This is one of those holiday appetizers that disappears almost as fast as you set it down. Sweet, salty, creamy, and crispy all in one bite, these goat cheese stuffed bacon wrapped dates are a true crowd favorite. While this recipe isn’t my original creation, it has been a staple in my kitchen for years and I make it every holiday season without fail. Sometimes I swap in cream cheese instead of goat cheese, and honestly, you can’t go wrong either way. They feel fancy, but they’re incredibly easy to make, which is always a win during busy holidays.
BE SURE TO SAVE THIS RECIPE TO YOUR FAVORITE PINTEREST BOARD FOR LATER!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small mixing bowl
- Butter knife or small spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This appetizer checks every box. It is sweet, salty, creamy, and crispy all in one bite, which makes it almost impossible to stop at just one. The ingredients are simple and easy to find, but the end result feels elevated and special enough for any holiday gathering.
These bacon wrapped dates are also incredibly easy to prepare ahead of time, which makes them perfect for busy entertaining. You can assemble them earlier in the day and bake them right before guests arrive. Plus, the goat cheese and cream cheese swap lets you customize the flavor depending on who you are serving.
Whether you are hosting a holiday party, bringing a dish to share, or just looking for a crowd pleasing appetizer, this recipe is always a guaranteed hit.
Ingredients
- 5 oz goat cheese (or cream cheese)
- 24 Medjool dates (pitted)
- 12 slices bacon (cut in half)
- 1/3 cup honey (organic, raw, unfiltered)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (or red pepper flakes)
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
How To Make Them
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Gently open each date lengthwise and fill each date with goat cheese using a butter knife or small spoon.
- Wrap each stuffed date with half a slice of bacon and place seam side down on the baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix together the honey, rosemary, cayenne, cinnamon, and sea salt.
- Drizzle about three quarters of the honey mixture evenly over the dates.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the bacon is crispy and caramelized.
- Serve warm with the remaining honey rosemary glaze on top or on the side.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these dates warm on a platter as part of a holiday appetizer spread. They pair well with sparkling wine, festive cocktails, or a simple red wine. These are perfect alongside a charcuterie board or cheese tray.
Tips or Variations
- Use cream cheese instead of goat cheese for a milder flavor.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts inside the dates for extra crunch.
- For extra crispy bacon, place the dates on a wire rack over the baking sheet.
- Assemble the dates up to one day in advance and bake just before serving.
Dietary Information
This recipe is naturally gluten free. It is not vegetarian due to the bacon, but you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the bacon and baking the stuffed dates until warmed through. To make it dairy free, use a dairy free cream cheese alternative.
Fun Fact
Medjool dates are known for their rich caramel like sweetness, which makes them ideal for pairing with salty and savory ingredients like bacon and cheese.
FAQ’s
Can these be made ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble them up to one day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Can I use turkey bacon?
Yes, but turkey bacon may not crisp as much and may need extra time in the oven.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How do I reheat them?
Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes until warmed through.
Check Me Out on Social Media
I post all my recipes on social media as well and you can stay up to date on what I am up to! Also, I love seeing people try my recipes! When make these, snap a picture, and share it to your socials. Tag @cookingkatielady and #cookingkatielady so I can admire your masterpiece and share with others!
Time and Yield
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 to 30 minutes
Total Time About 45 minutes
Servings 24 stuffed dates
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Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates With Honey Rosemary Glaze
Description
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Gently open each date lengthwise and fill each date with goat cheese using a butter knife or small spoon.
-
Wrap each stuffed date with half a slice of bacon and place seam side down on the baking sheet.
-
In a small bowl, mix together the honey, rosemary, cayenne, cinnamon, and sea salt.
-
Drizzle about three quarters of the honey mixture evenly over the dates.
-
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the bacon is crispy and caramelized.
-
Serve warm with the remaining honey rosemary glaze on top or on the side.
Note
Did you make this recipe?
The next time you make it, snap a picture, and share it to your socials. Tag @cookingkatielady and #cookingkatielady so I can admire your masterpiece and share with others!:)
Please note that my nutrition label is approximate and has slight rounding.
User Reviews
Oh, I also had to turn mine over half-way through baking.
Scrumptious. I used sun-dried dates because I had them on hand. Of course, smaller amounts of cheese and tiny slips of bacon. I used toothpicks to hold them together, and they were very helpful for serving and eating.
Next time I would use a pastry brush to apply the glaze, because mine began to burn. I would ‘baste’ them as they baked. They were very delicious and heated up well. Thanks, Katie Lady!
Hey Nancy! Thank you so much for your review! I am so glad you enjoyed these, they are one of my all-time favorite appetizers. Using a pastry brush would work great! Maybe try lowering the rack in your oven if you are experiencing burning, or even reducing the temp slightly. All ovens are a little bit different:)