If you’re looking for a snack that hits all the right notes—sweet, salty, creamy, and a little crispy—you’re going to love this Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Drizzled with Maple Syrup Recipe. I absolutely love how these little bites come together: the caramelized bacon perfectly wraps around a luscious goat cheese filling inside a sweet date, all brought together with a touch of maple syrup. When I first tried this combo, I was hooked, and I know you will be too once you dive in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Flavor Balance: The sweet dates and maple syrup with creamy goat cheese and smoky bacon create a mouthwatering combo.
- Super Easy to Make: Just a few simple steps and ingredients, with no fancy equipment required.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s for a holiday party or a casual get-together, these always fly off the plate.
- Versatile and Customizable: Swap fillings or experiment with bacon thickness to match your taste and schedule.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work perfectly together to create those irresistible bites. When shopping, look for soft Medjool dates—they’re large and naturally sweet, making them the perfect vessel for stuffing. And remember, the choice of bacon really matters here.

- Medjool dates: Choose plump, fresh dates with pits; their softness makes stuffing easier.
- Goat cheese: Use softened cheese to make stuffing smoother and creamier.
- Bacon: Opt for thin or regular slices, not thick cut, so it crisps up nicely while cooking in the short time.
- Maple syrup: Pure maple syrup gives the best natural sweetness and helps caramelize the bacon.
- Cooking spray: Prevents sticking and helps with even cooking on your pan.
- Chopped parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish to balance the rich flavors.
Variations
I like to keep this recipe pretty classic, but sometimes I switch things up depending on what’s in my fridge or who I’m cooking for. Feel free to make it yours—playing around with fillings and bacon types can give you a totally new vibe with the same great base.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeño to the goat cheese mixture for a little heat. I discovered this trick one time when I wanted a bold contrast, and it was a hit!
- Nutty Flavor: Once stuffed, sprinkle chopped toasted pistachios or walnuts inside for extra texture and flavor.
- Cheese Substitute: If goat cheese isn’t your thing, blue cheese or cream cheese makes a delicious alternative, though it changes the tanginess slightly.
- Gluten-Free & Paleo: This recipe is naturally gluten-free and paleo-friendly, especially if you’re mindful about the bacon brand and syrup.
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Drizzled with Maple Syrup Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Dates and Goat Cheese
Start by pitting your Medjool dates if they aren’t already. I find using a small spoon or even a piping bag helps get the goat cheese inside each date cleanly without making a mess. About a teaspoon of softened goat cheese per date is just right—you want it to fill the cavity without overflowing. Press the date shut carefully to keep the cheese sealed inside.
Step 2: Wrap with Bacon and Secure
Cut your bacon slices in half to get pieces that wrap just right around each date. Wrapping each one snugly with bacon and securing with a toothpick keeps everything intact while cooking. I used to forget the toothpicks and ended up with a bacon mess on my pan—learned that lesson the hard way!
Step 3: Drizzle with Maple Syrup and Bake
Place the wrapped dates on a baking sheet lined with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Brush the maple syrup all over the bacon—this step is key because it caramelizes and gives a gorgeous glossy finish. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally so the bacon crisps evenly without burning. Keep an eye on them towards the end; bacon can go from perfect to burnt quickly if left unattended.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve Warm
Once baked, sprinkle chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Serve these warm, right out of the oven, either with the toothpicks on for easy grabbing or removed for a more elegant presentation. Trust me, they won’t last long.
Pro Tips for Making Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Drizzled with Maple Syrup Recipe
- Use Thin or Regular Bacon: Thick-cut bacon takes too long to cook and may leave the dates undercooked, so stick to standard thickness for even cooking.
- Softened Goat Cheese is Key: Let your goat cheese come to room temperature so it’s easy to stuff without tearing the dates.
- Turn Often while Baking: Rotating every 5 minutes ensures all sides crisp up and the bacon cooks thoroughly.
- Don’t Skip the Maple Syrup Brush: It caramelizes beautifully and adds the perfect sweet glaze, making these bites irresistible.
How to Serve Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Drizzled with Maple Syrup Recipe

Garnishes
I love sprinkling fresh chopped parsley over these for a bit of color and a fresh note that balances the richness. Sometimes I add a pinch of flaky sea salt or a very light dusting of cracked black pepper just before serving—it elevates the flavor quietly but beautifully.
Side Dishes
These dates pair wonderfully with a simple green salad or a cheese board featuring nuts and dried fruits. I’ve also brought them along with roasted vegetables or alongside grilled chicken for a touch of sweet and savory contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like arranging these on a beautiful platter lined with fresh herbs or edible flowers. You can also thread a few on skewers for easy serving or pile them in mini cupcake liners for bite-sized elegance. It always impresses guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover bacon-wrapped dates reheat surprisingly well. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually place a paper towel on the bottom to absorb any excess moisture, which keeps the bacon crispier.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these before, wrapped individually in parchment paper and placed in a freezer-safe container. When frozen, they keep well for up to a month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. It’s perfect for prepping ahead for holidays or big gatherings.
Reheating
To reheat, pop them in a preheated 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes until warmed through and the bacon crisps up again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delicious bacon crunch; the oven method keeps the texture just right.
FAQs
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Can I use other cheeses instead of goat cheese?
Absolutely! Cream cheese and blue cheese are popular alternatives. Each changes the flavor profile a bit, with blue cheese offering a stronger tang and cream cheese giving a milder creaminess. Just be sure to soften whichever you use for easy stuffing.
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Is it necessary to use toothpicks?
While technically optional, toothpicks really help keep the bacon wrapped tight around the dates during baking. Without them, the bacon might unravel, causing uneven cooking and more mess on your pan.
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Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the dates and wrap them in bacon a few hours or even a day ahead, then refrigerate. Just add the maple syrup and bake right before serving for best results.
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What if I don’t have maple syrup?
Maple syrup adds a unique sweetness and helps caramelize the bacon. If you don’t have it, honey works as a good substitute, though it’s a little sweeter and less smoky.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Drizzled with Maple Syrup Recipe is one of those timeless appetizers that I always find myself coming back to, whether for a casual night at home or a festive celebration. The combination of flavors just works brilliantly, and it’s so easy to make that it’s perfect even if you’re short on time. I can’t recommend giving this a try enough—once you taste one, I bet it’ll become your go-to snack or party pleaser too!
Print
Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Drizzled with Maple Syrup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20 bacon wrapped dates
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Bacon Wrapped Dates are a delicious and easy appetizer featuring sweet Medjool dates stuffed with creamy goat cheese, wrapped in smoky bacon, and glazed with maple syrup. Baked to crispy perfection and garnished with fresh parsley, these bite-sized treats balance sweet, salty, and savory flavors for a crowd-pleasing snack or party finger food.
Ingredients
Dates and Filling
- 20 Medjool dates, pits removed
- 6 ounces goat cheese, softened
Bacon and Glaze
- 10 slices bacon, cut in half
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- Cooking spray
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Lightly coat a sheet pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Stuff the Dates: Using a small spoon or a piping bag fitted with a plain tip, stuff each pitted date with about 1 teaspoon of softened goat cheese. Gently press the dates shut around the cheese to seal the filling inside.
- Wrap with Bacon: Wrap each stuffed date with a half slice of bacon. Secure the bacon in place by inserting a toothpick through the date to prevent it from unraveling during baking.
- Apply Maple Syrup Glaze: Brush the maple syrup evenly over the bacon-wrapped dates to add sweetness and help caramelize the bacon as it bakes.
- Bake Until Crispy: Place the dates on the prepared sheet pan and bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, turning occasionally. Bake until the bacon is browned and crispy, and the syrup has caramelized.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dates from the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor, and serve immediately. You can serve them with the toothpicks intact or remove them for a more elegant presentation.
Notes
- Use a small spoon or a piping bag to easily fill your dates with goat cheese.
- Avoid thick-cut bacon, as it will require longer cooking times and may not crisp evenly.
- Serve the dates with toothpicks for easy handling or remove toothpicks for a refined presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed date wrapped in bacon
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg