Turkey Bacon-Wrapped Dates recipe

Some recipes are just destined for greatness. They are the little black dress of the appetizer world—timeless, effortlessly chic, and perfect for almost any occasion. For me, that recipe is Bacon-Wrapped Dates. The first time I brought a platter of them to a holiday potluck, I was met with a few curious looks. The combination sounded a bit odd to some. But then, the first person took a bite. Their eyes widened. A slow nod of approval was followed by an enthusiastic, “You have to try one of these.” Within fifteen minutes, the entire platter was wiped clean, and I spent the rest of the evening fielding requests for the recipe. Over the years, I’ve adapted it, aiming for that same irresistible flavor profile but with a slightly lighter touch. That’s how this version, featuring savory turkey bacon and creamy goat cheese, was born. It delivers the same magical trifecta of sweet, salty, and creamy, with a perfectly crisp wrapper and a tender, yielding center. It has become my signature contribution to gatherings, proof that a few simple ingredients, thoughtfully combined, can create the most memorable and crave-worthy bites imaginable.

The Irresistible Allure of Sweet and Savory

Before we get to the “how,” let’s explore the “why.” What makes this simple, three-ingredient wonder a culinary masterpiece? It’s a masterclass in balance, hitting every note the palate craves and creating a single bite that is far more than the sum of its parts.

• The Flavor Trinity: This recipe is built on a perfect triangle of flavors.
  • Sweet: The dates, particularly Medjool dates, provide a deep, caramel-like, honeyed sweetness. When baked, this sweetness intensifies, becoming jammy and rich.
  • Salty & Smoky: The turkey bacon offers the crucial savory counterpoint. It provides the saltiness that makes the sweetness of the dates pop, along with a smoky essence that adds incredible depth and a familiar, comforting aroma.
  • Creamy & Tangy: This is where the goat cheese filling comes in. Its bright, tangy flavor cuts through the richness of the other two ingredients, preventing the appetizer from being cloyingly sweet or overly salty. Its creamy texture provides a luscious contrast to the chewy date and crispy bacon.
• A Symphony of Textures: A truly great dish is as much about feel as it is about flavor. These dates deliver a delightful textural journey in every bite: the crisp, slightly crunchy edge of the bacon gives way to the soft, chewy flesh of the warm date, finally revealing the smooth, creamy goat cheese center.
• The Healthier Indulgence: By swapping traditional pork bacon for a quality turkey bacon, we significantly reduce the overall fat and calories without sacrificing that essential smoky, salty flavor. This makes it a “feel-good” appetizer that you can serve and enjoy with a little less guilt. It’s also naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent and inclusive choice for guests with dietary restrictions.
• Effortless Elegance: This is perhaps the recipe’s greatest strength. It requires minimal active prep time and only a handful of ingredients, yet the final product looks and tastes incredibly gourmet. They are the perfect appetizer for hosts who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredient Deep Dive: Choosing the Best Components

With so few ingredients, the quality of each one is paramount. Making smart choices at the store will elevate your final product from good to unforgettable.

• The Dates: The star of the show. For this recipe, Medjool dates are the superior choice. Here’s why:
  • Size: They are significantly larger and plumper than other varieties like Deglet Noor, making them much easier to pit and stuff.
  • Texture: Medjool dates have a soft, moist, and almost fudgy texture that becomes wonderfully jammy when baked.
  • Flavor: They possess a rich, complex flavor with notes of caramel, honey, and cinnamon. Look for dates that are plump and have a slightly wrinkled but unbroken skin. Avoid any that look overly dry or crystallized.
• The Turkey Bacon: Not all turkey bacon is created equal. For this recipe to succeed, you need a brand that will crisp up nicely.
  • Thickness: Avoid thick-cut turkey bacon. It will have a difficult time rendering and becoming crispy in the time it takes for the date to cook, often resulting in a chewy or rubbery texture. A standard-cut or thin-cut variety is ideal.
  • Curing: Look for “cured” turkey bacon. The curing process adds that classic smoky and salty flavor that is essential for the recipe. Uncured varieties can sometimes lack depth.
• The Filling: While goat cheese is our primary recommendation for its perfect tangy balance, you have wonderful options.
  • Goat Cheese (Chèvre): The classic choice. Its tangy, earthy flavor is the perfect foil to the sweet date and salty bacon. A log of plain goat cheese is perfect.
  • Cream Cheese: For a milder, creamier filling, whipped or block cream cheese is a great alternative. It’s a crowd-pleasing option for those who may not love the distinct taste of goat cheese.
  • Blue Cheese: For a bolder flavor, a creamy blue cheese like Gorgonzola or Danish Blue creates an intense, piquant bite that is absolutely divine.
  • Hard Cheeses: A small piece of aged Manchego, sharp white cheddar, or Parmesan can be tucked inside for a nutty, salty, and firm-textured filling.
  • Nuts: For a cheese-free or added-crunch version, a single toasted almond or pecan half tucked inside the date is a classic and delicious alternative.

Turkey Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese

Here is the complete, step-by-step guide to creating this show-stopping appetizer.

Yields: 24 pieces
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20-25 minutes

Ingredients

• 24 whole Medjool dates
• 4 ounces goat cheese (chèvre), softened
• 12 slices standard-cut turkey bacon
• Optional for drizzling: Balsamic glaze, honey, or maple syrup

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This is essential for easy cleanup, as the dates will release sugars that can caramelize and stick to the pan.
2. Prepare the Bacon: Cut each of the 12 slices of turkey bacon in half crosswise, so you have 24 shorter pieces. Set them aside.
3. Pit the Dates: Using a small paring knife, make a lengthwise slit down one side of each date, from end to end. Be careful not to cut all the way through to the other side. Gently open the date along the slit and pull out the pit. Discard the pits. Repeat for all 24 dates.
4. Stuff the Dates: Take a small amount of the softened goat cheese (about 1/2 teaspoon) and stuff it into the cavity of each pitted date. Don’t overstuff, as the cheese will melt and ooze out excessively during baking. A little bit of ooze is good, but too much can make a mess.
5. Wrap the Dates: Take one of the half-slices of turkey bacon and wrap it snugly around the stuffed date, ensuring the ends of the bacon overlap slightly. The bacon should cover the slit you made in the date.
6. Secure and Arrange: Place the bacon-wrapped date on the prepared baking sheet with the seam-side down. This will help prevent it from unraveling as it bakes. If your bacon seems reluctant to stay wrapped, you can secure it by piercing a wooden toothpick through the seam and the date. (Pro tip: Soak toothpicks in water for 20 minutes beforehand to prevent them from burning in the oven).
7. Arrange on the Pan: Continue for all 24 dates, arranging them in a single layer on the baking sheet. Make sure to leave a little space between each one to allow for even air circulation, which is key for crispy bacon.
8. Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. About halfway through the baking time (around the 12-minute mark), use tongs to carefully flip each date over. This ensures the bacon gets crispy on all sides. The dates are done when the turkey bacon is browned and crispy and the dates are soft and glistening.
9. Rest and Serve: Carefully remove the pan from the oven. Let the dates cool on the baking sheet for at least 5-10 minutes. They will be incredibly hot inside. This resting period also allows the bacon to crisp up further as it cools. If desired, arrange them on a platter and finish with a light drizzle of balsamic glaze, honey, or maple syrup right before serving.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 12 (2 pieces per serving)
• Calories per serving: Approximately 90-110 kcal (This can vary based on the exact size of the dates and the brand of turkey bacon and goat cheese used).

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Active Time: 20 minutes
• Baking Time: 20-25 minutes

How to Serve Your Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Presentation elevates this simple appetizer into a stunning part of your spread. Serve them warm for the best experience.

• Platter Presentation:
  • Arrange the warm dates on a clean white platter, a rustic wooden board, or a slate cheese board for a dramatic effect.
  • Garnish with a few sprigs of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, which not only add a pop of color but also a beautiful aroma that complements the smoky bacon.
  • If you used toothpicks, leave them in for easy handling by guests.
• Drizzles and Sauces:
  • Balsamic Glaze: A thick, syrupy balsamic glaze offers a tangy counterpoint that is absolutely perfect.
  • Hot Honey: For a sweet and spicy kick, a drizzle of chili-infused honey is a modern and delicious twist.
  • Maple Syrup: A touch of real maple syrup enhances the smoky, savory notes of the bacon.
• Occasions for Serving: These are incredibly versatile.
  • Holiday Parties: They are a must-have for Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or any festive gathering.
  • Game Day: A sophisticated yet hearty snack that’s perfect for watching the big game.
  • Cocktail Hour: They are the perfect one-bite appetizer to serve with drinks.
  • Wine Tasting: An excellent pairing for a variety of wines.
• Wine and Drink Pairings:
  • Sparkling Wine: A dry Prosecco or Cava. The bubbles and acidity cut through the richness beautifully.
  • White Wine: A crisp, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling complements the sweetness of the dates.
  • Red Wine: A light-bodied, fruity Pinot Noir or a Spanish Tempranillo works wonderfully with the smoky, savory flavors.
  • Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling apple cider or a cranberry-rosemary spritzer are festive and delicious choices.

Additional Tips for Perfect Bacon-Wrapped Dates

1. Don’t Use Thick-Cut Bacon: It bears repeating: thick-cut turkey bacon will not work well here. It requires a longer cooking time to become crisp, by which point your dates would be overcooked and your cheese would have melted away. Stick to a standard, thinner cut for the best results.
2. Make Them Ahead for Easy Entertaining: This is a fantastic do-ahead appetizer. You can fully assemble the stuffed and wrapped dates up to 24 hours in advance. Arrange them on your parchment-lined baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, just remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed.
3. For Extra-Crispy Bacon (The Par-Cook Method): If you are determined to have the crispiest turkey bacon possible, you can par-cook it. Lay the half-strips of bacon on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes. You want it to be slightly cooked and have rendered some fat, but still be pliable enough to wrap around the dates. Let it cool slightly, then wrap and bake as directed, reducing the final baking time to 15-18 minutes.
4. Embrace the Air Fryer: These are phenomenal when made in an air fryer. Prepare the dates as directed. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the dates in the air fryer basket in a single layer (seam-side down), working in batches if necessary. Air fry for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and browned.
5. Don’t Be Afraid of a Little Ooze: A small amount of goat cheese melting out and caramelizing on the pan is not a failure—it’s a bonus! These crispy, tangy “cheese skirts” are delicious. Just don’t overstuff the dates to the point where all the filling escapes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use regular pork bacon instead of turkey bacon?
Absolutely! The original recipe is a classic for a reason. Use a standard-cut pork bacon (not thick-cut). Since pork bacon has more fat, the cooking time might be slightly longer, around 25-30 minutes, as you’ll need to wait for the fat to fully render and crisp up. The two-flip method during baking is especially important with pork bacon.

2. My turkey bacon isn’t getting crispy. What am I doing wrong?
This is the most common issue with turkey bacon. The likely culprits are: 1) You used a thick-cut variety. 2) Your oven wasn’t hot enough (ensure it’s fully preheated to 400°F/200°C). 3) You pulled them out too soon. Don’t be afraid to leave them in for a few extra minutes until you see the bacon is visibly crisp. 4) You crowded the pan, which causes steaming instead of roasting.

3. I don’t like goat cheese. What are some other good fillings?
You have many great options! For a milder creamy filling, use whipped cream cheese. For a bold, pungent flavor, use a creamy blue cheese. For a nutty, salty bite, tuck in a small piece of Manchego or an aged white cheddar. For a dairy-free option, a single toasted almond or pecan half is a classic and delicious choice.

4. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
While they are best enjoyed fresh and warm, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat and bring back the crispiness, avoid the microwave at all costs. Place them on a baking sheet in a 375°F (190°C) oven or in an air fryer for 5-7 minutes, until warmed through and the bacon is crisp again.

5. Are these appetizers gluten-free?
Yes, the three main ingredients (dates, goat cheese, and pure turkey bacon) are all naturally gluten-free. This makes them an excellent choice for serving to guests with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. However, it is always a good practice to double-check the packaging on your brand of turkey bacon, as some flavorings or processing aids could potentially contain gluten.

Print