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
Scale
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
