Irresistible Bacon Wrapped Dates with Boursin & Hot Honey

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Few things are as tempting as the smell of crispy bacon wafting through the kitchen—a mouthwatering aroma that draws everyone in with anticipation. Now, imagine that smoky bacon wrapped around soft, sweet Medjool dates, stuffed with creamy Boursin cheese, and finished with a drizzle of sticky, spicy hot honey. 

If you’re already craving a bite, you’re not alone. This combination of sweet, savory, creamy, and spicy flavors is a party in every sense of the word. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or planning for upcoming holiday gatherings, these little bites of heaven are guaranteed to be the star of the show.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Combo of Flavors: Sweet Medjool dates, creamy Boursin cheese, smoky bacon, and a hint of spice from the hot honey—a match made in appetizer heaven.
• Easy Recipe for Any Occasion: No fancy techniques required, just simple steps with big results. It’s an ideal finger food for New Year’s Eve or any dinner party.
• Customizable to Your Taste: Swap Boursin for blue cheese (my favorite), cream cheese, or tangy goat cheese. Play with the type of bacon or try different varieties of dates for new flavor twists.

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The Story and Culture Behind the Dish

Dates have been around for thousands of years, growing on the humble date palm tree, but wrapping them in bacon? That’s pure modern genius. This appetizer combines flavors inspired by Mediterranean and Spanish tapas, but it’s taken on a life of its own at holiday gatherings and dinner parties across the U.S. Sweet dates and smoky bacon are like old friends, and adding a creamy cheese filling just takes it over the top. Topping it off with hot honey? Well, that’s just showing off.

Equipment List

• Small Paring Knife: For slicing the dates open to remove the pits.
• Small Spoon or Teaspoon: Perfect for filling each date with cheese.
• Prepared Baking Sheets: Lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Sheet Pan or Wire Rack: Ensures even baking and crispy bacon all around.

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Ingredients You’ll Need for This Recipe

• Medjool Dates: Sweet, plump, and perfect for stuffing. Whole dates work best here.
• Boursin Cheese: Garlic & Herb flavor is classic, but you can use any soft cheese, like cream cheese, feta cheese, or tangy goat cheese.
• Smokehouse Almonds: Adds crunch and a savory, nutty kick to balance the sweetness.
• Bacon Slices: Smoky bacon or thick-cut bacon works great for maximum flavor.
• Mike’s Hot Honey: A little hot honey drizzle at the end brings it all together with a hint of spice.

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How to Make Irresistible Bacon Wrapped Dates with Boursin & Hot Honey

1. Prepare the Ingredients

• Preheat the oven to 400°F.
• Cut a lengthwise slit in each date using a small paring knife and remove the pit, if necessary.

2. Stuff the Dates

• Use a small spoon to stuff each date with about a teaspoon of cheese. You can use Boursin or try a cheese mixture like blue cheese, feta, or cream cheese for variety.
• Add a smokehouse almond to each date for crunch and texture. Pinch the date closed around the filling.

3. Wrap with Bacon

• Wrap each date with a piece of bacon, making sure the seam is underneath. Use a toothpick if necessary to secure it.

4. Arrange and Bake

• Place the wrapped dates seam-side down on a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack for even cooking.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until the bacon is golden brown and crispy.

5. Finishing Touch

• Remove any toothpicks, drizzle with a little hot honey, and let them cool slightly before serving.

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Chef Secrets & Tips

• Crispy Bacon Tip: Use a wire rack to elevate the dates, allowing the bacon to crisp on all sides.
• Bacon Choices: Smoky bacon and thick-cut bacon give the most flavor, but thinner bacon cooks faster and crisps up nicely.
• Custom Filling: Swap in tangy goat cheese, blue cheese, or a choice of cheese to fit your flavor preferences.
• Extra Crunch: Try using walnuts or pecans instead of almonds for variety.
• Spice It Up: If you like extra spice, use a hot honey that’s heavy on the heat or sprinkle a little red chili flake on top.

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Serving Suggestions

• Pair these with a fresh, tangy salad like a Spring Greens with Pears Sugared Walnuts & Gorgonzola.
• Serve with a side of smok and crackers.
• Complement with an assortment of finger foods like garlic-stuffed olives or marinated artichokes.
• For a drink pairing, try a sparkling white wine or a sweet iced tea.

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Commonly Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them up to 24 hours ahead. Just cover and refrigerate them. Bake fresh before serving.

What’s the best way to reheat them?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave as it can make the bacon soggy.

Can I use other types of dates?
Medjool dates are ideal because they’re soft and plump, but other varieties of dates can work too. Just make sure they’re large enough to stuff.

What’s the best cheese to use?
While Boursin is a fan favorite, you can use cream cheese, tangy goat cheese, or, my favorite, Point Reyes Blue Cheese.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just check that the bacon and cheese you use are certified gluten-free.

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Storage & Reheating Tips

• Storing: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat on a prepared baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.
• Freezing: You can freeze uncooked, bacon-wrapped dates for up to 1 month. Just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

With their crispy bacon shell, creamy cheese filling, and spicy honey glaze, these bacon-wrapped dates are everything you want in a simple appetizer. They’re perfect for dinner parties, upcoming holiday gatherings, or just a cozy night in. Once you’ve had one, you’ll want to keep them on repeat—because some combinations are just too good to forget.

More Appetizer Recipes

• Chipped Beef Cheeseball: A retro classic that’s creamy, tangy, and perfect for parties. Serve it with crackers, bread, or fresh veggies.
• Crab Cakes with Lemon Dill Sauce: Crispy, golden-brown crab cakes served with a zesty lemon dill sauce for an elevated appetizer experience.
• Crab Stuffed Mushrooms: Juicy mushrooms filled with a rich, savory crab filling for a bite-sized, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
• Tomato and Mozzarella Bruschetta: Fresh, tangy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella on crisp bread slices with a hint of garlic and basil.
• Marinated Cheese: A flavorful mix of cheeses marinated in herbs, garlic, and olive oil—perfect for cheese boards and party spreads.
• Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms: Meaty, savory mushrooms filled with seasoned sausage and cheese, then baked until golden brown.