Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese
Try bacon wrapped dates with goat cheese for a simple yet sophisticated appetizer! The combination of sweet, salty, and creamy flavors, enhanced with a touch of rosemary, is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Servings: 24 pieces
Calories: 146kcal
Ingredients
- 6 ounces goat cheese
- 24 Medjool dates plump ones
- 12 slices bacon thin pieces cut in half
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon rosemary freshly chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- If your dates aren’t pitted already, split the dates in half lengthwise, but don't cut the date all the way through. Remove the pit and discard.
- Stuff each date with a spoonful of goat cheese, then gently squeeze to seal. Wrap each date with half a piece of bacon and place seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dates. You can use a toothpick to secure them.
- In a small bowl, combine the honey and rosemary. Evenly drizzle half the honey over the dates. You want the honey to coat the bacon so it caramelizes in the oven.
- Add to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the bacon is crisp.
- Serve warm or room temperature with any remaining honey and rosemary mixture.
Notes
- Use soft Medjool dates. These are easier to stuff and have a natural caramel-like texture that pairs perfectly with goat cheese and bacon.
- Chill the goat cheese. Slightly cold goat cheese is easier to scoop and stuff into the dates without making a mess.
- Use thin-cut bacon. Thin bacon crisps up better and wraps more easily around each date without overpowering the other flavors.
- Secure with toothpicks. If your bacon doesn’t stay wrapped, insert a toothpick to hold everything together during baking.
- Don’t skip the honey drizzle. It helps caramelize the bacon while adding a sweet, glossy finish.
- Line the pan with parchment. This makes cleanup easier and prevents the honey from sticking to the tray.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. They hold their shape and flavor well either way, making them ideal for parties or make-ahead appetizers.
Nutrition
Calories: 146kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 99mg | Potassium: 194mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 116IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 0.4mg