Blackberry Balsamic Bacon Wrapped Dates
Bacon Wrapped Dates with Blackberry Balsamic
Description
Sweet Medjool dates are filled with creamy goat cheese or blue cheese, wrapped in smoky bacon, baked until crisp, and finished with a glossy Blackberry Dark Balsamic drizzle. These sweet-savory appetizer bites are simple, elegant, and perfect for entertaining.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20–24 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Serves: 18 appetizer bites
Ingredients
18 Medjool dates, pitted
9 slices thin-cut bacon, cut in half crosswise
3 ounces goat cheese or blue cheese, softened, optional
2 tablespoons Arbequina Extra Virgin Olive Oil, for lightly brushing
¼ cup Blackberry Dark Balsamic, divided
¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Optional: flaky sea salt
Toothpicks for securing
Instructions
• Preheat oven to 400°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Cut a small slit in each date and remove the pit if needed.
• If using cheese, fill each date with about 1 teaspoon softened goat cheese or blue cheese, then gently press the date closed.
• Wrap each date with half a slice of thin-cut bacon and secure with a toothpick.
• Arrange the wrapped dates seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
• Lightly brush the bacon-wrapped dates with Arbequina Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
• Bake for 10–12 minutes, then turn each date carefully using the toothpick.
• Continue baking 8–12 minutes more, until the bacon is crisp and fully cooked.
• Transfer to a serving platter and let cool for 2–3 minutes.
• Drizzle with 2 tablespoons Blackberry Dark Balsamic.
• Finish with freshly cracked black pepper and a small pinch of flaky sea salt if desired.
• Serve warm with the remaining 2 tablespoons Blackberry Dark Balsamic available for an extra light drizzle.
Chef’s Tip
Use thin-cut bacon and avoid heavy overlap when wrapping the dates. This helps the bacon crisp evenly while the creamy cheese stays soft and the dates remain tender.
Flavor Variations
• Fig Dark Balsamic adds a deeper, richer sweet-savory finish
• Pomegranate Dark Balsamic gives the dates a brighter tangy contrast
• Espresso Dark Balsamic creates a darker, more savory appetizer with roasted depth
• Stuff with smoked gouda, goat cheese, blue cheese, or toasted walnuts
• Finish with flaky sea salt for extra contrast
Pairings
Serve with charcuterie boards, cheese platters, roasted nuts, sparkling wine, red wine, cocktails, fresh fruit, or additional small bites for an easy appetizer spread.
Build Your Plate
Turn this recipe into a complete appetizer spread
Use this as a simple entertaining framework: start with the bacon wrapped dates, add cheeses and crunchy sides, then finish the platter with the balsamic pairing.
Finished Meal
Bacon Wrapped Dates with Blackberry Balsamic
Protein
Bacon wrapped dates, prosciutto, salami, goat cheese, blue cheese, or smoked gouda
Vegetables & Sides
Charcuterie boards, cheese platters, roasted nuts, fresh fruit, olives, crackers, or crusty bread
Flavor Pairing
Blackberry Dark Balsamic with Arbequina Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Recipe Notes
These are best served warm shortly after baking. To prepare ahead, stuff and wrap the dates, refrigerate them covered, then bake just before serving. Drizzle with Blackberry Dark Balsamic after baking so the balsamic stays bright, glossy, and full of flavor.
