This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.

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!

overhead photo of Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey with honey on tray

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.

overhead photo Goat Cheese Stuffed in dates before baking

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!

overhead photo of Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates before baking

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.

Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates after baking on baking sheet

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.

overhead close up photo Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey

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.

overhead close up photo of Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Date split in half to expose the goat filling

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

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
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

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. 
View Recipe Comments

horizontal photo of Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey

Add a Comment

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I make these all the time for special occasions and everyone just loves them! You have to watch them carefully so they don’t burn and I do run into issues with the correct length of bacon for the dates. I choose to only wrap the bacon around the date once and cut off the rest. I toothpick the bacon to the date so the bacon doesn’t curl when it bakes. That usually works well for me 🙂

    1. Hey Lisa,
      Happy Monday!! I appreciate you giving this recipe a try and sharing your review, so glad to hear it turned out well! xT

    1. Hi Kim,
      Sure, maple syrup will work just fine for you! I hope you love this recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xx

    1. Hey Lissette,
      Happy Wednesday! Thanks so much for making this recipe and your comment, so glad to hear it turned out well for you! xx

  2. 4 stars
    I made these for a NYE dinner party and they were an absolute hit! I’ve always loved bacon wrapped dates however the addition of the honey sauce is what really took it to the next level and garnered compliments from even the toughest critics at the party.

    Next time I would consider increasing the amount of cayenne I used because – I felt that flavor was a bit too muted and my friends and I like some heat. I cooked on a lower heat (350 I think?) for 25 mins before turning up to 400 for the last few mins to make sure my bacon was fully cooked since I like it a tad more well done.

    1. Hey Holly,
      Wonderful!! I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for making it! Thanks for sharing your feedback! xT

  3. 5 stars
    Made as directed with no subs. So good! These were devoured and I can’t wait to make them again! We liked them so much we ordered her cook book!

    1. Hey Shannon,
      Happy New Year!🎆🎈 I appreciate you making this recipe and your comment! So glad to hear it was enjoyed! xx

  4. Suggestion, take the membrane out before filling. We made these always in the 60’s and would sometimes add an skinless almond in the middle
    With the nut and membrane removed they melt in your mouth. Fun cooking with you

      1. Hi Bri,
        I appreciate you giving this recipe a try and sharing your review, so glad to hear it was enjoyed! Happy New Year! 🎊🎈

    1. Hi Kellie,
      Blue cheese or feta cheese would also be great to use! Please let me know if you have any other questions, I hope you love this recipe! xT

      1. 5 stars
        Loved these! Subbed blue cheese for goat cheese, and used Mike’s Hot Honey with the rosemary. They were fabulous!

        1. Hey Melanie,
          I appreciate you giving this recipe a try and sharing your review, so glad to hear it was enjoyed! Happy New Year! 🎊🎈

  5. Can’t wait to try this recipe! If someone has an allergy to rosemary, which herb would you recommend replacing it with?
    Thanks in advance.

    1. Hey Carolyn,
      You could use thyme or sage in place of the rosemary:) Please let me know if you give this recipe a try, I hope you love it! xT

  6. 5 stars
    I made these for my annual Christmas Craft night with my girlfriends last night and HOLY SWEET LORD THESE ARE AMAZING! I could have eaten the whole plate myself and was both delighted and devastated to see that the plate was cleared of them so quickly (I made about 3 dozen). I even had people who aren’t goat cheese lovers gushing about how delicious they were. Super simple to make too so this will definitely be a repeat as early as next weekend when we’re hosting dinner for family. The PERFECT sweet and salty appetizer/snackable. HIGHLY recommend! I’d give it 10 stars if I could. 🙂

    1. Hey Allison,
      Awesome!! Thanks so much for making this recipe and sharing your review! Love to hear that it was enjoyed! Happy Sunday!🎄

  7. 5 stars
    I made these as a Thanksgiving appetizer this year and they were a huge hit! I substituted chive and onion cream cheese for goat cheese and they were still delicious. Gonna make these like once a month now as a snack 🙂

  8. Made these for Thanksgiving and they were a hit!! Even those that aren’t big fans of goat cheese loved them🥰 They will for sure make the list of go-to apps!

    1. Hey Brianne,
      Thank you so much for making this recipe, I love to hear that it was a winner! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! xx

  9. 5 stars
    Yum! Definitely will keep making this! Substituted a dairy free cream cheese for the filling bc a couple relatives have allergies and they were perfect!

    1. Hey Kylie,
      Thank you so much for making this recipe, I love to hear that it was a winner! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! xx

  10. 5 stars
    EPIC. I love bacon-wrapped dates and always order them out. Not sure why I’ve never made them but I made these today! I used the new Vermont Creamery truffle honey goat cheese and followed the recipe exactly. Amazing! The spicy honey is genius. My mom doesn’t even like dates and she said “wow these are good”. I’ve been making holiday apps for 20 years and this is now a go-to. Thanks Tieghan!

    1. Hey Laura,
      Thank you so much for making this recipe, I love to hear that it was a winner! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! xx

  11. 5 stars
    Made these for Thanksgiving a couple years ago and they have become a staple at every gathering since. Simple to make and absolutely delicious.

    1. Hi Cameron,
      Thank you so much for making this recipe, I love to hear that it was a winner! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! xx