Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey

Don't you just love appetizers that look fancy, but are surprisingly easy to make?! The perfect holiday appetizer. I can't wait to make these again...

If you make these Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! And of course, if you do make this recipe, don't forget to also tag me on Instagram! (@zafo0d)

THE RECIPE

Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey

INGREDIENTS

• 6 ounces creamy goat cheese (pro tip: Trader Joes goat cheese is the most affordable goat cheese I have found)

• 24 plum Medjool dates, pitted

• 12 slices thinly sliced bacon, cut in half

• 1/3 cup honey

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary (plus more for garnish)

• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• kosher salt and black pepper

• candied or toasted walnuts (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Split the dates in half lengthwise- make sure NOT to cut the date all the way through.

3. Stuff each date with goat cheese, then gently squeeze to seal. Wrap/roll each date with bacon, then place the seam side down on the baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dates.

4. In a small bowl, combine the honey, rosemary, cayenne, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Evenly drizzle 1/2 the honey over the dates. To ensure that the bacon caramelizes in the oven, make sure to coat the bacon in honey.

5. Transfer to the oven and bake 20-25 minutes, until the bacon is crisping. Serve warm or room temperature with any remaining honey and walnuts, if desired! Enjoy!