If you’re on the hunt for a bite-sized appetizer that delivers a perfect harmony of sweet, salty, and creamy, you’re going to love this Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Drizzled with Honey and Rosemary Recipe. This dish transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable party treat—imagine the smoky crispness of bacon hugging soft, luscious dates filled with tangy goat cheese, all brought together by a fragrant drizzle of honey infused with fresh rosemary. It’s an irresistible combo that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential. Each plays a crucial role in balancing flavors, textures, and even presentation. From the creamy goat cheese providing tang and richness to the sweetness of Medjool dates, and the herbaceous pop of rosemary enhancing the honey’s floral notes, every item counts.
- 6 ounces goat cheese: Choose a soft, fresh goat cheese for smooth creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the bacon.
- 24 Medjool dates (plump ones): The natural sweetness and chewy texture of dates is the star base here.
- 12 slices bacon (thin pieces cut in half): Thin bacon crisps up perfectly wrapping around each date to add smoky saltiness.
- â…“ cup honey: Honey adds a luscious sweetness and helps caramelize the bacon when baked.
- 1 tablespoon rosemary (freshly chopped): Fresh rosemary brings a delightful, aromatic herbal note that ties every flavor together.
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Drizzled with Honey and Rosemary Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dates
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. If the dates aren’t pitted already, split each lengthwise carefully without cutting through completely. Remove the pits gently so your stuffed dates stay intact.
Step 2: Stuff the Dates
Take a generous spoonful of goat cheese and nestle it inside each date. Goat cheese’s creamy tanginess wonderfully complements the natural sweetness of the dates. Once stuffed, press the dates gently to seal them in.
Step 3: Wrap with Bacon
Wrap each stuffed date with half a slice of bacon, placing the seam side down on your lined baking sheet so they hold together while cooking. If you find them tricky to keep wrapped, a toothpick can secure them without overpowering the bite.
Step 4: Drizzle with Honey and Rosemary
In a small bowl, combine honey with freshly chopped rosemary to infuse that herbal fragrance. Drizzle about half of this mixture evenly over the dates, ensuring the honey coats the bacon to help it caramelize beautifully in the oven.
Step 5: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for irresistibly crisp bacon with a beautiful caramelized sheen. Keep an eye toward the end to avoid overcooking, but the result should be a crispy exterior giving way to soft, gooey goodness inside.
How to Serve Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Drizzled with Honey and Rosemary Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh rosemary sprigs scattered atop add an inviting herbal aroma and a pop of green color. If you like, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt right after baking to enhance the bacon’s savoriness and balance the sweetness. A small spoonful of leftover honey-rosemary drizzle served on the side lets guests add extra sweetness if desired.
Side Dishes
These bacon-wrapped delights shine as part of a tapas board or appetizer spread. Pair them with crunchy crudités, tangy marinated olives, or a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to refresh the palate between bites. They also pair beautifully with a sparkling wine or a light, herbaceous white.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, thread a few bacon-wrapped dates onto decorative cocktail picks or skewer them onto rosemary sprigs for an all-in-one aromatic presentation. Plating them on a rustic wooden board alongside bowls of dipping honey or mustard invites a communal vibe that’s perfect for gathering with friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the bacon-wrapped dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to 3 days, making them a convenient, savory snack or quick appetizer to pull out later.
Freezing
You can freeze these dates before baking. Arrange them on a baking sheet so they don’t touch, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 8-10 minutes to restore crispness to the bacon without drying out the goat cheese filling. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bacon chewy and less appetizing.
FAQs
Can I use cream cheese instead of goat cheese?
Yes! While cream cheese offers a milder flavor and creamier texture, goat cheese provides a tangier profile that beautifully balances the sweet and smoky elements of the dish. Feel free to experiment based on your taste preferences.
What type of bacon works best?
Thinly sliced bacon is ideal because it crisps up nicely without overpowering the dates. Thick-cut bacon can be used but might require longer baking and can overshadow the delicate balance of flavors.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes, by swapping bacon for thin slices of smoked tempeh or vegan bacon alternatives, you can keep the smoky flavor while keeping the dish vegetarian-friendly. Just ensure your alternative crisps up in the oven similarly.
Is it necessary to pit the dates myself?
Using pre-pitted Medjool dates makes the process quicker, but if you have whole dates, carefully slicing and removing the pit yourself ensures every bite is smooth and comfortable to eat.
Can I prepare these in advance for a party?
Definitely! Assemble and wrap the stuffed dates ahead of time, then refrigerate them until ready to bake. Drizzle the honey-rosemary mixture last, just before baking for the freshest flavor and best caramelization.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Drizzled with Honey and Rosemary Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels both elegant and comfortingly familiar. It’s perfect for impressing guests or savoring as a special treat at home. Give it a try—once you experience these flavor-packed bites, they’ll become one of your go-to favorites for any occasion.
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Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Drizzled with Honey and Rosemary Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
These Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese are a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors. Medjool dates are stuffed with tangy goat cheese, wrapped in crispy bacon, and drizzled with honey and fresh rosemary, then baked until caramelized and delicious. Ideal as a gourmet appetizer or party snack, they offer a delightful combination of textures and a rich taste that will impress any crowd.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 ounces goat cheese
- 24 Medjool dates (plump ones)
- 12 slices bacon (thin pieces cut in half)
Glaze
- â…“ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Dates: If your dates are not already pitted, carefully split each date lengthwise without cutting all the way through, then remove and discard the pits.
- Stuff Dates: Fill each date with about a spoonful of goat cheese and gently squeeze to seal the opening.
- Wrap with Bacon: Wrap each stuffed date with half a slice of bacon, placing the seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. Secure with a toothpick if necessary to hold the bacon in place.
- Make Honey-Rosemary Glaze: In a small bowl, mix the honey with freshly chopped rosemary to combine flavors.
- Drizzle Glaze: Drizzle half of the honey and rosemary mixture evenly over the bacon-wrapped dates, ensuring the bacon gets coated for caramelization.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and caramelized.
- Serve: Serve the dates warm or at room temperature with the remaining honey and rosemary mixture drizzled on top for extra flavor.
Notes
- Use plump, high-quality Medjool dates for the best flavor and texture.
- Choose thin bacon slices for even cooking and easier wrapping.
- To avoid the bacon unwrapping during cooking, secure it with a toothpick if needed.
- These can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving for convenience.
- Leftover dates can be refrigerated and enjoyed within 2 days.
