Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese & Honey Recipe

If you are on the hunt for an irresistible appetizer that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and creamy flavors, the Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese & Honey Recipe is here to steal the show. This delightful combo of tender Medjool dates stuffed with tangy goat cheese, wrapped in crispy bacon, and finished with a drizzle of golden honey creates a sensational bite every time. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a sophisticated snack, these little gems are guaranteed to impress and satisfy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting to know your ingredients is key to understanding why this Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese & Honey Recipe turns out so fabulous. Each component plays a vital role, providing layers of texture and flavor that harmonize beautifully.

• Medjool dates: These large, naturally sweet dates offer a soft, luscious base that pairs wonderfully with salty and creamy fillings.
• Goat cheese: Creamy and tangy, the softened goat cheese adds a luscious richness that contrasts the sweet dates perfectly.
• Bacon: Sliced in halves, the bacon crisps up and adds savory smokiness that brings the whole dish together.
• Honey: A drizzle of warm honey introduces a floral sweetness that enhances every bite.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Just a touch to add a subtle kick and depth to the goat cheese mixture.
• Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and adding brightness.
• Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional): A fragrant garnish that adds color and a lovely herbal note.

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese & Honey Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

To kick things off, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). A properly heated oven ensures the bacon crisps up perfectly while the dates gently warm through.

Step 2: Prepare the Goat Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine softened goat cheese with freshly ground black pepper and sea salt. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly ensures every date gets a flavorful burst inside.

Step 3: Stuff the Dates

Using your fingers (or a small spoon), gently stuff each pitted date with about a teaspoon of the goat cheese mixture. Press lightly to keep the cheese secure inside without squashing the dates.

Step 4: Wrap the Dates in Bacon

Take a half slice of bacon and wrap it snugly around each stuffed date, covering it fully. Secure with a toothpick if needed to keep everything in place while baking.

Step 5: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Lay the bacon-wrapped dates seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly so they cook consistently and get nice and crispy all around.

Step 6: Bake Until Crispy

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the bacon is golden brown and delightfully crisp. This step transforms the bacon into that perfect shell contrasting the softness inside.

Step 7: Warm the Honey

While the dates bake, gently warm the honey in a small saucepan over low heat until it becomes runny and fragrant, ready for drizzling.

Step 8: Cool Slightly

After removing the dates from the oven, give them a few minutes to cool just enough to handle and prevent the honey from melting off immediately.

Step 9: Drizzle Honey

Pour the warm honey generously over the bacon wrapped dates, adding sweetness and a sticky glaze that invites you to dive in.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped rosemary or thyme for color contrast and a subtle herbal note that elevates the entire experience.

How to Serve Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese & Honey Recipe

Garnishes

Adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme not only makes these treats Instagram-worthy but also introduces earthy aromas that intertwine beautifully with the sweet and savory flavors you’ve worked so hard to create.

Side Dishes

Serve these bacon wrapped delights alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or pair with roasted nuts to complement the creamy and sweet elements. They also make fantastic finger food with cocktails or an elegant charcuterie board addition.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra special touch, serve the dates on a wooden board adorned with extra drizzles of honey and fresh herbs. Alternatively, place each on small canapé spoons for a refined party presentation that guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making them perfect for enjoying a second round of snack love.

Freezing

You can freeze these bacon wrapped dates before baking by arranging them on a tray, freezing until solid, and then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on a baking sheet in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven until warmed through and the bacon regains some crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep that crispy texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of goat cheese?

Absolutely! While goat cheese offers a unique tang, cream cheese or blue cheese can be wonderful alternatives that provide their own distinct flavors.

What type of bacon works best for this recipe?

Thinner-cut bacon crisps up better and wraps around the dates more easily, but feel free to use your favorite bacon style depending on how crispy or chewy you prefer.

Are there vegetarian options for this dish?

You can replace bacon with prosciutto or even a smoky plant-based bacon alternative to make a vegetarian-friendly version without compromising on flavor.

How do I avoid the bacon shrinking too much during baking?

Wrap the bacon tightly without overstretching it, and make sure it’s secured well with toothpicks. Also, choosing bacon with a bit of fat helps it crisp without excessive shrinking.

Can this recipe be made ahead for parties?

Definitely! Assemble the bacon wrapped dates and refrigerate them before baking; just add a few extra minutes when cooking to compensate for the cold start. Drizzle with honey right before serving.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about the way sweet dates, creamy goat cheese, smoky bacon, and honey come together in this Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese & Honey Recipe. It’s a dish that invites you to slow down, savor each bite, and share moments with loved ones. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to appetizer for every occasion, guaranteed to wow your guests and warm your heart.

Print