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Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey…my new holiday appetizer. They’re quick, easy, and everyone loves these sweet and savory bites. Sweet dates stuffed with creamy goat cheese, wrapped in salty bacon, then tossed in a rosemary honey that’s hinted with just a touch of spice. Bake these bites up in the oven until the bacon is crisping and “candied”. There never seems to be enough of these bites…addictive, festive, and perfect for holiday entertaining!
Thanksgiving is just one week from this Thursday. How is it that we are already entering into the last two weeks of November? As crazy as it is, the holidays are officially upon us. The one thing that always comes with holiday craziness? Houseguests…or at least that’s the case over here.
Around here Thanksgivings are filled with not only our immediate family (so mom, dad, plus all six of my siblings). But also boyfriends, girlfriends, cousins, and usually an additional friend or two. Most years we end up having around 20 people. And they don’t just come for Thanksgiving Day, they come for Thanksgiving week. So let’s just say there are plenty of mouths to feed.
It’s tradition, and everyone loves being together. But this Thanksgiving…absolutely no one is coming. My family is heading to Tahoe to spend Thanksgiving at my brother’s new house. Word on the street is that it’s going to be a Mexican night…YIKES. I’m not one for breaking tradition, so for me, this does not sound ideal, but we’ll see what happens. Guessing my mom puts the veto on that.
Anyway, the point of this very long-winded story is that I usually have so many people to feed this time of year. Come Thanksgiving Day they all LOVE their snacks and cocktails before the big meal.
In recent years I’ve made these cranberry brie tarts and a huge cheese board. But this year I wanted to break out of my Brie “habit”. I almost used the word rut, but you can never be in a Brie rut…Brie is the BEST! In fact, you’ll probably be seeing a new Brie recipe very soon.
I wanted to try something very different…enter these dates. Oh, these dates. I could not love them more. They are so addicting!
Here is how you make these bacon wrapped dates.
It’s easy! Simply take extra soft Medjool dates, stuff them with creamy goat cheese, then wrap them in bacon.
But you know me, simply wrapping a date in bacon wasn’t enough, I had to give these a special touch. SO, I added in a rosemary honey that’s hinted with cayenne pepper. The honey gives these dates a sweet, savory, and spicy taste. The salty bacon with the sweet and spicy honey makes for the best combo, but beware, these are highly addictive. Yes, this is the third time I’ve used addictive in this post, but it truly best describes these dates.
Although these may not be the prettiest appetizer out there, trust me, you will LOVE this recipe.
Even my mom, who really doesn’t care for eating a whole date greatly enjoyed these. Especially warm out of the oven with an extra drizzle of honey and a walnut on top. Delicious.
Here’s why these are great…
For one, you can assemble these mini bites ahead of time, then just bake them off as guests arrive. You can serve them warm or at room temperature, though I think they are best warm out of the oven.
Two, these bites are finger foods. They are a bit sticky, so you may want to serve them with toothpicks or cocktails forks. Although in my book, allowing guests to enjoy with their hands is completely acceptable as well. These are a two-bite appetizer and perfect for snacking on while chatting.
Three, these happen to be gluten free. At least they are free of cows milk, and most people can easily tolerate goat cheese. They obviously won’t work for vegan guests, so be sure to have anther appetizer option. But If someone prefers to not eat pork, you can leave the bacon off a few of the dates and bake them separately. Then simply finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to give them a nice salty touch.
So you see? These are pretty close to being the perfect holiday appetizer, and the rosemary keeps them flavorful and festive too.
These are just as great for Thanksgiving as they will be for all upcoming holiday gatherings. I know I’ll be making these over and over throughout the holiday season.
If you make these goat cheese stuffed bacon wrapped dates with rosemary honey, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
watch the how to video:
Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey
Servings: 24
Calories Per Serving: 60 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 6 ounces creamy goat cheese
- 24 plump Medjool dates
- 12 slices thinly sliced bacon, cut in half
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper using more or less to taste
- kosher salt and black pepper
- candied or toasted walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. Split the dates in half lengthwise, but don't cut the date all the way through. Remove the pit and discard. Stuff each date with goat cheese, then gently squeeze to seal. Wrap each date with bacon and place seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dates.3. In a small bowl, combine the honey, rosemary, cayenne, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Evenly drizzle 1/2 the honey over the dates. The goal is to coat the bacon in honey so that it caramelizes in the oven. 4. Transfer to the oven and bake 20-25 minutes, until the bacon is crisping. Serve warm or room temperature with any remaining honey and walnuts, if desired.
Notes
To Make Ahead: the dates can be assembled and refrigerated for up to a day before baking. Drizzle with honey just before baking, then bake as directed.
To Make Vegetarian: skip wrapping each date in bacon. Instead roast the goat cheese stuffed dates drizzled with honey. Then, serve with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to replace that saltiness that bacon would add.
Hi! Can’t wait to make this recipe! Unfortunately, my family doesn’t eat pork – can we just omit the bacon?
Hey Ash,
You can do that, or turkey bacon would be a great substitute. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Hi there! I had a question about reheating. I’m wanting to make this for Thanksgiving at my partner’s mom’s place and would like to make them beforehand and then reheat them upon arrival. Will they be just as good or do they not bode well through the process? Thanks for this delicious recipe! 🙂
Hey Heidi,
I would recommend assembling these ahead of time and then baking at your destination. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
OMG is all I can say!!
These were so easy and so delicious!!! Definitely will be making these on a regular basis. Such a great app for serving at parties or family gatherings.
Thanks so much!!
Thank you Caroline!! I am so happy you loved this recipe! xTieghan
How far in advance can you make the rosemary honey?
Hey Orna,
You can make a few days to a week in advance. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Can you make this with pre cooked Turkey bacon?
Hey Orna,
So sorry I haven’t tried using that, but I am assuming it would work. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Another great recipe! Good balance of sweet and savoury. The rosemary and chilli were a great addition to the honey and added that extra layer of flavour.
Thank you so much Rebecca! xTieghan
can you make the honey ahead to intensify the flavors?
Hey Jamie,
Yes totally fine to do. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Can you make these ahead of time? Would love to make these for Thanksgiving and trying to prepare a schedule
Hey Jamie,
I would assemble these ahead of time and then bake when you are ready to serve. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Very easy and tasty. I did have an issue with my honey drizzle, it kinda pooled on my baking sheet and burned a bit and bottoms came out over done…maybe too much honey?
Hi Lynda,
So sorry about this, try removing from the oven next time and scooping any honey that has dripped down back onto the dates. Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
I made these for a baby shower and they were SUCH A HIT! Everyone kept commenting on how delicious they were. I was worried some people might not like goat cheese but it wasn’t an overpowering flavor at all. I prepped them the night before which was really helpful. Next time I’ll plan to avoid thick cut bacon (doesn’t wrap as well) and be a little more careful when drizzling the honey so it gets more evenly distributed. Can’t wait to make them again!
Amazing! Thank you so much for trying this Liz! I am really glad it turned out so well for you! xTieghan
I didn’t use salted or smoked bacon the first time I made them, and with all the honey drizzled on there, they were way too sweet. The second time I made them, I made sure I used salted or smoked bacon and reduced the amount of drizzled on honey, then they were very nice!
That is amazing! I am so glad you enjoyed these! xTieghan
I made these with 1/3 of the dates stuffed with goat cheese, 1/3 of the dates stuffed with brie and 1/3of the dates stuffed with peanut butter. Delicious! The peanut butter took 1st place! My honey also burned like a previous reviewer but it didn’t affect the taste of the final product. Next time I’ll leave it off or drizzle it on 1/2 way thru. Excellent recipe!
Thank you! I am so glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
These are amazing! I made them
Last night for NYE’s dinner appetiser and they were a massive hit!
That is amazing! Thank you so much Dee! xTieghan
Made these tonight for New Years Eve, and while we loved the taste, the bacon took a long time to crisp and the honey that drizzled started burning. Any suggestions? This isn’t the first recipe I’ve tried that the bacon took longer to crisp than the recipe called for, so I must be doing something wrong.
Hi Kim! Are you using a thicker cut bacon? Next time try using a thin cut bacon. Using a thinner cut will ensure the bacon cooks up quicker and the honey shouldn’t burn then too. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope this helps and you love this recipe! Thank you and Happy New Year! xTieghan
I was thinking about using chili infused honey, should I omit the cayenne do you think?
Hi Bob! Yes, you can omit the cayenne if using a chili infused honey. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you and Happy New Year! xTieghan