swapped in cream cheese for a milder, cheaper, and equally comforting twist. You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store—no specialty trips required.
If you’re watching your budget, opt for regular pork bacon instead of fancy artisan bacon; your Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates will still shine. Also, pre-pitted dates save a ton of time—grab those if you’re racing the clock.
For prep shortcuts, I like to slice the bacon and pre-fill the dates with cheese before wrapping. That way, wrapping and baking move quickly when the kids start asking “What’s for dinner?”
Trust me, this Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity!
Let’s Make it Happen!
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. While that warms up, get your dates and ingredients out. I always find starting with a warm oven lifts my spirits—it’s like prepping a cozy hug for the family.
2. Fill each date with about a teaspoon of goat cheese. If you want a little crunch, press some toasted nuts into the cheese filling. This step feels a bit fiddly, but your fingers will get faster with practice, promise.
3. Wrap each stuffed date with a half slice of bacon. Secure with a toothpick if needed. At first, I struggled with bacon slipping off, so this tiny hack keeps everything in place and makes baking less stressful.
4. Place the wrapped dates on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This is your Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates assembly line—bake them in one layer so each date crisps evenly.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bacon is crispy. I start checking at 18 minutes because ovens can differ. Your kitchen will smell amazing by now—a warning for hungry kids hovering nearby!
6. Optional: drizzle with honey once out of the oven. We love this sweet touch in my family—it makes these savory sweet appetizers feel extra special.
7. Let cool slightly before serving. These are best warm but safe for little hands. While waiting, I usually prep school lunches or squeeze in a quick tidy-up.
Don’t worry if your Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates look a little uneven; they’re meant to be rustic, comforting, and totally family-loved. You’ll get faster at wrapping and scaling as you go along!
While cooking, if you want more ideas, check out my similar family favorite Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers for more simple comfort food ideas.
How We Love to Eat This!

In my house, this Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. We serve them as an easy party finger food or an after-school snack for my kids that feels a little fancy but is simple enough for weeknights.
Pairing ideas that my kiddos love:
- A crunchy side salad or fresh fruit to balance the richness
- Roasted veggies tossed in olive oil for a cozy, wholesome meal alongside
- Soft rolls for guests or big eaters who want a heartier bite
Presentation is super simple—pile these savory sweet appetizers on a nice platter and watch everyone dig in. If you’re hosting friends, they always ask for the recipe because these bacon wrapped snacks feel upscale but come together quickly.
Leftovers? Oh yes! They reheat well in the oven or even air fryer (if you have one), keeping that bacon crisp. When leftovers linger, I add a drizzle of balsamic glaze to change things up.
Seasonally, I’ve tried adding fresh rosemary from the garden or swapping goat cheese for herbed cream cheese. Each version has its comforts. My husband prefers the straight goat cheese version, while my kids enjoy the cream cheese stuffed dates wrapped in bacon for a milder taste.
If you want more bacon-wrapped snacks or cheesy bites, try my easy Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball or Bacon Jalapeno Cream Cheese Balls — perfect for your snack arsenal!
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
- Is this Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates filling enough for growing kids? Absolutely! The combination of bacon, goat cheese, and the natural sugar from dates packs a satisfying punch. It’s ideal as a snack or appetizer, and paired with a side, it’s a wholesome mini meal.
- What if my picky eater won’t try these? I’ve been there. Sometimes swapping goat cheese for cream cheese softens the flavor, making it more approachable. You can also chop dates fine and mix with cheese inside. Give it a few tries gently!
- Can I meal prep Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates for busy weeks? Yes! You can assemble them ahead and refrigerate overnight. Bake them fresh when ready. Leftovers also reheat well to keep the bacon crispy.
- Are these safe for little ones? Just watch the bacon crispness and toothpick use for toddlers. Slice into smaller pieces if young kids join in.
- What about dietary substitutions? Try turkey bacon for a leaner version, or use vegan cheese and tempeh bacon for dairy-free options. Flavors shift but comfort stays.
- Can I make them gluten-free? Yes, they are naturally gluten-free if you use clean bacon and check cheese labels.
- Where did you find this recipe originally? A friend shared a link from Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese Recipe – Pinch of Yum. I’ve tweaked it for our family’s taste and comfort needs since.
For more inspiration, see Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey and even classic party snack ideas like Devils on horseback are an irresistible party snack of bacon.
Final Thoughts:
This simple Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates recipe lands right in the heart of my family’s comfort food goals. It’s easy enough for busy weeks, tasty enough for celebrations, and loved by kids and adults alike.
My Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates Comfort Hacks:
- Prep your dates and cheese the night before to save time
- Use toothpicks wisely for swift wrapping without stress
- Try different cheese variations (cream cheese, herbed cheese) for fun twists
Family-tested variations are a must! My kids prefer cream cheese for a softer taste, while my husband loves adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat. Occasionally, I mix in chopped nuts for crunch and texture that feels extra cozy.
Remember, your Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates can be as simple or as fancy as your family likes. Make it your own by adding flavors or sides that feel comforting to your busy household.
I hope this recipe brings warmth, ease, and some peaceful moments to your kitchen. Enjoy every bite—and know you’re feeding your family well without extra stress. That’s what comfort food is truly about!
Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates
Delightfully sweet and savory, these Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates make an irresistible appetizer perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 12 Medjool dates, pitted
- 4 oz goat cheese
- 6 slices bacon, halved
- 12 almonds (optional)
- Toothpicks
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Make a small slit in each date and remove the pit if not already pitted.
- Stuff each date with about 1 teaspoon of goat cheese and an almond if using.
- Wrap each stuffed date with half a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway, until bacon is crispy.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For an extra touch, drizzle with honey or sprinkle chopped fresh herbs before serving.

