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Smoked Bacon Wrapped Dates
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Smoked Bacon Wrapped Dates

These smoked bacon-wrapped dates are the perfect balance of sweet, salty, creamy, and smoky. Stuffed with Aleppo-spiced goat cheese, wrapped in crispy bacon, and finished with a warm honey glaze and fresh thyme, they’re the kind of appetizer that disappears fast off the platter.
Course Appetizer, BBQ, Grilling
Cuisine American
Keyword Smoked bacon wrapped dates
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Servings 18 pieces
Author Bon Appeteach

Ingredients

For the Dates:

  • 18 Medjool Dates pitted
  • 6 slices Bacon avoid very thick cut pieces
  • 18 Toothpicks

For the Goat Cheese Filling:

  • 4 oz. Goat Cheese
  • 1 tbsp Honey
  • 1/2 tsp Aleppo Pepper optional
  • 1/2 tsp Sea Salt

For Finishing:

  • 3 tbsp Honey
  • 1/2 tsp Aleppo Pepper or red pepper flakes (if you like the heat)
  • 2 sprigs Fresh Thyme for garnish

Instructions

  • Prep the Dates: Slice each date lengthwise on one side and remove the pit. Set aside while you make the filling.
  • Make the Goat Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, mix together goat cheese, honey, Aleppo pepper, and salt until smooth.
  • Stuff and Wrap: Fill each date with about a teaspoon of the goat cheese mixture. Wrap each stuffed date with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
  • Smoke the Dates: Preheat your smoker to 250°F using a mild wood (apple or cherry works great). Place the bacon-wrapped dates on a wire rack or foil-lined tray and smoke for 60–75 minutes, until the bacon is rendered and slightly crisp.
  • Glaze and Finish: In the last 10 minutes of cooking, brush each date with warm honey mixed with a pinch of Aleppo pepper (I microwave it for 30-60 seconds to make it easier to glaze with). Continue smoking until the glaze becomes tacky and caramelized.
  • Garnish and Serve: Remove from the smoker, let cool slightly, and sprinkle with fresh thyme before serving warm.

Notes

Tips for the Best Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Dates

  • Use Medjool dates for the best texture (they’re large and naturally sweeter). 
  • Don’t overfill; a small amount of goat cheese goes a long way.
  • Want crispier bacon? Briefly sear the wrapped dates over direct heat or broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, or pop them into the broiler briefly if desired.