Bacon Date Whipped Goat Cheese Dip
Creamy whipped goat cheese topped with crispy bacon, roasted dates and rosemary, finished with honey. An easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
If you love bacon wrapped dates, you will love this bacon date whipped goat cheese dip. This dip is the kind of appetizer that is fast to make but disappears even faster. Creamy, tangy whipped goat and cream cheese form the base and is topped with crispy oven-roasted bacon, jammy dates, rosemary, and finished with a drizzle of honey.
This dip hits that perfect sweet-savory balance and feels equally at home on a holiday spread or a casual wine-and-snack night. Serve it with toasted baguette slices and watch it become the star of the table.
Ingredients
Dates: naturally sweet and sticky, dates caramelize in the oven and balance the salty bacon beautifully. Medjool dates work especially well here.
Bacon: adds smoky, salty crunch that contrasts the creamy cheese. Use thick-cut bacon for best texture.
Rosemary: use fresh to bring that earthy, aromatic note.
Oil: helps the bacon and dates roast evenly and prevents sticking.
Honey: a final drizzle enhances the sweetness of the dates and ties everything together.
Goat cheese: tangy and creamy, goat cheese gives the dip its signature flavor.
Cream cheese: softens the sharpness of the goat cheese and helps create a smooth texture.
Salt: enhances the flavor of the dip. Use sparingly since bacon is already salty.
Baguette (for serving): sliced and toasted until golden, perfect for scooping up the dip.
Equipment
Baking sheets
Cutting board and knife
Food processor
Rubber spatula
Instructions
Roast the Bacon and Dates: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange chopped bacon and dates on the sheet, drizzle lightly with olive oil, one tablespoon of honey and sprinkle with chopped rosemary. Toss to combine. Roast for 15–20 minutes, stirring twice to prevent burning, until the bacon is crispy and the dates are caramelized. Set aside to cool slightly.
Toast the Baguette: While the bacon and dates cook, slice the baguette. Arrange slices on another baking sheet and toast in the oven for 8–10 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crisp.
Whip the Cheese: In a food processor, combine goat cheese, cream cheese, remaining olive oil, remaining honey and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
Assemble the Dip: Spread the whipped goat cheese onto a shallow serving dish. Spoon the bacon and date mixture evenly over the top. Finish with a generous drizzle of honey. Serve with toasted baguette slices.
Substitutions
Goat Cheese: Swap with whipped ricotta or mascarpone for a milder flavor.
Cream Cheese: Can omit or use Neufchatel for a slightly lower fat option.
Bacon: Pancetta or turkey bacon works well as alternatives.
Rosemary: Try fresh thyme or sage for a different herbal note.
Baguette: Serve with crackers, crostini or sliced apples for dipping.
More Holiday Appetizer Recipes
- Pear, Blue Cheese and Honey Crostini
- Stuffed Mushroom Dip
- Cranberry Whipped Goat Cheese Dip
- Brie and Bacon Jam Crostini
- Whipped Goat Cheese and Squash Dip
If you make this Bacon Date Whipped Goat Cheese Dip recipe, be sure to leave a comment below and rate this recipe! If you snap a pic, be sure to tag me on Instagram @thechowdown! I love seeing your creations!
Bacon Date Whipped Goat Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- 6 strips bacon chopped
- 1 cup pitted dates chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil divided
- 3 tbsp honey divided
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 8 oz goat cheese softened
- 2 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 baguette
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange chopped bacon and dates on the sheet, drizzle lightly with olive oil, one tablespoon of the honey and sprinkle with chopped rosemary. Toss to combine. Bake for 15–20 minutes, stirring twice to prevent burning, until the bacon is crispy and the dates are caramelized. Set aside to cool slightly.
- While the bacon and dates cook, slice the baguette. Arrange slices on another baking sheet and toast in the oven for 8–10 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crisp.
- In a food processor, combine goat cheese, cream cheese, remaining olive oil, remaining honey and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Spread the whipped goat cheese onto a shallow serving dish. Spoon the bacon and date mixture evenly over the top. Finish with a generous drizzle of honey. Serve with toasted baguette
