Dates As Snacks – 3 Easy Stuffed Date Bites

Dates are nature's candy, and when you stuff them with a few bold ingredients, they turn into a snack that's both indulgent and good for you. I've been making these on trail runs and long hikes—they pack a punch of energy without the crash.

This recipe gives you three ways to enjoy dates: classic bacon-wrapped, creamy peanut butter with chocolate, and a savory herbed goat cheese version. Each one is a little different, but all are dead simple to throw together.

Whether you need a pre-workout boost or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these stuffed dates deliver. No fancy equipment, just a skillet and a few minutes of your time.

About the Ingredients

12 Medjool dates, pitted

Medjool are large and soft; if using smaller Deglet, adjust filling. Look for plump, glossy dates.

6 slices bacon, cut in half

Use thin-cut for crispiness; thick-cut works but needs longer cooking. For a lighter option, use turkey bacon.

1/4 cup (60g) creamy peanut butter

Use natural peanut butter for less sugar; almond or cashew butter also works.

1/4 cup (45g) dark chocolate chips

Use at least 70% cacao for richness; milk chocolate makes it sweeter.

1/4 cup (60g) goat cheese, softened

Cream cheese or feta can substitute; for vegan, use a plant-based cream cheese.

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped

Dried rosemary works but use half the amount; thyme or sage are good alternatives.

1 tablespoon honey

Maple syrup works too; omit for a less sweet version.

Pinch of flaky sea salt

Optional but enhances flavors; use kosher salt if you don't have flaky.

Tips & Tricks

• If your dates are dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then pat dry.
• To make pitting easier, use your thumb to push the pit out from one end.
• Bacon-wrapped dates can be made ahead and refrigerated, then baked just before serving.
• For even cooking, use a wire rack on the baking sheet so bacon crisps all around.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

2. Prepare Dates

Using a small knife, make a lengthwise slit in each date, being careful not to cut all the way through. Remove the pit and open the date like a book.

3. Make Fillings

For the PB&Chocolate: mix peanut butter and chocolate chips in a small bowl. For the goat cheese: mix goat cheese, honey, and rosemary until smooth.

4. Stuff Dates

Spoon about 1 teaspoon of filling into each date. For the bacon version, stuff with a small piece of cheese or a chocolate chip if desired, then press closed.

5. Wrap with Bacon

Take a half slice of bacon and wrap it around each stuffed date, securing with a toothpick if needed. Place on the prepared baking sheet, seam side down.

6. Bake

Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the bacon is browned and crispy. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2 minutes, watching closely.

7. Finish and Serve

Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Drizzle with extra honey and sprinkle with flaky salt if desired. Serve warm.

Delicious Variations

Almond Joy

Stuff with almond butter, shredded coconut, and a dark chocolate chip, then wrap with bacon.

Mediterranean

Fill with crumbled feta, sun-dried tomatoes, and a basil leaf, then wrap with prosciutto (no bacon).

Spicy Sweet

Mix peanut butter with a pinch of cayenne and stuff, then wrap with bacon and drizzle with sriracha honey.

How to Store Dates As Snacks

Frequently Asked Questions

These stuffed dates are perfect for game day, hiking, or a quick snack. Give them a try and let me know your favorite combo in the comments below!

Dates As Snacks

Dates As Snacks: sweet, salty, crunchy bites ready in 20 minutes. Perfect for quick energy and satisfying cravings.

★★★★½ 4.8 (127 ratings)

10 minPrep time18 minCook time6Servings285 kcalCalories

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🧂 Ingredients

• 12 Medjool dates, pitted
• 6 slices bacon, cut in half
• 1/4 cup (60g) creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup (45g) dark chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup (60g) goat cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Pinch of flaky sea salt

📋 Instructions

1. 1Preheat Oven — Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
2. 2Prepare Dates — Using a small knife, make a lengthwise slit in each date, being careful not to cut all the way through. Remove the pit and open the date like a book.
3. 3Make Fillings — For the PB&Chocolate: mix peanut butter and chocolate chips in a small bowl. For the goat cheese: mix goat cheese, honey, and rosemary until smooth.
4. 4Stuff Dates — Spoon about 1 teaspoon of filling into each date. For the bacon version, stuff with a small piece of cheese or a chocolate chip if desired, then press closed.
5. 5Wrap with Bacon — Take a half slice of bacon and wrap it around each stuffed date, securing with a toothpick if needed. Place on the prepared baking sheet, seam side down.
6. 6Bake — Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the bacon is browned and crispy. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2 minutes, watching closely.
7. 7Finish and Serve — Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Drizzle with extra honey and sprinkle with flaky salt if desired. Serve warm.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: If you're short on time, skip the bacon and just fill the dates—they're still amazing.

Servings: 6

Cuisine: American

Course: Snack

Nutrition (per serving): 285 kcal · 12g protein · 22g carbs · 9g fat

Written by Lars Eriksen
Lars writes about outdoor adventure and minimalist gear, focusing on long-distance hiking and camping. He shares route planning tips, gear tests, and lessons from the trail, always emphasizing safety and leaving no trace. His writing is practical and seasoned, but he never claims to be an expert—just a passionate hiker.