Perfect Bacon-Wrapped Dates — The Sweet-Salty Christmas Appetizer Hit

Bacon-wrapped dates with goat cheese are the dramatically delicious Christmas appetizer. Sweet dates + salty bacon + tangy goat cheese = magic in one bite. 5 ingredients; 30 minutes.

The recipe (makes 24)

Ingredients

• 24 Medjool dates (pitted)
• 4 oz soft goat cheese
• 12 slices bacon (cut in half)
• Optional: balsamic glaze for drizzling
• Optional: chopped chives for garnish

Method

1. Preheat oven to 400°F
2. Slice dates lengthwise; remove pit
3. Stuff each with about 1 teaspoon goat cheese
4. Wrap with half a slice of bacon
5. Secure with toothpick
6. Place on baking sheet
7. Bake 18-22 minutes until bacon is crispy
8. Drizzle with balsamic glaze; sprinkle chives
9. Serve warm

Variations

• Almond + bacon-wrapped: stuff with 1 whole almond + cheese
• Blue cheese: use Gorgonzola or Stilton instead of goat
• Spicy: add a pinch of cayenne to cheese
• Chorizo-wrapped: Spanish twist with crumbled chorizo

Why it works

• Sweet date + salty bacon + tangy cheese = perfect balance
• One bite appetizer (easy to eat standing)
• Make-ahead friendly (assemble; refrigerate; bake fresh)
• Universally loved (everyone eats them)

Cross-references

For perfect Christmas baked brie, perfect Christmas spinach artichoke dip, and Christmas charcuterie board.

Perfect bacon-wrapped dates with goat cheese are the universal Christmas party hit. 5 ingredients; 30 minutes; always disappears.