If you are searching for an irresistible appetizer that marries sweet, salty, and savory flavors, look no further than this Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Drizzled with Honey and Rosemary Recipe. These little bites are the perfect party starter or a delightful snack that boasts the creamy tang of goat cheese nestled inside plump Medjool dates, all wrapped in crispy bacon and finished with a luscious honey and rosemary drizzle. Each component balances perfectly to create a treat that’s both sophisticated and wonderfully comforting—trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, yet each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures in this dish. The creamy goat cheese adds tang, the dates bring natural sweetness and chewiness, bacon lends a savory crunch, honey adds a sweet glaze, and rosemary offers a fragrant herbal kick.
- 6 ounces goat cheese: Choose a creamy, fresh goat cheese for that tangy richness that’s key to stuffing the dates.
- 24 Medjool dates (plump ones): Their natural sweetness and soft texture make them ideal for stuffing and wrapping.
- 12 slices bacon (thin pieces cut in half): Thin bacon crisps up nicely and envelops the dates perfectly.
- â…“ cup honey: Adds a glossy, sweet finish that caramelizes beautifully during baking.
- 1 tablespoon rosemary (freshly chopped): Provides a fragrant, earthy herb note that complements the sweet and salty flavors.
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Drizzled with Honey and Rosemary Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your dates won’t stick and will bake evenly to golden, crispy perfection.
Step 2: Pit the Dates
If your Medjool dates aren’t pitted, carefully split each one lengthwise, making sure not to slice all the way through, and remove the pit. This creates the perfect pocket for the creamy goat cheese filling.
Step 3: Stuff with Goat Cheese
Take a generous spoonful of goat cheese and tuck it inside each pitted date. Gently squeeze the date closed to hold the cheese in place without losing that luscious filling.
Step 4: Wrap with Bacon
Wrap each stuffed date with half a piece of bacon. Place them seam side down on your prepared baking sheet. To keep the bacon neatly in place while baking, use toothpicks if needed—it’s worth the little extra precision for the perfect bite.
Step 5: Drizzle Honey and Rosemary
In a small bowl, mix together the honey and freshly chopped rosemary. Drizzle about half of this fragrant, sweet mixture evenly over the bacon-wrapped dates. This will help the bacon caramelize and infuse with herbal sweetness as it bakes.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re aiming for the bacon to become beautifully crisp and golden while the honey-rosemary glaze thickens enticingly on top.
Step 7: Serve
Serve these sumptuous bites warm or at room temperature, drizzling over the remaining honey and rosemary mixture to add a burst of flavor and shine that makes them simply unforgettable.
How to Serve Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Drizzled with Honey and Rosemary Recipe
Garnishes
Consider topping your dates with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a few extra rosemary leaves for a fresh herbal contrast. A light dusting of cracked black pepper also adds a subtle pop that enhances the depth of flavors.
Side Dishes
This appetizer shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a light fruit salad to balance its richness. A glass of chilled sparkling wine or rosé also complements the sweet and savory flavor profile perfectly for any gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Drizzled with Honey and Rosemary Recipe on a beautiful wooden board or a rustic slate platter. For parties, arrange them on skewers or fancy toothpicks for easy, elegant finger food that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate any leftover bacon-wrapped dates in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They are still delicious reheated or even enjoyed cold.
Freezing
You can freeze these stuffed dates before baking by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes to restore that crispy bacon texture. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bacon soggy and less appetizing.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While goat cheese offers a perfect tang and creaminess, you can experiment with cream cheese or blue cheese for unique flavors. Just keep the texture in mind—it needs to be soft enough to stuff inside the dates.
What if I don’t have Medjool dates?
Medjool dates are preferred for their large size and natural sweetness, but you can substitute with other date varieties. Just make sure they’re plump and soft to allow easy stuffing.
How do I keep the bacon from unraveling?
Using toothpicks to secure the bacon is a simple and effective trick. Also, placing the dates seam side down on the baking sheet helps keep everything intact while cooking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, you can skip the bacon and roast the stuffed dates with a drizzle of olive oil and extra herbs. Though it won’t have the smoky bacon flavor, it remains a delicious and elegant appetizer.
How long will leftovers stay good?
Stored properly in the fridge, these treats will keep well for about 3 days. To enjoy the best texture, reheat in the oven before serving.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about this Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Drizzled with Honey and Rosemary Recipe that brings layers of flavor together in the most delightful way. It’s straightforward to make but impressive enough to elevate any occasion. I promise once you try making these, they will become a staple for your gatherings and cozy nights in. So, gather your ingredients, invite some friends over, and enjoy the deliciousness that this recipe has to offer!
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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: American
Description
Delightfully sweet and savory Bacon Wrapped Dates stuffed with creamy goat cheese, then baked to crispy perfection and drizzled with a fragrant honey-rosemary glaze. This appetizer balances smoky bacon, tangy cheese, and natural sweetness for a crowd-pleasing bite perfect for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 6 ounces goat cheese
- 24 Medjool dates (plump, preferably pitted)
- 12 slices bacon (thin pieces cut in half)
- â…“ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Pit Dates: If dates are not already pitted, carefully slice each date lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Remove and discard the pits, creating a pocket for the goat cheese.
- Stuff Dates: Fill each date with about a spoonful of goat cheese and gently squeeze to seal the opening so the cheese stays inside during cooking.
- Wrap with Bacon: Wrap each stuffed date with half a slice of bacon, ensuring the seam is on the bottom to secure it. Use toothpicks if necessary to hold the bacon in place.
- Prepare Honey Glaze: In a small bowl, mix the honey and freshly chopped rosemary thoroughly to infuse the flavor.
- Drizzle Dates: Evenly drizzle half of the honey-rosemary mixture over the bacon-wrapped dates, coating them well to achieve a caramelized finish.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the dates for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crisp and caramelized.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature with the remaining honey-rosemary glaze drizzled on top for extra sweetness and aroma.
Notes
- Use thin-cut bacon for easier wrapping and a crispier finish.
- Pitted Medjool dates work best as they are large and sweet, perfect for stuffing.
- To keep bacon secure while baking, toothpicks help prevent unraveling.
- These can be served as an appetizer or party snack and pair well with sparkling wine or cocktails.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and gently reheated in the oven to retain crispness.
