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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.
These look amazing!! And looking to make these for Christmas. What is a good Rosemary substitute? Besides me no one is a fan of rosemary or thyme.
Hey Aileen,
I would just keep the honey plain:) I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xx
Hi – these look delicious and I’m going to make them for Thanksgiving. Can I use Goat Cheese crumbles?
Thanks so much Carrie! For this recipe, you are going to want to use a log of goat cheese:)
These look so good, but I’m not a big goat cheese fan. What other cheese would you recommend?
Thanks!
Hey Lynn,
Blue cheese or feta would also be delicious! Please let me know if you give this recipe a try, I hope you love it! xT
Made these last night for our community group. So yummy and very easy to make.
Hey Priscilla,
Happy Wednesday! I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it and sharing your feedback! xx
My go to appetizer. Always a crowd pleaser—impressive but oh so easy.
They are the perfect bite of sweet, salty, ooey gooey, savory and spicy yumniness!
Hey Melissa!
Happy Sunday! Thanks a bunch for making this recipe so often, I love to hear that it is always enjoyed:)
This was easy to make ! The taste of the dates , goat cheese & bacon together was delicious. I used fig flavoured goat cheese, I did not add honey
They tasted sweet enough, I also did not use spice ( we love spice but not the group of people )
Highly recommended appetizer
Hey Kathy,
Happy Sunday!! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it! xTieghan
omg…these stuffed dates are incredible.
Thanks for trying them out! Love to hear that the recipe was enjoyed!
Just made this last night for a girls night and it they were a total hit!!! It was my first time actually eating dates and the only reason I even did this was because I needed to find a way to use the goat cheese I had in the fridge. So easy and delicious!
Hi Lorraine,
Happy Sunday!! Love to hear that you have enjoyed this recipe, thanks so much for making it!! xx
Made this recipe as an appetizer over the holidays and it was perfect! I substituted the goat cheese for ricotta. The honey sauce adds so much flavor-I thought the cayenne would be too spicy, but it paired so well with the honey/rosemary combo without being overwhelming. I brought these to multiple gatherings and they were always gone quickly! Thank you, Tieghan!
Hey Danielle,
Awesome! Thanks a lot for making this recipe. I love to hear that it was enjoyed! Happy Thursday❄️ xxT
Planning to make this for Thanksgiving. How should I modify for a grill flattop? The oven will be occupied with the bird when we would make this app.
Hi Erin,
So sorry, I am honestly not sure, I’ve never used a grill flat top for making these. I hope it turns out well for you! xT
Can an air fryer be used?
Hey Audrey,
I’ve not tried that with this recipe, but let me know if you give it a try! I hope you love the recipe! xTieghan
This has become a staple in our house. So easy and delicious – I’m the one who does the most cooking, but my husband loves these so much they’ve become a regular thing for him to make, too, because the recipe isn’t intimidating. Thanks Tieghan!
Hi Faith,
Fantastic! Love hearing that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for giving it a try. xTieghan
Fantastic recipe! These are beyond addicting and so easy to make with kids and non kitchen friendly people 😉
If you’re like me and never actually read recipes, you might have messed this up a little. The first time I made this, I mixed the maple, herbs and cayenne all into the cheese which was amazing but it was a little soupy to fill the dates with.
What I ended up doing the second and third time because I liked me mistake so much is mixing 1/2 of the maple/ cayenne/ rosemary mixture into the goat cheese and reserving 1/2 for right before baking as a drizzle! So tasty and if you have a sweet tooth it was even sweeter overall !
Hi Zoe,
Thank you so much for making this recipe, I am so glad to hear it was enjoyed! Merry Christmas!?? xT
Fabulous recipe! Loved every nuanced bit?Didn’t change a thing, and didn’t need the optional walnuts either. A big hit!
Hey Terri,
Happy Holidays! Thank you so much for making this recipe, I love to hear that it was enjoyed!?? xTieghan
Planning these for Christmas Eve this week. Have you ever premade 1-2 days prior to baking? Do they hold well?
Hi Jenn,
That should be just fine for you to do and keep in the fridge. I hope you love this recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan
Can I use dried Medjool dates for this recipe?
Hi Taylor,
I would recommend sticking with fresh dates for this recipe. Please let me know if you give it a try! xxTieghan