Bacon Wrapped Dark Chocolate & Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates

It’s Day 4 of AK Appetizer Week, and these little bites are one of my all-time favorites to serve during the holiday season.

These easy, bacon-wrapped dates aren’t only adorable, but they’re also SO DELICIOUS. Each date is stuffed with goat cheese and dark chocolate (just trust me), then closed and wrapped in a half slice of bacon. The sweet, savory, slightly spicy combo is pure bliss in every bite.

I suggest making a double batch because your guests will be going back for seconds and thirds before dinner!

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Ingredients in bacon-wrapped dates

Like many of my appetizer recipes, I like to keep the ingredient list relatively short so that you can whip them up in no time. Here’s what you’ll need to make these dates:

• Dates: we’re going to use medjool dates for the delicious, sweet element to the recipe.
• Goat cheese: we’re not just wrapping these babies in bacon; we’re also stuffing them with creamy goat cheese. YUM!
• Dark chocolate: this is optional, but a little piece of rich dark chocolate snuggled in the goat cheese layer takes these dates to the next level.
• Bacon: each date is wrapped in a half piece of savory, thick-cut bacon that crisps up and tastes amazing.
• Maple syrup: a little drizzle of pure maple syrup on each bacon-wrapped date adds a wonderful sweetness that pairs with the savory bacon.
• Cayenne pepper: if you like a kick of heat (like I do) add a sprinkle of cayenne! This is optional, so if you’re sensitive to spice, simply omit.

Customize these dates

There are easy ways to make these goat cheese stuffed dates your own! They’d be delicious with:

• Savory blue cheese
• A spicy cheese
• Cream cheese
• Prosciutto instead of bacon if you prefer it
• Or even try some crunch from nuts like almonds in the middle!

Can I make them dairy-free?

Sure! Simply stuff the dates with dairy-free cream cheese instead of goat cheese.

How to make goat cheese stuffed dates

1. Prep your dates. You’ll simply split each one in half (without breaking it apart) and remove the pit if it has one.
2. Add the filling. Add a small piece of dark chocolate inside your date. Spread a little goat cheese and close it up. Do this with all of your dates.
3. It’s bacon time! Cut your bacon strips in half and carefully wrap each half around one of the dates. Place the dates on a large, prepared baking sheet so that the bacon is seam-side down to help them stay together.
4. Jazz ’em up. Brush each date with a little maple syrup and sprinkle cayenne if you like a kick of heat. Then, add a toothpick to keep them together.
5. Bake & serve. Finally, bake the dates, flip, bake again, and enjoy!

Tips for making bacon-wrapped dates

• Check for the pit. Double-check and make sure your dates do not have the pit inside. If they do, once you’ve split your date, simply pull the pit right out.
• Split gently. Be careful when splitting your dates apart — they’re soft and you want to make sure you don’t break them in half.
• Prep your pan. Use a sheet pan with edges and line it with parchment paper so that the bacon grease doesn’t spill everywhere.
• Don’t overfill. Be sure not to overfill your dates as the filling may leak out.
• Place seam-side down. Remember to place your goat cheese-stuffed dates seam-side down so that the bacon doesn’t come off. You can also use a toothpick to secure it (as pictured).

Make them ahead of time

Feel free to assemble the bacon-wrapped dates completely and then store them in an airtight container in the fridge the day before you’d like to serve them. On the day of, simply bake as directed.

Storing tips

If you happen to have any leftovers, simply store these bacon-wrapped stuffed dates in an airtight container the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

I love serving these bacon wrapped goat cheese stuffed dates during the holidays or for football parties. Either way, they’re bound to be a HUGE hit! Seriously, everyone always asks me for the recipe.

More holiday apps to try

• Scallion Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Mushrooms
• Roasted Grape & Brie Crostini with Honey + Sea Salt
• Matt’s Olive Cheese Bread
• Garlic Olive Oil Dip
• Whipped Feta Yogurt Dip with Hot Honey, Basil & Toasted Almonds

Get all of my appetizer recipes here and my Thanksgiving recipes here!

I hope you love these bacon wrapped goat cheese stuffed dates! If you make them be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked them. Enjoy, xo!

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Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese & Dark Chocolate

4.96 from 21 votes

byby :Monique Volz of AmbitiousKitchen.com

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Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes

ServesServes 10 servings

Sweet and savory bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with tangy goat cheese and a piece of rich dark chocolate. These little bites are such a fun, delicious appetizer and are guaranteed to impress guests!

Ingredients

• 1-2 ounces goat cheese
• 1-2 squares 72% dark chocolate, chopped into pieces (this is optional)
• 1 (12 ounce) package bacon
• 20-24 pitted dates
• For the glaze:
• 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup
• Cayenne pepper

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. You’ll want to make sure your baking sheet has some edges, as the bacon does produce lots of grease when cooked.
• Prepare the dates: Split each date in half without breaking them fully apart. Make sure the pit is fully removed and discarded from the date if it already isn’t.
• Stuff the dates: Add a small piece of dark chocolate to your opened date. Spread a small amount of goat cheese mixture inside, and press together to close your date. Repeat with all of your dates.
• Wrap the dates: Next, cut your strips of bacon in half. Take one date and wrap ½ piece of bacon around it. Repeat this step until each date is wrapped in ½ slice of bacon.
• Place all bacon-wrapped dates on large baking sheet with the bacon seam side down.
• Brush each bacon wrapped date with a little maple syrup. Sprinkle cayenne pepper on each date (use more if you like spicy flavors, and omit or only use a small pinch if you do not like spicy flavors). Stick a toothpick into each date.
• Bake: Bake in the oven for 10 minutes, then turn date on its side so that the toothpick is parallel to the baking sheet. Bake for 10 more minutes. Then flip dates to other side and bake again for 10 minutes or until bacon is slightly golden brown. Transfer to a plate to cool. Serve immediately. Serves 10, 2 bacon-wrapped dates each.

Recipe Notes

To store: if you happen to have any leftovers, simply store these bacon wrapped stuffed dates in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

Make them ahead of time: assemble the bacon wrapped dates completely and then store them in an airtight container in the fridge the day before you'd like to serve them. On the day-of, simply bake as directed.

Nutrition

Serving: 2datesCalories: 120calCarbohydrates: 12.7gProtein: 5gFat: 6.1gSaturated Fat: 2.7gFiber: 1.2gSugar: 11.9g

Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen Photography by: Yoga of Cooking

This post was originally published on November 16th, 2018, republished on November 23rd, 2020, republished on November 9th, 2022, and republished on November 19th, 2025.