Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Drizzled with Maple Syrup Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for an impressive yet surprisingly easy appetizer, I have to share this Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Drizzled with Maple Syrup Recipe that’s become an absolute crowd-pleaser in my kitchen. The combination of sweet, salty, creamy, and smoky flavors is just incredible, and it’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again. Plus, it’s perfect for everything from casual get-togethers to holiday parties. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll totally get why I’m obsessed!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the things I love most about this Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Drizzled with Maple Syrup Recipe is how simple but thoughtful the ingredient mix is. Each one brings a unique element to the final flavor, so it’s worth picking good quality whenever possible.

• Medjool dates: These large, sweet dates are perfect for stuffing because they’re chewy but soft, and they open up easily once pitted.
• Goat cheese: Softened goat cheese adds creamy tanginess; if it’s too hard, I usually microwave it a few seconds to make filling easier.
• Bacon: Choose a thin sliced bacon; thick-cut takes longer to cook and makes wrapping trickier.
• Maple syrup: The real magic touch—a drizzle that caramelizes during baking for a sticky, irresistible glaze.
• Cooking spray: For greasing your sheet pan so nothing sticks and cleanup stays easy.
• Chopped parsley: Adds a fresh green pop of color and a subtle herbal note once the dates come out of the oven.

Variations

I like to switch things up sometimes based on what I have in the fridge or the vibe of the occasion—this recipe is super adaptable. Feel free to add your own twist to make it your own!

• Spice it up: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to the goat cheese before stuffing gives these bites a gentle smoky kick.
• Nuts inside: Sometimes I stuff a whole almond or walnut inside the date along with the goat cheese for added crunch and texture surprise.
• Cheese swap: If you’re not a goat cheese fan, cream cheese or blue cheese are tasty alternatives that change the flavor profile completely.
• Bacon alternatives: I’ve tried prosciutto for a lighter option—it crisps up beautifully but needs less cooking time, so watch it closely!

How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Drizzled with Maple Syrup Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Dates and Cheese Filling

First things first—preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and coat a sheet pan with cooking spray. While that heats up, carefully pit the Medjool dates if they aren’t already pitted. I like to slice them open just enough to stuff, making sure they don’t tear completely. Then, spoon about 1 teaspoon of softened goat cheese into each date—using a small spoon or a piping bag really makes this easier. Don’t be shy; get that cheese nicely nestled inside so every bite has gooey goodness.

Step 2: Wrap and Secure the Dates

Now grab your bacon slices, cut them in half lengthwise if needed so they’re easier to wrap around each date. Wrap each goat cheese-stuffed date tightly with a piece of bacon, making sure the tail end overlaps to hold it all together. Secure with a toothpick to keep everything snug while baking. This step might feel fiddly at first, but I promise it’s worth the perfectly crispy, bacon-wrapped bites you’ll get.

Step 3: Brush with Maple Syrup and Bake

Give each wrapped date a generous brush of maple syrup; this adds that dreamy caramelized sweetness as it bakes. Place them spaced out on your prepared sheet pan and pop them in the oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally to get all sides evenly crisp and golden. Keep an eye on them near the end because bacon can go from perfectly crispy to burnt pretty quickly—I’ve learned this the hard way!

Step 4: Garnish and Serve Immediately

Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh pop of color and just a hint of herbaceous brightness. Serve them hot—you’ll notice the gooey goat cheese and crispy bacon combo makes these bites totally addictive. You can leave toothpicks in for easy snacking or remove them for a more elegant presentation at your next party.

How to Serve Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Drizzled with Maple Syrup Recipe

Garnishes

I always add fresh chopped parsley at the end because the bright green looks stunning against the rich colors of the dates and bacon, plus it adds a subtle herbal hint to balance the richness. Sometimes I sprinkle a little cracked black pepper or a pinch of chili flakes for a touch of warmth that my family loves.

Side Dishes

These bite-sized treats pair beautifully with charcuterie boards, a crisp green salad, or even alongside roasted nuts and cheeses for a fabulous appetizer spread. I often serve them with a chilled glass of sparkling wine or a dry white because the bubbles cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or parties, I like arranging these dates on a wooden board with clusters of fresh herbs and little bowls of extra maple syrup for drizzling. Another favorite is skewering a few on cocktail picks with tiny mint leaves for a colorful, elegant display that makes guests smile.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When I’ve stored them, they stay flavorful but the bacon loses a bit of crispness, so reheating thoughtfully is key.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze these! Wrap the bacon-wrapped dates individually on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to a month. When you’re ready, bake from frozen and add a few extra minutes to cooking time—this is a lifesaver when prepping for larger events.

Reheating

I like to reheat leftover dates in a 350°F oven on a baking sheet for about 8–10 minutes—it crisps up the bacon nicely without drying out the cheese. Microwaving tends to make them soggy, so the oven is definitely your friend here.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, I absolutely love how this Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Drizzled with Maple Syrup Recipe turns out every single time. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but comes together quickly—and the smiles and “wow!”s I get from friends make it so rewarding. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or throwing together a last-minute appetizer, this is your go-to. Give it a try, and I guarantee it’ll become a favorite in your recipe arsenal too!

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