Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey: A Heavenly 15-Minute Appetizer

I still remember the first time I tried Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey. It was at a dinner party hosted by my good friend, and the moment I popped that irresistible bite-sized morsel into my mouth, I was hooked. The perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors, combined with the luxurious texture, made it an instant favorite. From that day on, this recipe has become a go-to for me, whether I’m hosting a gathering or simply craving a delightful treat.

Why This Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

The Secret Behind Perfect Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey

What makes this Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey recipe so special is the way the flavors and textures intertwine to create a truly exceptional experience. The juicy, plump Medjool dates provide a natural sweetness that’s perfectly complemented by the creamy, tangy goat cheese. The bacon wraps everything in a savory, crispy layer, while the fragrant rosemary and honey drizzle add depth and complexity to the overall dish.

The key to achieving perfection lies in the simple yet impactful technique of stuffing the dates with the goat cheese and wrapping them in bacon. This process not only enhances the flavors but also creates a visually stunning presentation that’s sure to impress your guests.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey, you’ll need just a few key ingredients:

• 16 Medjool dates, pitted: Medjool dates are the perfect choice for this recipe, as they are larger, sweeter, and more plump than their smaller counterparts. Pitting them ensures a smooth, easy-to-stuff interior.
• 4 ounces goat cheese, softened: The creamy, tangy goat cheese provides an excellent contrast to the sweetness of the dates and the savory bacon.
• 8 slices bacon, cut in half: Wrapping the dates in crispy, salty bacon is what truly elevates this dish and brings all the flavors together.
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped: The aromatic rosemary adds a lovely herbal note that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
• 2 tablespoons honey: The drizzle of honey over the finished Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey adds a final touch of sweetness and shine.

Step-by-Step Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey Instructions

Preparing Your Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey

With a total preparation and cooking time of just 35 minutes, this Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey recipe is a breeze to make. All you’ll need is a baking sheet, a small bowl, and a sharp knife.

1- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure the bacon crisps up beautifully as the dates bake.

2- Next, slice each Medjool date in half lengthwise and gently remove the pit. Scoop about 1 teaspoon of the softened goat cheese into the center of each date half, pressing it in gently to secure it in place.

3- Take a half-slice of bacon and wrap it around the stuffed date, tucking the end underneath. Repeat this process with the remaining dates and bacon slices.

4- Arrange the Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey on a baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. This will allow the bacon to crisp up evenly.

5- Sprinkle the chopped fresh rosemary over the top of the stuffed dates, ensuring each one gets a little bit of the aromatic herb.

6- Bake the Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey for 20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. Remove from the oven and drizzle the honey over the top, allowing it to gently cascade down the sides.

Pro Tips for Success

To ensure your Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey turn out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips to keep in mind:

1. Let the goat cheese come to room temperature before using it. This will make it much easier to scoop and stuff into the dates.
2. When wrapping the dates in bacon, be sure to tuck the end of the bacon strip underneath to keep it in place during baking.
3. Keep a close eye on the baking process, as oven temperatures can vary. You want the bacon to be crispy without burning the dates.
4. For a little extra flavor, try drizzling a touch of balsamic glaze over the finished Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey before serving.

Serving and Storing Your Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey

Perfect Pairings for Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey

These Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey make an excellent appetizer or hors d’oeuvre, serving up to 16 people. They pair beautifully with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, or a light, fruity red wine like a Pinot Noir.

For a more substantial meal, try serving the Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey alongside a fresh green salad or a platter of roasted vegetables. They also make a fantastic addition to a charcuterie board, complementing the other savory and sweet elements.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Luckily, these Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey can be made ahead of time, making them a great option for entertaining. To store them, simply place the cooled, baked dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

When you’re ready to serve, you can either enjoy them chilled or reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, until the bacon is crisp and the honey is warm and gooey.

For longer-term storage, the Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat from frozen, simply bake them in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 12-15 minutes, or until heated through and the bacon is crispy.

Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey

Creative Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey Variations

While the classic Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey is hard to beat, there are a few fun variations you can try:

1. Swap the rosemary for fresh thyme or chopped sage for a different herbal note.
2. Try substituting the honey with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or maple syrup for a deeper, richer flavor.
3. For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a small slice of jalapeño to the goat cheese filling.
4. Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cream cheese or blue cheese, to change up the flavor profile.

Making Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey Diet-Friendly

To make this recipe more diet-friendly, you can try a few simple substitutions:

• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bacon or swap the bacon for prosciutto.
• For a low-carb or keto adaptation, replace the dates with dried figs or apricots.
• To make it vegan, use a plant-based cheese alternative and swap the bacon for a vegan bacon substitute.

No matter which variations or dietary adaptations you choose, the Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey will remain a delightful and indulgent treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese besides goat cheese?
A: Absolutely! While the tangy goat cheese pairs beautifully, you can also try using cream cheese, feta, or even a soft blue cheese for a richer flavor.

Q: How long does it take to prepare and cook these Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey?
A: The total time for this recipe is just 35 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cook time.

Q: Can I make these Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey ahead of time?
A: Yes, these dates can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.

Q: How many servings does this Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 16 servings, making it a great option for entertaining or sharing with a crowd.

Q: What should I do if the bacon isn’t crispy enough?
A: If the bacon isn’t as crispy as you’d like, try broiling the Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey for 2-3 minutes after baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

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Conclusion

These Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey are a truly irresistible treat that will have your guests raving. With their perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors, along with the luxurious textures, this recipe is sure to become a go-to for any occasion.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to indulge in the deliciousness of Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey. Don’t forget to share your creations and let me know how they turned out!