If you’re looking for a bite-sized appetizer that delivers sweet, savoury, creamy, and crispy all in one, these Cranberry Goat Cheese Bacon-Wrapped Dates are exactly what you need. Whether it’s for a holiday party, a game day snack, or just a cozy night at home, these little flavour bombs are guaranteed to disappear fast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about the combination of salty bacon, tangy goat cheese, and the natural sweetness of Medjool dates. Add a hint of cranberry and a sprinkle of toasted walnuts, and you’ve got a festive treat that looks fancy—but couldn’t be easier to make.
It’s the perfect make-ahead appetizer for your next get-together. Plus, you can customize them with a drizzle of honey or a touch of brown sugar for extra caramelization.
🛒 Ingredients
- Nutrafarms Bacon Strips – 1 pack
- Medjool Dates – 1 box (pitted or whole)
- Cranberry Goat Cheese – to taste
- Walnuts – crushed (optional, for topping)
- Brown Sugar – optional, for a caramelized finish
🔪 Instructions
1. Prep the Dates
If your dates aren’t already pitted, carefully remove the pits. Slice each one lengthwise just enough to create a pocket—don’t cut all the way through.
2. Stuff with Cheese
Fill each date with a small spoonful of cranberry goat cheese. You can use plain goat cheese too, but the cranberry adds a beautiful sweet-tart balance.
3. Wrap with Bacon
Cut each Nutrafarms bacon strip into quarters. Wrap one piece around each stuffed date and secure it with a toothpick if needed.
4. Add a Touch of Sweetness (Optional)
For an irresistible glaze, sprinkle a little brown sugar on top before baking. It caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
5. Bake
Place your bacon-wrapped dates on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until the bacon is golden and crisp.
6. Toast the Walnuts
While the dates bake, lightly toast your crushed walnuts in the oven for about 5 minutes until fragrant.
7. Finish & Serve
Once baked, sprinkle the toasted walnuts over the warm dates for a crunchy contrast. Serve immediately—or enjoy them at room temperature.
🍴 Tips & Variations
- Make it ahead: Assemble the dates in advance and refrigerate. Pop them in the oven just before guests arrive.
- Add spice: Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese for a sweet-heat twist.
- Drizzle magic: A touch of maple syrup after baking makes them extra Canadian and extra delicious.
🎄 Perfect For
- Holiday platters and party spreads
- Game day appetizers
- Charcuterie boards
- Sweet-and-savoury brunch bites
❤️ Why We Love Using Nutrafarms Bacon
At Nutrafarms, our bacon is made from Ontario-raised pork—naturally smoked and free from unnecessary additives. It’s thick, flavourful, and crisps up perfectly every time, giving this recipe that satisfying crunch and depth of flavour you just can’t get from grocery store bacon.
Craving more farm-to-table inspiration?
Visit Nutrafarms.ca to stock up on premium, locally raised bacon for your next batch of Cranberry & Goat Cheese Bacon Twists!
