Goat Cheese Bacon Wrapped Dates

These Goat Cheese Bacon Wrapped Dates are the perfect holiday appetizer– soft sweet dates stuffed with creamy goat cheese and wrapped in thick cut, hickory smoked bacon.

These Goat Cheese Bacon Wrapped Dates are the perfect sweet, salty, and spicy bite. Each date is filled with a creamy herby goat cheese that’s been kissed with a drizzle of hot honey for just the right amount of heat. Then they’re wrapped snugly in thick-cut Hickory Smoked Maple Bacon, which caramelizes beautifully as it bakes, creating that irresistible mix of crispy edges and sticky sweetness.

Once roasted until golden and crisp, they’re finished with an extra drizzle of hot honey to really bring all those flavors together. The combination of smoky bacon, tangy goat cheese, and jammy dates makes every bite feel decadent and comforting. Serve these warm as an easy appetizer for parties, holidays, or anytime you want something that feels a little fancy without the fuss.

I like to use Snake River Farms Hickory Smoked Maple Bacon for this. It’s thick cut, has so much flavor and just compliments the other ingredients so well.

If you like this holiday appetizer, you’ll love my Bacon Jalapeño Cheese Balls, and my Asparagus and Prosciutto Ricotta Crostinis.

• Holiday

Goat Cheese Bacon Wrapped Dates

These Goat Cheese Bacon Wrapped Dates are the perfect holiday appetizer– soft sweet dates stuffed with creamy goat cheese and wrapped in thick cut, hickory smoked bacon.

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Equipment

• Toothpicks
• Parchment paper

Ingredients

Serves 12 dates

1x2x3x

• ▢ 12 dates
• ▢ 6 slices of bacon I love Snake River Farms Hickory Smoked Maple Bacon
• ▢ 4 oz goat cheese, softened
• ▢ 1/2 tsp finely chopped rosemary 
• ▢ 1/2 tsp finely chopped thyme
• ▢ Flaky sea salt
• ▢ Pepper
• ▢ Drizzle of hot honey, plus more at the end

Instructions 

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Slice the dates lengthwise on one side to create an opening. Remove the pit.
• Add goat cheese to a bowl along with a drizzle of hot honey, and finely chopped herbs. Season with flaky sea salt and pepper. Mix until combined. 
• Using a spoon, stuff a small amount of goat cheese into the cavity of each date and press the sides together to close.
• Cut bacon into strips that are a little longer than the circumference of the date. This can vary based on how big the dates are but I find about half a slice of bacon works per date. Add a toothpick in each to keep the bacon secure.
• Arrange evenly on a parchment paper lined baking sheet with raised edges. I like to put a baking rack on top of the sheet so that the bacon is cooked nicely on all sides. Bake for about 18 minutes or until browned to your liking.
• Remove from the oven, place on a paper towel lined plate. When slightly cooled, drizzle with hot honey and serve. 

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