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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.
Watch the How-To Reel
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.
This post was originally published on November 18, 2019
These were fabulous! Thanks for the recipe…loved the honey rosemary drizzle.
Thank you so much Belinda! xTieghan
I made these for two dinners this weekend and everyone went wild for them! I passed on the recipe to a bunch of friends who also want a quick and easy but also delicious app to bring to holiday events. Thank you so much for this lifesaver of a dish, and for making everyone think I’m an amazing cook 🙂
I am so glad you all loved this Erica! Thank you! xTieghan
I don’t know if I did something wrong but these did not taste good. 95% of my cooking comes from your recipes! I’m one of your biggest fans, Tieghan! We had an early Thanksgiving yesterday and I did your turkey (with the cheesecloth), your wine gravy and the Thanksgiving Sangria. All super delicious!!! But these were sadly a fail. Just a weird texture (kinda gritty) and taste. I’m thinking my bacon didn’t crisp enough. Oh well, I’ve done DOZENS of your recipes and this is the first one that didn’t work. Thank you so much for all your hard work. I hope you and your family have a great holiday.
Hi Lisa! I am really sorry to hear that! Is there anything that went wrong with this recipe? I would love to help you out! xTieghan
I’m baking a test batch right now. I wanted to know if you have any tips for coating with honey, as that part was a bit difficult. Thanks!
Hi Nora! I simply just drizzle the dates with the honey using a small spoon. This is the easiest way I have found. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!! xTieghan
Can you substitute the bacon with prosciutto? Not a big bacon girl but this looks insane.
HI! Prosciutto will be delicious! YUM! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!! xTieghan
still legit crying at the fact Red is living my dream ? but also couldn’t be happier for you and your family, and while I’m aMexican food FIEND I can’t say I’m one to easily break holiday tradition either 😉 but this app looks amazing !!
Thank you so much Natala! I am so glad you love this recipe and I hope it turns out amazing for you! xTieghan
@Carswell: Oooh, that sounds good too, and the Halloumi would definitely stay firmer. I like the thought of Brie or Camembert because the bacon will already be quite salty, so the mild cheese might balance nicely. I have tried a similar recipe but using Brie stuffed, bacon wrapped figs instead of dates, and while the cheese did melt to a delicious creamy goo, the bacon wrap held it in nicely, so it worked well.
Another option is Manchego…hmmm. (Apparently, I can’t stop thinking about cheese now…) 😀
Haha I love that! I am so glad you loved this, Aline! Thank you! xTieghan
I love goat cheese, but my family doesn’t….we make these every Christmas, but leave them empty. They are sweet enough with just the dates and bacon, but I will try them with goat cheese and rosemary honey for my piggy self. The rosemary honey sounds like the PERFECT complement to the cheese.
Yes! I hope you love this recipe Sue! Thank you so much! xTieghan
I was thinking of using halloumi – only because I have a friend who doesn’t care for goat cheese.
I would think that brie or camembert would melt to the point where they would completely run out of the date/bacon package, whereas halloumi or even paneer hold their shape when hot.
Yes! I hope you love this! Thank you! xTieghan
Would it be okay to do these goat cheese dates and the cranberry brie pastry tarts? Or should I pick one? If just one, and I’ve never done either, which should I do? 🙂 . (about 21 guests)
Hey Tiffany! I think you can sure do both appetizers as they pair well together!! 21 is a lot of people, so 2 apps will be nice! If you want to only make one, go with the Brie. Everyone loves Brie. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
I was planning on making stuffed dates for a holiday party I am going to in December and now I am totally using this recipe with the rosemary honey. Can’t wait to test them out!
Woohoo!! I hope you love these Lorrie! xTieghan
Or you can stuff them with a whole almond!
I agree these look delicious! And like a really fun appetizer. @Laura, I agree about goat cheese, so I’m going to try with Brie or Camembert. Should work nicely, I’d think?
Yes, I think so! I hope you love this Aline! xTieghan
Hi Aline! I would recommend using cubes of fontina, brie, or blue cheese. Either will be SO GOOD. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
Love the look of these but unfortunately Goats cheese is off the menu! Something i havent learnt to love. Any suggestions for substituting???
Hey Laura! I would recommend using cubes of fontina, brie, or blue cheese. Either will be SO GOOD. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
These look amazing – yay for holiday content!
Thank you Rachel! xTieghan