Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey

If you’re looking for an appetizer that impresses but doesn’t take hours to prepare, you’ve come to the right place! Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey have become a cherished favorite in my kitchen. These delightful bites combine sweet and savory flavors that will have your guests raving. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this recipe is perfect for any occasion.

Not only are these dates easy to whip up, but they also look stunning on a platter. The combination of creamy goat cheese, crispy bacon, and the fragrant touch of rosemary honey creates a flavor explosion you won’t want to miss!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these delicious bites ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and savory combo—perfect for pleasing a crowd.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare them in advance and simply pop them in the oven before serving.
• Flavorful Twist: The addition of rosemary honey elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Versatile for Occasions: Ideal for holidays, game days, or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cooking should be fun and uncomplicated! For this recipe, we’re using simple, wholesome ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s what you need:

For the Filling

• 6 ounces creamy goat cheese
• 24 plump Medjool dates

For Wrapping

• 12 slices thinly sliced bacon, cut in half

For the Drizzle

• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (using more or less to taste)
• kosher salt and black pepper

Optional Garnish

• candied or toasted walnuts

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to make it your own with these tasty variations:

• Add Some Heat: Mix in diced jalapeños with the goat cheese for an extra kick.
• Switch Up the Cheese: Try using feta or cream cheese if goat cheese isn’t your favorite.
• Herbal Twist: Substitute thyme or sage for rosemary to change up the flavor profile.
• Nutty Crunch: Add crushed nuts into the filling for added texture and flavor.

How to Make Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

First things first—preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. This ensures everything cooks evenly and gets nice and crispy. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup later!

Step 2: Stuff the Dates

Slice each date in half lengthwise but don’t cut all the way through; we want to keep them intact. Remove the pit before stuffing each date generously with creamy goat cheese. This step is crucial as it adds that rich creaminess we love!

Step 3: Wrap Them Up

Take half a slice of bacon and wrap it around each stuffed date. Place them seam-side down on your lined baking sheet. The bacon not only adds flavor but also brings that satisfying crunch when baked.

Step 4: Drizzle with Rosemary Honey

In a small bowl, mix together honey, chopped rosemary, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. This aromatic drizzle is what makes these dates shine! Pour half of this mixture over your wrapped dates—this will help caramelize the bacon beautifully.

Step 5: Bake Them Perfectly

Pop those bad boys into your preheated oven! Bake for about 20-25 minutes until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Once baked, serve warm or at room temperature with any remaining rosemary honey drizzled on top. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some candied or toasted walnuts over them for an elegant touch!

And there you have it—your very own Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey are ready to steal the show! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey

Creating the perfect appetizer doesn’t have to be daunting! Here are some tips to ensure your Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey turn out delicious every time.

• Choose plump Medjool dates: These dates are naturally sweet and have a soft texture that pairs beautifully with the creamy goat cheese. Their size makes them perfect for stuffing!
• Use fresh herbs: Fresh rosemary not only adds flavor but also brings a delightful aroma to the dish. The freshness of herbs enhances the overall taste, making your appetizer more appealing.
• Don’t overstuff the dates: While it might be tempting to pack in a lot of goat cheese, leaving some space allows for better wrapping with bacon and prevents them from bursting during cooking.
• Watch the bacon cooking time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on the bacon. You want it crispy but not burnt; checking halfway through will help you achieve that perfect texture.
• Serve warm or at room temperature: These bites are delightful either way! Serving them warm enhances the gooeyness of the cheese, while room temperature allows all flavors to meld beautifully.

How to Serve Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey

Presentation can elevate your dish from delicious to absolutely stunning! Here are some ideas on how to serve these mouthwatering bites at your next gathering.

Garnishes

• Fresh rosemary sprigs: A few sprigs placed around your serving platter not only add color but also hint at the flavors inside each date.
• Chopped candied walnuts: If you choose to include walnuts, sprinkle some on top or around the platter for added crunch and sweetness that complements the dish perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Mixed greens salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the stuffed dates and adds a refreshing touch.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots provide a hearty side that pairs wonderfully with these sweet bites.
• Cheese board: Create a small cheese board featuring a variety of cheeses alongside your dates. This offers guests options and enhances their tasting experience.
• Olive tapenade: The briny olives in tapenade complement the sweetness of the dates, providing an interesting contrast that will delight your palate.

With these pro tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress your guests with this delightful appetizer. Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey are the perfect appetizer to make ahead of time, making your life easier during busy holiday preparations. You can prepare them in advance and store them for later, ensuring you have a delicious treat ready when guests arrive.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will keep well for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes before serving.

Freezing

• To freeze, arrange the uncooked, bacon-wrapped dates on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until firm.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months. No need to thaw before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can use an air fryer for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Avoid microwaving as it may make the bacon soggy.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might come to mind regarding this delightful recipe!

Can I make Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey without bacon?

Absolutely! You can substitute the bacon with turkey bacon or even use a plant-based bacon alternative to keep it vegetarian-friendly.

How do I add more flavor to my Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey?

You can experiment with additional spices like smoked paprika or garlic powder. Adding a sprinkle of lemon zest would also enhance the flavor profile beautifully!

What is the best way to serve Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey?

These delicious bites are best served warm but they’re also delightful at room temperature. Pair them with extra rosemary honey for drizzling on top!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe for Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey brings joy and flavor to your gatherings! These sweet and savory bites are sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy making them as much as you’ll enjoy sharing them! Happy cooking!