There’s nothing I love more than an appetizer that looks fancy but is secretly super easy. When I first discovered stuffed dates, they quickly became my go-to for everything from holiday parties to quick snacks after a busy day. Their balance of creamy, savory, and sweet hits the spot every time, making stuffed dates a must-have in my kitchen—and soon, in yours too.
Table of Contents
Stuffed Dates
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Split the dates in half lengthwise, remove the pits, and stuff with goat cheese. Wrap each date with smoked beef bacon and place seam side down on the baking sheet.
- Combine honey, rosemary, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Drizzle half the mixture over the dates.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the bacon is crisp. Serve warm or at room temperature with remaining honey and walnuts, if desired.
Notes
Why You’ll Love These Easy Stuffed Dates
- Impressive but Effortless: They look like you spent hours preparing, but really, they come together so quickly—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
- The Perfect Sweet & Savory Bite: Combining creamy goat cheese, smoky bacon, and honey’s natural sweetness creates a flavor explosion that everyone will enjoy.
- Endlessly Customizable: You can tweak the fillings or toppings to fit your taste, from nuts to spices, making stuffed dates a versatile crowd-pleaser.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party, casual get-together, or a simple snack, stuffed dates always bring a bit of elegance and comfort to the table.
How to Choose & Prep Your Dates
Picking the right dates is the first step to perfect stuffed dates. Medjool dates are ideal because they are plump, soft, and have a natural caramel-like flavor that complements the filling beautifully. Their size makes stuffing easier, and their chewiness provides a lovely texture contrast. Medjool dates are a good source of fiber, potassium, and magnesium, making them a nutritious choice.
To prep your dates for stuffing:
- Take each date and cut it lengthwise, but don’t slice through completely. This creates a little pocket.
- Carefully remove the pit by gently pulling it out without tearing the date’s flesh.
- Your date is now ready to be filled with the creamy goat cheese and wrapped in bacon.
This simple technique ensures your dates hold their shape and fully embrace the flavors inside.
Ingredients for Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Dates
Here’s what you’ll need for these irresistible stuffed dates:
- 6 ounces creamy goat cheese, which adds a tangy, smooth filling.
- 24 plump Medjool dates, perfect for stuffing with their natural sweetness.
- 12 slices thinly sliced smoked beef bacon, cut in half to wrap—this gives a savory, crispy finish.
- 1/3 cup honey for drizzling and caramelizing.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary, adding a fragrant, herbaceous note.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, for just a hint of heat, adjustable to your taste.
- Kosher salt and black pepper to season.
- Candied or toasted walnuts (optional), for crunch and added flavor.
How to Make Stuffed Dates: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Split the dates in half lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Remove and discard the pits. Stuff each date with goat cheese and gently squeeze to seal.
- Wrap each date with smoked beef bacon, placing seam side down on the baking sheet. Repeat with all dates.
- Mix the honey glaze by combining honey, rosemary, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Drizzle half of this glaze evenly over the dates to coat the bacon.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the bacon crisps nicely. Serve warm or at room temperature with remaining honey and walnuts, if desired.
Aisha’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Toast Your Nuts: If using walnuts, toast them beforehand to bring out their best flavor and crunch.
- Use a Piping Bag for Filling: For a mess-free experience and professional look, put goat cheese in a small piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped to stuff dates easily. This is a great tip for achieving consistent results, much like when preparing The Ultimate Whipped Feta Dip: Simple & Creamy.
- Adjust Heat Carefully: Start with 1/2 teaspoon cayenne; add more only if you want a spicier kick.
- Seal Dates Gently: When sealing the goat cheese inside, be gentle to avoid tearing the date.
- Final Touch: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the baked dates for that extra flavor punch.
Stuffed Date Variations: From Sweet to Savory
| Filling Ingredients | Topping Ideas | Best For… |
|---|---|---|
| Classic & Cheesy | ||
| Cream cheese, blue cheese, feta | Crispy pancetta, fresh herbs | Elegant appetizers, dinner parties |
| Sweet & Nutty | ||
| Almond butter, ricotta | Toasted pecans, pistachios | Nut-lovers, casual snacks |
| Decadent Dessert Fillings | ||
| Mascarpone, chocolate chips | Drizzle of dark chocolate | Dessert platters, sweet treats |
Mix and match fillings and toppings to create your own perfect bite that suits your mood and occasion.
Allergy-Friendly Stuffed Dates (Nut-Free & Vegan)
If you need nut-free or vegan options, here are easy swaps:
- Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter in place of nuts and top with toasted pumpkin seeds instead of walnuts.
- Dairy-Free/Vegan: Replace goat cheese with a high-quality vegan cream cheese or homemade cashew cream. Use plant-based bacon or skip the bacon wrap entirely for a vegan-friendly version.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Arrange these stuffed dates on a beautiful platter alongside a variety of cheeses, fresh fruits, and crackers to create a stunning cheese board centerpiece. They pair wonderfully with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the tang of goat cheese and balances the sweetness of the dates. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling lemonade or lightly sweetened iced tea works beautifully.
How to Store and Make-Ahead Stuffed Dates
Store leftover stuffed dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They reheat quickly in a 350-degree oven until warm and crispy again.
You can freeze these dates either before or after baking. Freeze assembled unbaked dates on a tray, then transfer to a sealed container for up to one month. Bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
For party prep, assemble the dates up to 24 hours in advance to save time on the day of your event.
Frequently Asked Questions about Stuffed Dates
- What’s the difference between Medjool and Deglet Noor dates for stuffing?
Medjool dates are larger, softer, and sweeter, making them ideal for stuffing. Deglet Noor dates are firmer and less sweet, which can make stuffing more challenging. - Can I use already pitted dates?
Yes, just be gentle opening them lengthwise to avoid tearing. Ensure they are large enough and plump. - How do I keep the cheese from oozing out during baking?
Don’t overfill the dates. Seal each gently and wrap tightly with bacon to hold the cheese inside during baking. Consider making Terrific Mini Quiches in a Muffin Tin for another impressive appetizer with minimal cheese leakage. - What are the best nut-free fillings?
Sunflower seed butter or pumpkin seed butter with dairy or vegan cheese alternatives create delicious nut-free fillings.
Conclusion
Did you make this recipe? I’m so excited for you to try these stuffed dates—they truly are a fantastic mix of sweet, savory, and a little bit spicy, perfect for any occasion. Please leave a comment below with your feedback or questions, and don’t forget to share a photo of your creation on social media tagging AishaRecipes. Let’s celebrate your kitchen wins together!
