These turkey bacon wrapped dates with goat cheese bring together sweet, creamy, and savory flavors in one easy bite. I love serving them at Thanksgiving because they feel special, yet take just a few minutes to prepare.
Why You’ll Love These Stuffed Dates
Each date is filled with tangy goat cheese, wrapped in smoky turkey bacon, and baked until tender with crisp edges. They’re easy to make ahead, simple to serve, and just right for a holiday appetizer spread.
Stuffed Dates Ingredients & Substitutions
- 20 large Medjool dates, pitted
- 4 ounces soft goat cheese
- 10 slices turkey bacon, cut in half crosswise
- 20 toothpicks, soaked in water for 10 minutes if wooden
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, optional
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Use plump dates so they’re easy to fill. Cream cheese can stand in for goat cheese, though the flavor will be milder. If your turkey bacon slices are especially wide, cut them lengthwise before wrapping.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Stuffed Dates
1. Prepare the dates
Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. If the dates aren’t already pitted, make a small lengthwise slit and remove the pits.
2. Fill with goat cheese
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of goat cheese into each date. Add a pinch of thyme and black pepper, if using, then gently press the date closed around the filling.
3. Wrap and secure
Wrap each date with half a slice of turkey bacon. Secure the seam with a toothpick and place the dates seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake until crisp
Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, turning the dates halfway through, until the turkey bacon is browned and crisp at the edges. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving, as the cheese will be hot.
Tips for Success
- Choose soft, fresh dates that bend without cracking. If yours feel firm, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then pat them dry.
- Don’t overfill the dates. A small spoonful of goat cheese keeps the filling from spilling out as it bakes.
- Leave a little space between each date on the pan so the turkey bacon can brown evenly.
- Check for doneness near the end of baking, since turkey bacon thickness and oven temperatures can vary.
Variations of Stuffed Dates
For a little crunch, tuck a toasted almond or pecan into each date along with the goat cheese. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat, or sprinkle the baked dates with fresh thyme. For a milder filling, swap in cream cheese or use half goat cheese and half cream cheese.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Stuffed Dates
Serve these warm as part of a Thanksgiving appetizer spread alongside roasted nuts, sliced pears, crackers, and a crisp green salad. They also pair nicely with a simple cheese board and other small bites. Set out extra toothpicks so guests can easily pick one up.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerate cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat them on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, until warmed through. An air fryer also works well; heat at 350°F for about 4 minutes, checking that the filling is hot before serving.
Memories Made Around the Table
I love how a small appetizer can bring everyone into the kitchen while the rest of the meal comes together. These stuffed dates are easy to pass around, and their sweet, savory filling tends to spark plenty of requests for another.
FAQs
Can I make stuffed dates ahead of time?
Yes. Fill and wrap the dates up to one day ahead, then cover and refrigerate them. Bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes if they go into the oven cold.
Can I use another cheese instead of goat cheese?
Yes. Cream cheese makes a mild, smooth filling, while blue cheese gives the dates a bolder flavor. Use a similar amount and avoid overfilling.
How do I keep the filling from leaking out?
Use about 1 teaspoon of cheese per date, press the date gently closed, and wrap it snugly. Place each one seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes. Arrange the dates in a single layer and air-fry at 375°F for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning once. Cook in batches if needed, and check that the turkey bacon is browned.
Final Thoughts
These stuffed dates are a simple, crowd-pleasing addition to a Thanksgiving appetizer table. With creamy goat cheese, tender dates, and crisp turkey bacon, every bite delivers a lovely mix of flavors and textures.
Stuffed Dates
Equipment
- 1 Rimmed baking sheet
- 1 Parchment Paper
Ingredients
- 20 large Medjool dates pitted
- 4 ounces soft goat cheese
- 10 slices turkey bacon cut in half crosswise
- 20 toothpicks soaked in water for 10 minutes if wooden
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves optional
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. If the dates aren’t already pitted, make a small lengthwise slit and remove the pits.
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of goat cheese into each date. Add a pinch of thyme and black pepper, if using, then gently press the date closed around the filling.
- Wrap each date with half a slice of turkey bacon. Secure the seam with a toothpick and place the dates seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, turning the dates halfway through, until the turkey bacon is browned and crisp at the edges. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving, as the cheese will be hot.