Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese: The Ultimate Sweet & Savory Bite

If you're searching for a holiday appetizer that's guaranteed to earn rave reviews and disappear in minutes, look no further. These Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese are the definition of a foolproof party appetizer. With just a handful of ingredients, they deliver a perfect explosion of flavor in every bite: sweet, creamy, salty, and crisp. They're not just a dish; they're an experience, and they're naturally gluten-free, making them a fantastic option for all your guests.

This recipe is a favorite for good reason. It's incredibly easy, can be prepped ahead of time, and bakes up to golden perfection just as your party begins. As someone passionate about sharing simple, impressive recipes and finding the most useful kitchen tools that make entertaining a breeze, this is a go-to in my own home. It perfectly captures the spirit of what we love at tfgogogo.com—creating memorable moments with minimal stress.

Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese & Hot Honey

• Prep Time: 20 mins

• Cook Time: 16 mins

• Total Time: 36 mins

• Servings: 8

• Yield: 24 stuffed dates

Ingredients

For the Stuffed Dates:

• 24 pitted Medjool dates

• 4 ounces honey-flavored goat cheese, softened

• ½ teaspoon minced fresh rosemary

• 8 slices bacon, cut into thirds crosswise

• 24 toothpicks

For the Finishing Touch:

• ¼ cup hot honey, or as needed

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

2. Stuff the Dates: Using a small knife, cut a slit lengthwise into each date. In a small bowl, mix the softened goat cheese with the minced rosemary until combined. Gently stuff each date with about ½ teaspoon of the cheese mixture.

3. Wrap with Bacon: Take one of the short bacon pieces and wrap it snugly around a stuffed date. Secure the bacon by threading a toothpick through the seam. Repeat with all dates and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.

4. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes.

5. Crisp the Bacon: After baking, switch your oven to the broil setting. Move the baking sheet to a position about 6 inches from the heat and broil for 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely, until the bacon is browned and crispy to your liking.

6. Serve: Carefully transfer the hot dates to a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the hot honey for the ultimate sweet-spicy finish. Serve immediately.

🍽️ Chef's Secrets for Success & Tools We Love

• The Make-Ahead Marvel: This is the ultimate easy entertaining hack. You can stuff and wrap the dates completely up to a day in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator on your baking sheet, then pop them straight into the oven when you're ready. The hot honey drizzle is best added just before serving.

• Perfect Crispy Bacon: For bacon that's evenly cooked and not overly greasy, a pro-tip is to partially cook the bacon strips (about 1-2 minutes in the microwave) before wrapping. This renders some fat early, ensuring a crispier result in the oven without overcooking the delicate dates.

• Flavor Variations: Get creative with your fillings! This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Try stuffing dates with blue cheese and a walnut half, a mix of ricotta and Parmesan, or add a crunchy almond or pistachio inside for extra texture.

• The Right Tools Make it Easy:

  • A heavy-duty, rimmed baking sheet is essential for this recipe. It ensures even heat distribution and contains any bacon grease. Look for one that won't warp at high temperatures.

  • Pre-cut parchment paper or silicone baking mats are a game-changer for effortless cleanup and preventing sticking. They are inexpensive tools you'll use for countless recipes.

  • A good quality meat tenderizer or mallet isn't just for meat! Gently pressing down on the bacon-wrapped dates before baking helps the bacon adhere to the date, ensuring it cooks evenly and doesn't unravel.

Finding reliable, affordable tools like these that truly make cooking better is a core part of our mission at TFGoGoGo.com. We test and recommend items that help you execute recipes like this one flawlessly.

📊 A Look at the Nutrition (Per Date)

These little flavor bombs are a satisfying, energy-packed appetizer. The nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but here's a general guide per piece:

Dates provide natural sweetness and fiber, while goat cheese offers protein and a tangy contrast.

Why This Recipe Belongs on Your Holiday Table

In the world of party appetizers, these Bacon-Wrapped Dates are a timeless classic for a reason. They require minimal hands-on time, deliver maximum "wow" factor, and please a crowd with their irresistible sweet-and-salty profile. They are the perfect answer to your holiday party food needs, from a festive Christmas cocktail hour to a sophisticated New Year's Eve spread.

We hope this recipe inspires you to create something delicious. For more easy, crowd-pleasing recipes and honest reviews on practical kitchen tools that won't break the bank, visit the full collection on our blog at tfgogogo.com.

Don't forget to save or pin this recipe—it's one you'll want to make again and again!