Honey-Drizzled Goat Cheese Bacon Dates Recipe: Sweet & Savory Bites

Crispy bacon-wrapped goat cheese dates offer a delightful blend of savory and sweet flavors that dance across your palate.

Appetizers like these spark conversation and create memorable moments around the table.

Small bites pack incredible taste sensations into just one perfect morsel.

Salty, creamy, and slightly tangy ingredients combine seamlessly in this simple yet elegant recipe.

Rich goat cheese melts softly inside each tender date, while bacon provides a satisfying crunch.

Simple ingredients transform into something magical with minimal preparation.

You’ll adore how quickly these can be assembled for unexpected guests or weekend entertaining.

Dive into this recipe and surprise everyone with an irresistible starter that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

FAQs

• What type of goat cheese works best for this recipe?

Soft, creamy goat cheese like chèvre is ideal because it melts slightly and provides a smooth, tangy filling that complements the sweet dates and salty bacon.

• Can I prepare these appetizers in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed dates wrapped in bacon up to 24 hours before baking. Store them covered in the refrigerator and add the glaze right before cooking.

• How do I prevent the bacon from unraveling during baking?

Secure the bacon with a toothpick or place the seam side down on the baking sheet to help it stay in place while cooking. Choose thin bacon slices for easier wrapping.

Goat Cheese Dates: Why These Are Crowd Favorites

• Savor Flavor Explosion: Indulge in a perfect balance of sweet dates, creamy goat cheese, crispy bacon, and aromatic rosemary honey that creates an incredible taste experience.
• Impress Guests Effortlessly: Elevate your appetizer game with this sophisticated yet simple recipe that looks and tastes gourmet without requiring professional cooking skills.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare these delectable bites in just a few simple steps, making them ideal for spontaneous gatherings, game nights, or elegant cocktail parties.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by experimenting with different cheese types, adding nuts, or adjusting the spice level to suit your personal taste preferences.

What’s Needed for Bacon-Wrapped Dates With Honey

• Dates: Sweet, plump fruits that serve as the base for this delectable appetizer.
• Goat Cheese: Creamy and tangy cheese that provides a rich filling for the dates.

• Bacon, Bacon Slices: Salty and crispy meat that adds a savory exterior to the stuffed dates.

• Honey: Sweet liquid that caramelizes and adds a golden shine to the bacon-wrapped dates.
• Rosemary, Chopped Rosemary: Aromatic herb that brings a subtle, earthy flavor to the glaze.
• Cayenne Pepper: Spicy seasoning that provides a gentle heat to the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Candied Walnuts, Toasted Walnuts: Crunchy nuts that add texture and a nutty dimension to the appetizer.

Simple Instructions for Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400F (200C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Transform the Dates

Carefully slice each date down the center, gently removing the pit.

Fill the cavity with creamy goat cheese, then softly press the sides together to seal in the delicious filling.

Step 3: Wrap with Crispy Bacon

Encase each cheese-stuffed date with a half slice of bacon.

Position the wrapped dates seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re snug but not touching.

Step 4: Craft the Flavor-Packed Glaze

• Honey
• Freshly chopped rosemary
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk these ingredients together to create a tantalizingly complex glaze.

Step 5: First Glaze Application

Drizzle half of the honey mixture over the bacon-wrapped dates.

Use a brush or spoon to ensure each morsel gets a generous coating of the aromatic glaze.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for the bacon to turn crispy and caramelize into a golden-brown masterpiece.

Step 7: Final Flourish and Serve

For an extra touch of elegance, drizzle the remaining honey glaze over the baked dates.

Sprinkle with candied or toasted walnuts to add a delightful crunch.

Serve immediately while warm and irresistible.

Tips for Perfect Bacon-Wrapped Date Appetizers

• Use a sharp paring knife to delicately open dates without cutting completely through, ensuring a perfect pocket for goat cheese.
• Select creamy, fresh goat cheese that's easy to stuff and melts beautifully inside the dates.
• Use thin-cut bacon for even cooking and crispy texture; thick-cut can remain chewy in the center.
• Adjust cayenne pepper to match your spice tolerance, creating a personalized sweet and spicy experience.
• Watch dates closely during final minutes of baking to avoid overcooking the bacon or burning the honey glaze.

Ways to Add a Twist to Bacon-Wrapped Dates

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace bacon with thin strips of zucchini or eggplant, brushed with smoked paprika oil for a plant-based alternative.
• Mediterranean Remix: Swap goat cheese with feta cheese and wrap dates in prosciutto for an Italian-inspired version.
• Spicy Kick: Add jalapeño or serrano pepper inside the date with cheese for extra heat and complexity.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Use sugar-free honey substitute, replace dates with low-carb bell pepper strips, and maintain bacon wrapping for a ketogenic-friendly appetizer.

Creative Ways to Serve Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates

• Appetizer Party Pleaser: Serve these decadent bites on a rustic wooden board for an elegant cocktail party spread that will wow your guests.
• Wine and Cheese Pairing: Match these sweet and savory dates with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir to complement the rich flavors.
• Holiday Entertaining Hack: Prepare these dates ahead of time and keep them refrigerated, then bake just before guests arrive for a stress-free and impressive appetizer.
• Salad Topper Twist: Chop these dates into smaller pieces and sprinkle over a mixed green salad with goat cheese for a gourmet lunch option.

Bacon-Wrapped Dates: Storage Tips for Later Enjoyment

• Store leftover dates in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and food safety.
• Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Avoid freezing multiple times to maintain quality.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place dates on baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 8-10 minutes until heated through and bacon regains crispiness.
• Place dates in single layer at 350F for 3-4 minutes. Check midway to ensure even heating and prevent overcooking. Perfect for restoring crispy texture quickly.

Goat Cheese Bacon Dates Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Savory-sweet goat cheese bacon dates invite palates on a delightful culinary journey through rich, tangy flavors. Crispy bacon wraps succulent dates, creating an irresistible appetizer that will elevate any gathering with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 24 Medjool dates, pitted
• 12 slices bacon, cut in half for wrapping
• 6 ounces (170 grams) creamy goat cheese, softened for easy stuffing

Flavoring and Seasoning:

• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) honey, for the glaze
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped for aroma
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional for heat
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

• Candied or toasted walnuts

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
2. Carefully split each date lengthwise, delicately removing the pit while keeping the date intact, then generously fill the cavity with creamy goat cheese, gently pressing to seal.
3. Meticulously wrap each cheese-stuffed date with a half slice of bacon, positioning the seam side downward on the prepared baking sheet to maintain a neat appearance.
4. Create a flavorful glaze by combining honey, finely chopped rosemary, a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small mixing bowl.
5. Evenly distribute half of the aromatic honey mixture over the bacon-wrapped dates, ensuring a thorough and uniform coating.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, watching carefully until the bacon turns crispy and develops a rich, caramelized exterior.
7. For a final flourish, optionally drizzle the remaining honey glaze and garnish with candied or toasted walnuts before presenting the appetizer.

Notes

• Select soft, plump Medjool dates for the best texture and sweetness in this appetizer.
• Choose high-quality goat cheese with a creamy consistency that will melt slightly during baking.
• Partially cook bacon beforehand to reduce overall baking time and ensure extra crispiness.
• Try different cheese variations like blue cheese or feta for unique flavor profiles.
• Use kitchen scissors to cut bacon slices evenly and wrap dates more efficiently.
• Balance cayenne pepper in the glaze based on personal spice tolerance for a customized heat level.
• Prepare dates ahead of time and refrigerate before baking for a make-ahead party appetizer.
• Consider low-sodium bacon for a healthier version without compromising on taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 120 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1.2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg