Maple Glazed Bacon Wrapped Dates (Just 5 Ingredients!)
Experience the ultimate flavor combination of sweet dates, crispy bacon, and creamy goat cheese in these addictive bacon wrapped stuffed dates. Perfect for any occasion!
5 Ingredients, Infinite Deliciousness
These bacon wrapped medjool dates are the ultimate crowd-pleaser – a perfect bite-sized treat that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. If you’ve ever had them, at a Friendsgiving cocktail party or a restaurant, you know what I’m talking about!
With crispy bacon hugging sweet dates, stuffed with creamy goat cheese, and finished with a maple glaze…I always find myself thinking, “is this an appetizer, or is it candy?” Honestly, I think both apply.
The best part? These bacon wrapped stuffed dates are easy to make, unfussy (who cares if they’re a little messy when they’re so addictive?), require only five ingredients, and zero culinary superpowers…so they’re perfect for all your holiday parties!
{Check out this other 5-ingredient party recipe: Spiced Nuts! Or, if you into little things wrapped in bacon, you’ll love these Brussels sprouts!}
Gather Your Ingredients
- Bacon – look for thin sliced bacon, not thick cut, so it will crisp up easier when roasted.
- Medjool dates – good quality dates will look plump and have a shiny, slightly wrinkled skin. You may find them in the produce department or nut aisle of your grocery store.
- Goat cheese – a small log of fresh, soft goat cheese is the amount you need. Feel free to use plain or herbed goat cheese.
- Maple syrup – a little goes a long way, but it’s just enough to provide a sticky-sweet glaze to these little bites.
- Pistachios – provide some crunch and texture, and look pretty sprinkled over a pile of stuffed dates. They are totally optional, though.
Let’s Get Cooking
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you on your way.
- Stuff the dates – If using, mix 2 tablespoons of chopped pistachios with the softened goat cheese. Separate each date and spoon in some goat cheese.
- Wrap with bacon – Wrap a half piece of bacon around each date, securing it with a toothpick.
- Bake the stuffed dates – Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the bacon lightly with maple syrup on all sides. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in a 400°F preheated oven. Turn them over halfway through.
- Cool + serve – Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Arrange the dates on a serving platter, and sprinkle with the remaining chopped pistachios.
Helpful Recipe Tips
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Arrange on a platter with some fresh herbs for garnish.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the maple syrup before brushing.
- If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, you can substitute with cream cheese or blue cheese.
Make Ahead Instructions
Stuff and wrap the dates up to one day ahead. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven, then brush with the maple syrup.
Maple Glazed Bacon Wrapped Dates
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons chopped pistachios, divided (optional)
- 4 ounces goat cheese, softened (or blue cheese, cream cheese, etc.)
- 10 slices center cut bacon, cut in half (not thick cut)
- 20 Medjool dates, pitted (see notes)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- If using, mix 2 tablespoons of chopped pistachios with the softened goat cheese. Separate each date and spoon in some goat cheese.
- Wrap each stuffed date with a half piece of bacon, securing it with a toothpick (make sure both end of the bacon are skewered so it doesn’t unravel).
- Arrange the wrapped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each bacon-wrapped date lightly with maple syrup. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy, turning them halfway through.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Arrange the dates on a serving platter, and sprinkle with the remaining chopped pistachios before serving, warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Medjool dates – If you can find them, buy already pitted dates – these will also have a small slit in the side, making it easy to open the date for stuffing. If they are not pitted, use a pairing knife to cut a slit along one side. Carefully open the date and pluck out the pit.
- Make ahead instructions – Stuff and wrap the dates up to one day ahead. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven, then brush with the maple syrup.
Nutrition
Pin for Later! Maple Glazed Bacon Wrapped Dates
