By You've probably had goat cheese stuffed dates, but today, we're adding yogurt for delicious bacon-wrapped dates with Greek yogurt. The yogurt and goat cheese add protein and make them ultra-creamy for the perfect complement to the salty and crunchy bacon. They are always the first to go at any get-together, and you only need 4 ingredients to make them!
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Like most people, I've made and enjoyed bacon-wrapped dates for a while. If you like sweet and salty things, then I'm sure you have too! However, goat cheese is always a little dry, so to make it creamier and add a little protein, I decided to add Greek yogurt to the mixture.
The result? Absolute insanity. I brought these to 2 different family functions over Thanksgiving week, and they were gone within 10 minutes each time. People were visibly upset when they found out there weren't more. So, if you need a super simple appetizer that you know will be a hit, you're in the right place!
Jump to:
- bacon + dates + yogurt + goat cheese = perfection
- ingredient notes & substitutions
- high protein ingredient spotlight: goat cheese
- here's how to make yogurt dates (with photos & video)
- expert tips
- how full should I stuff the dates?
- common questions
- variations on bacon-wrapped dates
- how to store & make it ahead
- more easy apps and side dishes
- Recipe
bacon + dates + yogurt + goat cheese = perfection
- 4 ingredients: Keep it simple, stupid. That's the motto for this recipe! You don't need a lot to have a delicious appetizer.
- Travels well: Even though these are best hot, they're still super tasty after driving an hour. I've also included instructions for making them ahead of time if you can bake them at the host's house.
- So easy: Just mix, stuff, wrap, and bake. That's it. This is a recipe I've made with my little one running around the house, trying to help, or napping. No matter how crazy the house is, you can't mess the recipe up.
ingredient notes & substitutions
All substitutions are a 1:1 substitute unless otherwise noted. See the recipe card for quantities.
- Dates: Medjool dates work best because they are larger and softer than some others. And be sure to grab pitted dates to save the hassle of trying to remove 20+ pits from sticky dates.
- Goat cheese: Just grab a small 4oz pack of plain goat cheese. You can do a honey, onion, or garlic-flavored one, but I like plain best.
- Greek yogurt: Plain Greek yogurt adds a bit more protein and creaminess. I use non-fat but you can use whatever you have.
- Bacon: Ok, I'm really passionate about my bacon because some bacon just breaks when you try to wrap it with it. I use Applegate brand, bacon from a local rancher, or, it might sound weird, Kwik Trip (the gas station) bacon. The key is to not get thick cut - that one is impossible to use for this recipe.
This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
high protein ingredient spotlight: goat cheese
Goat cheese has the most protein per serving of any soft cheese, and it's just delicious. It has 6 grams of protein, while cream cheese has just 2 grams, and goat cheese has negligible carbs. I love using it for high-protein recipes, everything from cottage cheese stuffed bell peppers to the frosting for this protein carrot cake.
here's how to make yogurt dates (with photos & video)
Be sure to scroll to the recipe card for the full goat cheese stuffed date recipe!
- Mix the goat cheese and yogurt with a hand mixer.
- Stuff the dates using a butter knife or small spoon (a baby spoon works great for this).
- Wrap in ⅓ of a piece of bacon each and secure with a toothpick. Arrange on a large sheet tray.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then flip and bake for another 10 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes, then enjoy!
quick recipe video
expert tips
- Use a baby spoon: This was by far the easiest way to stuff the dates.
- Split the dates first: It was helpful to split the dates or pry them open and arrange a sheet tray first. Then, I could quickly stuff them without setting down the spoon.
- Use thin bacon: This is the easiest I've found for wrapping them.
how full should I stuff the dates?
I like to fill each one with about 1.5 tablespoon of filling. This keeps them plump but not running out when baked.
common questions
Be sure to flip the bacon halfway through using the toothpick. You can also bake it longer for crispier bacon.
This will happen if the bacon is wrapped too many times or it's too thick. Make sure the bacon is wrapped no more than 1.5 times around the date and that you're using thinly sliced bacon.
Sure! Cook at 400 degrees for 7 minutes, give the basket a shake, and cook another 3 or so minutes until golden and crispy!
variations on bacon-wrapped dates
These dates are delicious as is, but there are some other ways you can spin them.
- Add a glaze or drizzle: Hot honey is a favorite of mine! Balsamic glaze is also tasty.
- Add nuts: You can fold in chopped pistachios to the cheese and yogurt mixture for crunch.
- Other cheeses: Feta cheese or blue cheese will also work but they'll be lower in protein.
how to store & make it ahead
- Fridge: You can keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Make Ahead: You can make these ahead of time and then travel with them warm, wrapped in towels to keep the heat in. Or, you can stuff and wrap them up to 2 days in advance. Then, bake right before serving or at the host's home.
- Reheating: Reheat these in the oven or air fryer for the best next-day texture!
Recipe
bacon wrapped dates with greek yogurt
Ingredients
- 16 Medjool dates (pitted and cracked open (sliced open but still holding together like a hot dog bun))
- 8 slices bacon (thin cut, and sliced in half)
- 4 oz plain goat cheese
- ¼ c plain greek yogurt (no-fat)
Before you start!
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Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Slice the 8 slices bacon in half so you have 16 shorter pieces. Line a large sheet tray with parchment paper for easier clean up.
- Mix together the 4 oz plain goat cheese and ¼ c plain greek yogurt using a hand mixer. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Fill each of the 16 Medjool dates with about 1.5 tablespoon of the cheese yogurt filling.
- Wrap each date with a piece of bacon and use a toothpick to hold it otgether.
- Bake for 10 minutes, and then use the toothpicks to flip each piece over and bake another 10 minutes to ensure the bacon is crispy all the way around. You can bake longer if you want them even more crispy. Let rest 5 minutes before serving!
Video
Notes
Cook at 400 degrees for 7 minutes, give the basket a shake, and cook another 3 or so minutes until golden and crispy!
Looking for more information?
Additional substitution information can be found above in the substitution section of this post.
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate and for informational purposes only.
I have to warn that if you plan to make these as an appetizer for a party, make about double what you think you'll need because they get eaten up fast.