Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey Recipe
If you are looking for an irresistible appetizer that perfectly balances sweet, savory, creamy, and smoky flavors, look no further than these Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey. Each bite delivers luscious, tangy goat cheese nestled inside a soft, caramelized date, all wrapped in crispy bacon and finished with a drizzle of fragrant rosemary-infused honey. This combination creates an unbeatable flavor harmony that will quickly make these bites the star of any gathering or a delightful treat just for yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s the sweetness of dates, the creaminess of goat cheese, or the herbs that elevate the whole dish with fresh aromatic notes.
- 6 ounces creamy goat cheese: Choose a fresh, soft goat cheese to ensure a smooth, tangy filling that melts just enough when baked.
- 24 plump Medjool dates: Their natural sweetness and chewy texture are ideal to contrast the salty bacon and creamy cheese.
- 12 slices thinly sliced bacon, cut in half: Thin slices crisp up perfectly, wrapping the dates snugly with smoky goodness.
- 1/3 cup honey: This adds a luscious, sticky sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the bacon during baking.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary: A fragrant herb that infuses the honey with an earthy, pine-like aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Just a touch to give the honey a subtle spicy kick, adjustable to taste.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.
- Candied or toasted walnuts (optional): Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor if you want an extra dimension.
How to Make Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey
Step 1: Prepare the Dates
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep things tidy and prevent sticking. Next, carefully split each Medjool date lengthwise without cutting all the way through, removing the pit to create a perfect pocket for the goat cheese.
Step 2: Stuff the Dates
Fill each date generously with creamy goat cheese, making sure not to overstuff so you can still close them gently. This creamy filling will contrast beautifully with the sweet and smoky elements.
Step 3: Wrap with Bacon
Take each stuffed date and wrap it tightly with half a slice of thinly sliced bacon, securing the seal and holding the cheese in place during cooking. Place each date seam side down on your prepared baking sheet to keep everything intact.
Step 4: Make the Rosemary Honey Drizzle
In a small bowl, combine the honey with freshly chopped rosemary, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This vibrant mixture will glaze the dates, infusing each bite with herbal sweetness and a gentle warmth.
Step 5: Glaze and Bake
Drizzle about half of the rosemary honey mixture evenly over the bacon-wrapped dates, focusing on coating the bacon so it caramelizes and crisps as it bakes. Pop them into the oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes until the bacon is golden and crisp.
Step 6: Serve with Extra Honey and Walnuts
Once out of the oven, drizzle the remaining honey over the dates. For an added crunch, sprinkle with candied or toasted walnuts if you like. The warm, gooey, crisp bites are now ready to serve and impress.
How to Serve Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey
Garnishes
To make these bites even more visually appealing, a light sprinkle of fresh rosemary leaves or finely chopped parsley brightens the plate and adds a pop of color. Add a few candied walnut pieces for contrast and a touch of elegance.
Side Dishes
These dates pair beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette to balance their richness. They also complement charcuterie boards wonderfully, alongside cheeses, nuts, and fresh fruits for a fully rounded spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try threading several dates onto small cocktail skewers for easy serving at parties, or present them nestled on a bed of lightly dressed arugula leaves to showcase their colors and textures. A drizzle of extra rosemary honey on the serving platter invites guests to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually continue to meld, though the bacon may lose some crispness.
Freezing
You can freeze these stuffed dates unbaked by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to two months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 12 minutes to restore the bacon’s crispness and warm the filling through. Microwaving is quick but will leave the bacon less crispy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of goat cheese?
Absolutely! Cream cheese or a soft blue cheese can be great substitutes, but goat cheese provides a distinct tang and creamy texture that balances the sweet and smoky elements perfectly.
What if I don’t have fresh rosemary?
Dried rosemary can be used in a pinch, but use it sparingly as it’s more potent and less aromatic. Alternatively, thyme or sage would also complement the flavors nicely.
Are these dates suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, all ingredients in Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey are naturally gluten-free, making this a safe and tasty option for gluten-sensitive guests.
Can I make these ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! You can prepare them and assemble the dates a few hours ahead, keeping them refrigerated. Add the honey glaze right before baking or briefly reheat with glaze just before serving.
How spicy will the honey be with cayenne?
The cayenne adds a gentle warming heat that complements the sweet honey but isn’t overpowering. Feel free to adjust the amount up or down to suit your taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey are a total crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make yet so full of complex flavors and textures. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving a fancy snack, these bites are guaranteed to impress and delight. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite appetizer that friends and family beg you to make again and again!
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Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 stuffed dates (serves 8 as appetizer) 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delight your guests with these irresistible Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates drizzled with rosemary-infused honey. Combining creamy goat cheese with sweet, chewy dates and smoky bacon, finished with a touch of cayenne for a subtle kick, this appetizer is perfect for parties and special occasions.
Ingredients
Stuffed Dates
- 6 ounces creamy goat cheese
- 24 plump Medjool dates
- 12 slices thinly sliced bacon, cut in half
Honey Glaze
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Pinch of kosher salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Optional Garnish
- Candied or toasted walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Dates: Carefully split each date lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Remove and discard the pits. Stuff each date with a generous spoonful of creamy goat cheese, then gently squeeze to close.
- Wrap with Bacon: Wrap each stuffed date with half a slice of bacon, placing the seam side down on the prepared baking sheet to secure.
- Make Honey Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, chopped fresh rosemary, cayenne pepper, and a pinch each of kosher salt and black pepper.
- Drizzle Dates: Evenly drizzle half of the honey glaze over the bacon-wrapped dates, ensuring the bacon is coated to encourage caramelization during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and caramelized.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm or at room temperature, drizzling with remaining honey glaze and sprinkling candied or toasted walnuts if desired.
Notes
- For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a few drops of balsamic reduction just before serving.
- Use thinly sliced bacon for quicker cooking and crispier results.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your preferred spice level.
- Make sure the dates are fresh and soft for the best texture and taste.
- These can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 stuffed dates
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: goat cheese stuffed dates, bacon wrapped dates, appetizer, rosemary honey, sweet and savory snacks, party food, Mediterranean appetizers
