These Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese and Honey require only 4 ingredients and are so easy to make for an appetizer or snack.
These Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese and Honey won't win a beauty pageant (although the thought of them wearing a sash and sauntering around in their birthday suit makes me giggle), but these little guys make the most delicious appetizer, party food, snack, or salad accompaniment.
Reasons why I love these bacon wrapped dates
Okay, there's a few reasons why I love these things.
- They're great party food. They'll be gone before you know it, so you may want to make a double batch.
- They're easy to make, requiring only 4 ingredients. Dates, goat cheese, bacon, and honey. Talk about low fuss.
- Bacon wrapped dates can be eaten warm or at room temperature.
- They can be made in advance. To heat up, just place the dates in the oven for 5-10 minutes at 300˚ F or in the microwave for 20 seconds or so.
Medjool dates are the bomb
Ohhhhh, man. If you've never had a Medjool date, they’re just heavenly, with a slight hint of caramel and naturally sweet. They’re perfectly chewy and make a great snack because they're pretty healthy and filling. Even though Medjool date season isn't until September through November, Whole Foods still sells them year round in the dried fruit section.
You can certainly use whatever dates you can get your hands on, but the Medjool ones are by far my favorite.
What cheese is best to eat with dates?
I prefer soft cheeses, with my favorite being creamy and tangy goat cheese. The tanginess pairs really nice with the sweetness of the date...and wrapped in the bacon adds the needed salt and crunch to make this over-the-top delicious.
How to make bacon wrapped dates with goat cheese and honey
So so simple! Let's break it down.
Step 1.
Preheat oven to 350˚ F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Make a lengthwise cut on each date, just piercing halfway through. Pry the date open with your fingers and remove the seed.
Step 2.
Warm up goat cheese in your hands (ideally, you'd let it sit out until it's room temperature, but in a pinch, this works). Place goat cheese in a sealed plastic bag and cut off the tip on one of the corners.
Step 3.
Cut bacon strips into two pieces and wrap date with the half slice of bacon. Secure with a toothpick and place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Step 4.
Bake for 7 minutes, then take them out of oven and turn them on their sides. Back for another 7 minutes. Turn them over one more time on the other side for another 7 minutes. This will ensure even cooking.
Drizzle honey on them once they come out of the oven and enjoy!
Other delicious appetizers
These Corn and Zucchini Fritters are delicious, so simple, and so healthy. What party doesn't need some fruit and prosciutto on a stick? I recently served people a small bowl of this Carrot and Ginger Soup -- and it was a huge hit. Deviled eggs are always a hit, too!
xox
kathryn
As always, if you make anything from the blog, be sure to let me know! I love hearing from you in the comments on this post below or find Worn Slap Out on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese and Honey
Ingredients
- 20 Medjool dates, cut lengthwise and seed removed
- 3 oz goat cheese, room temperature
- 1 package thin-sliced bacon (should be 10 strips)*
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet (that has a rim) with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Place goat cheese in a plastic bag with the tip cut off the end. Gently pipe in the goat cheese into each date so that it's full but not overflowing. Cut each bacon strip in half so you have 20 pieces. Wrap each stuffed date with a strip of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Bake with toothpicks upright for about 7 minutes. Flip bacon on its side and bake for another 7 minutes. Repeat turning the bacon over on the other side and bake for a final 7 minutes. Take out, drizzle with honey, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Jackie
Delicious, quick, and easy appetizer. I made with honey goat cheese, added a small drizzle of honey after baked, and they were amazing! Also, I used only half a date for each so I could get more servings and it worked out perfectly!
Kathryn
Sounds absolutely delicious. Thanks so much for coming back to leave feedback, Jackie!