When the holiday season rolls around, the kitchen becomes a hub of creativity and comfort. One unforgettable evening, while preparing for a festive gathering, I experimented with an idea I couldn’t shake: the luscious combination of goat cheese and bacon. The result? These Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey, an indulgent appetizer that fuses savory and sweet in a way that makes your taste buds dance.
Picture this: a crispy exterior gives way to soft, chewy dates infused with creamy goat cheese, all enveloped in the smoky crunch of bacon. To take it to the next level, a drizzle of rosemary honey cascades over the top, imparting a fragrant warmth that invites guests to come back for more. Whether you’re looking to impress at a holiday party or simply want to elevate a weeknight dinner, these bites are not only quick and easy to prepare but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, let’s gather our ingredients and dive into a recipe that will leave everyone craving the next flavor-packed bite!
Why You’ll Love Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates
Simplicity at its Best: This recipe is easy to follow, requiring minimal prep time and basic cooking skills.
Irresistible Flavor Combination: The rich goat cheese and salty bacon blend seamlessly, while the rosemary honey adds a deliciously unique twist.
Perfect for Entertaining: These bites are an instant hit at gatherings, delivering stunning flavors that leave guests raving.
Versatile Dish: Whether for holiday parties or casual get-togethers, these appetizers fit any occasion beautifully.
Make Ahead Convenience: Assemble in advance and bake just before serving, making your prep stress-free.
Indulge in these delightful bites and see just how quickly they disappear!
Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates Ingredients
For the Filling
• Creamy Goat Cheese – Adds richness and creaminess; can substitute with ricotta for a lighter option.
• Plump Medjool Dates – Provide natural sweetness and a chewy texture; use pitted dates for convenience.
For the Wrapping
• Thinly Sliced Bacon – Provides saltiness and crispiness once cooked; can substitute with turkey bacon for a lighter version.
For the Drizzle
• Honey – Acts as a sweetener and helps caramelize the bacon; agave syrup or maple syrup can be used as substitutes.
• Chopped Fresh Rosemary – Offers a fragrant, herbal note; dried rosemary can be used but use less due to stronger flavor.
• Cayenne Pepper – Adds a touch of heat to balance the sweetness; omit for a milder flavor or adjust to taste.
Seasoning
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper – Enhance flavor; use to taste.
Optional Topping
• Candied or Toasted Walnuts – Adds crunch and richness; leave out if nut-free.
These Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey are sure to be the star of your holiday entertaining, combining irresistible flavors into one delicious bite!
How to Make Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This step is essential to achieve that perfect crispy bacon texture.
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Split each date carefully in half lengthwise and remove the pit. Stuff each date with creamy goat cheese and gently press to seal them back together. This ensures a delicious burst of flavor with every bite!
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Wrap each stuffed date with half a slice of bacon, making sure to seal the edges downwards on the prepared baking sheet. The bacon will get crispy and enhance the savory profile of the dish.
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Mix honey, rosemary, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Drizzle half of this mixture over the prepared dates to coat the bacon well, infusing them with aromatic flavor.
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Bake the dates for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon turns golden brown and crispy. You can serve them warm or at room temperature. Top with any remaining honey and optional walnuts for an extra crunch!
Optional: Garnish with extra fresh rosemary for a pop of color and added flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the stuffed dates up to 24 hours in advance by assembling them and storing them covered in the refrigerator. To maintain their delightful texture, simply drizzle with the rosemary honey mixture just before baking. When you’re ready to serve, preheat your oven and bake the dates for 20-25 minutes until the bacon is crispy. This not only saves time on busy nights but also ensures you’ll have these irresistible appetizers ready to impress your guests with minimal effort! Enjoy the convenience of make ahead prep while delighting everyone with these savory bites!
What to Serve with Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates?
Looking to elevate your festive gathering with the perfect pairings for these delightful bites?
- Crispy Baguette Slices: Serve these alongside toasted baguette slices to create a satisfying contrast of textures, perfect for scooping up extra honey.
- Fresh Arugula Salad: A peppery arugula salad with a light vinaigrette offsets the richness of the dates, adding a refreshing element to your meal.
- Charcuterie Board: Include a variety of cured meats, cheeses, and fruits to complement the sweet and savory flavors of the stuffed dates for an elegant and visually appealing spread.
- Sparkling Wine: A glass of bubbly pairs beautifully, enhancing the flavors with its acidity and effervescence, making it a delightful accompaniment for this appetizer.
- Melon Skewers: Sweet melon skewers add a refreshing contrast, balancing out the richness from the bacon and cheese while adding a pop of color to your plate.
- Herb-Infused Olive Oil: Drizzling herb-infused olive oil over the dates or bread elevates flavor profiles and adds an aromatic experience to your palate.
- Dark Chocolate-Covered Almonds: For a sweet finale, serve these rich treats, pairing perfectly with the savory notes of the dish and creating a delightful taste contrast.
Each of these pairings complements the Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey beautifully, creating a memorable dining experience.
Expert Tips for Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates
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Prep Ahead: Assemble the dates a day in advance and refrigerate. This allows flavors to meld, and you can drizzle with rosemary honey just before baking.
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Toothpick Technique: Serve with toothpicks for easy eating. The sticky nature of the honey can make them tricky to handle without this simple addition.
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Cheese Quantity: Ensure you stuff enough goat cheese into each date. Too little means flavor loss; too much can overpower the date’s sweetness.
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Bacon Options: For those looking for lighter alternatives, turkey bacon works just as well in this goat cheese stuffed bacon wrapped dates recipe, still delivering great taste.
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Seasoning Balance: Don’t forget to taste the honey mixture before drizzling. Adjust the cayenne and seasoning to fit your palate, ensuring a perfect balance between sweet and spicy.
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Serve Warm: These appetizers are best served warm. If you need to make them ahead, reheat gently in the oven to maintain the crispy bacon texture before serving.
Variations & Substitutions for Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates
Feel free to personalize these bites with these fun twists, making them your own masterpiece!
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Vegetarian Option: Omit bacon entirely and bake the dates stuffed only with goat cheese, drizzling just honey and rosemary for a lighter treat.
Perfect for those who love the creamy and sweet combination without the meat! -
Nutty Delight: Add chopped pistachios or almonds into the goat cheese filling for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
This twist creates an exciting texture and elevates the overall taste experience. -
Spicy Kick: Mix diced jalapeños into the goat cheese for an added layer of heat that complements the sweetness of the dates.
For spice lovers, this gives a delightful zing that’s sure to please! -
Sweet Twist: Substitute honey with balsamic glaze for a tangy-sweet flavor that pairs wonderfully with the richness of the cheese and bacon.
This will create a complex taste experience that makes your guests curious about the secret ingredient. -
Mediterranean Flair: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes or olives into the goat cheese for a savory Mediterranean touch.
These ingredients enhance the flavor profile and offer a beautiful pairing with the dates. -
Herb Infusion: Swap rosemary for thyme or use a combination of herbs for a different aromatic experience.
Each herb brings its unique quality, giving the dish a refreshing twist that can surprise and delight. -
Low-Calorie Version: Use turkey bacon to wrap the dates instead of regular bacon, cutting down on fat and calories.
You won’t miss the richness, and it’s a great option for health-conscious guests! -
Maple Glaze: Replace honey with pure maple syrup for a sweet, earthy flavor that adds another dimension.
This substitution complements the natural sweetness of the dates beautifully, bringing a cozy warmth to each bite.
How to Store and Freeze Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates
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Fridge: Store leftover dates in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To maintain their crispiness, reheat in the oven before serving.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unbaked, assembled dates in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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Make-Ahead: You can prepare the goat cheese stuffed bacon wrapped dates in advance and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours. Just drizzle with rosemary honey before baking when ready to serve.
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Reheating: Reheat baked dates in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will help restore their crispness while ensuring they remain warm and flavorful.
Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey Recipe FAQs
What type of dates should I use?
I recommend using plump Medjool dates because they have a delightful chewiness and natural sweetness. If you’re short on time, look for pitted dates for convenience—they’ll save you an extra step in the preparation process!
How should I store leftovers?
Leftover Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep things crispy, I suggest reheating them in the oven before serving. Just pop them in at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to warm up!
Can I freeze these dates?
Absolutely! You can freeze unbaked, assembled dates in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once they are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag or an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer and add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Enjoy that deliciousness later with ease!
What if the bacon isn’t crispy after baking?
If your bacon doesn’t turn out as crispy as you’d like, it may be due to the thickness of the bacon slices or if they were placed too close together on the baking sheet. Be sure to spread them out so air can circulate, and if they’re still not crispy enough, you can try placing them under the broiler for just a minute or two at the end of baking—just watch them carefully to avoid burning!
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, indeed! These Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates are naturally gluten-free, so they’re perfect for anyone avoiding gluten. However, always check the labels of the bacon and other ingredients to ensure they haven’t been processed with gluten-containing substances.
Can I make these dates without bacon?
Yes! For a vegetarian-friendly version, simply omit the bacon and bake the stuffed dates with just the goat cheese, honey, and rosemary. They still pack a punch of flavor, and you can consider topping them with chopped nuts for added crunch, making a delightful, meat-free appetizer.
Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Split each date carefully in half lengthwise and remove the pit. Stuff each date with creamy goat cheese and gently press to seal them back together.
- Wrap each stuffed date with half a slice of bacon, sealing the edges downwards on the prepared baking sheet.
- Mix honey, rosemary, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Drizzle half of this mixture over the prepared dates.
- Bake the dates for 20-25 minutes until the bacon is golden brown and crispy. Serve warm or at room temperature.