Savory-Sweet Bacon-Wrapped Dates

This sweet and savory goat cheese stuffed bacon-wrapped dates recipe has been my secret weapon for holiday entertaining for years. The combination of creamy goat cheese, sweet dates, and crispy bacon creates an irresistible bite that disappears from platters within minutes at every gathering I host.

I first served these at a New Year's Eve party three years ago, and they've become the most requested appetizer among my friends and family. The rosemary honey drizzle was actually a happy accident when I was scrambling for a final touch that would elevate the dish.

Ingredients

• Medjool dates select large, plump dates for the best texture and easier stuffing
• Goat cheese brings creamy tanginess that balances the sweetness of the dates
• Bacon choose medium-thickness bacon that will crisp nicely without burning
• Honey forms the base of the glaze and adds natural sweetness
• Fresh rosemary provides aromatic woodsy notes that complement the bacon
• Cayenne pepper adds a subtle heat that cuts through the richness
• Kosher salt enhances all the flavors
• Black pepper adds mild spice and complexity
• Optional walnuts introduce a satisfying crunch to the finished appetizer

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. The high temperature ensures the bacon gets perfectly crispy.

Prepare The Dates

Carefully slice each Medjool date lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Remove the pit and create a small cavity for the goat cheese. The key is making the opening wide enough to stuff easily but not so large that the cheese spills out during baking.

Stuff With Goat Cheese

Take approximately 1/2 teaspoon of softened goat cheese and gently press it into each date cavity. The cheese should be at room temperature for easy spreading. Slightly overfill each date, then gently squeeze it closed to seal in the cheese.

Wrap With Bacon

Take your half slices of bacon and wrap each stuffed date tightly, making sure to completely encircle the date and overlap the bacon slightly. Place each wrapped date seam-side down on the baking sheet to prevent unwrapping during cooking.

Create The Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, finely chopped fresh rosemary, cayenne pepper, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined. The honey should be fluid enough to drizzle easily over the dates.

Apply First Glaze

Using a spoon or small brush, generously coat each bacon-wrapped date with half of the honey mixture. Make sure to get some glaze on all sides of the bacon for even caramelization.

Bake To Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for crispy, caramelized bacon and slight bubbling of the honey glaze. If the bacon isn't crisping evenly, rotate the pan halfway through baking.

Finish And Serve

Remove from the oven and drizzle the remaining honey mixture over the hot dates. If using, sprinkle with toasted or candied walnuts while still warm so they adhere to the glaze. Let cool for 3-5 minutes before transferring to a serving platter.

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The fresh rosemary in this recipe is truly transformative. I discovered this accidentally when I had some leftover from a roast chicken and decided to infuse it into the honey. My husband, who typically avoids dates, now requests these regularly, claiming the rosemary makes all the difference in balancing the sweetness.

Make-Ahead Tips

These dates can be prepped up to 24 hours in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. Simply stuff the dates with cheese, wrap with bacon, and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The honey mixture can also be prepared ahead and stored separately. When ready to bake, remove the dates from the refrigerator while the oven preheats, apply the glaze, and bake as directed. This advance preparation makes them perfect for entertaining.

Flavor Variations

The basic recipe is incredible on its own, but several variations can keep things interesting. Try substituting the goat cheese with blue cheese for a stronger flavor profile, or mix the goat cheese with chopped fresh herbs like thyme or sage before stuffing. For a sweeter version, add a small piece of crystallized ginger alongside the cheese. For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add a tiny slice of fresh jalapeño inside each date. My personal favorite variation includes a small piece of toasted almond tucked into the goat cheese for added crunch and nutty flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These bacon-wrapped dates are versatile enough to fit into various menus. Serve them as part of a larger appetizer spread alongside olives, nuts, and cured meats for a Mediterranean-inspired grazing board. They pair beautifully with sparkling wines like Prosecco or Champagne, as the bubbles help cut through the richness. For a substantial cocktail party, consider serving them alongside other finger foods like deviled eggs or stuffed mushrooms. I often serve these at holiday gatherings with a signature cocktail like a spiced old fashioned or pomegranate martini to complement the sweet and savory flavors.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these bacon-wrapped dates ahead of time?

Yes! You can stuff the dates with goat cheese and wrap them in bacon up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator, then add the honey glaze just before baking. This makes them perfect for entertaining when you want to minimize last-minute preparation.

→ What can I substitute for goat cheese?

If you don't enjoy goat cheese, cream cheese makes an excellent substitute. Other options include mascarpone for a sweeter filling, blue cheese for a more pungent flavor, or even a firm cheese like manchego cut into small cubes. Each cheese will create a different flavor profile while maintaining the creamy texture.

→ How do I know when the bacon-wrapped dates are done?

The bacon-wrapped dates are done when the bacon is crispy and caramelized, usually after 20-25 minutes at 400°F (200°C). The edges should be slightly darkened, and the bacon should appear rendered and crisp. If your bacon isn't crisping up, you can place them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking time.

→ Can I freeze these bacon-wrapped dates?

Yes, you can freeze these either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, arrange the wrapped dates on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Already-baked dates can be frozen and reheated in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

→ What can I serve with bacon-wrapped dates?

These make a perfect appetizer alongside other finger foods like bruschetta, stuffed mushrooms, or a charcuterie board. For a more substantial spread, pair them with a light salad featuring arugula or mixed greens. They also complement a glass of sparkling wine, prosecco, or a light red wine beautifully.

→ How spicy are these with the cayenne pepper?

With the recommended 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne, there's just a subtle hint of heat that balances the sweetness of the dates and honey. The spice doesn't overwhelm but adds a pleasant warming quality. If you prefer no heat, you can omit the cayenne entirely, or for spice lovers, you can increase the amount to 1 teaspoon.