brought to you in partnership with Cabot Creamery Cooperative
Sweet, salty, and cheesy in every bite, these Cabot Gouda Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Dates are the perfect holiday appetizer. Easy to prep ahead and baked until crispy, they’ll be the first thing to disappear from the table.
Sweet, Savory, and Perfectly Cheesy Holiday Appetizer
When the holidays roll around here in Colorado, I’m always looking for recipes that hit the balance between impressive and approachable. There’s nothing better than showing up to a Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas gathering, or gameday party with a dish that looks like you spent hours making it, but in reality took just a few minutes of prep time. These Cabot Gouda Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Dates check all those boxes. They’re sweet, savory, melty, and a little smoky from the bacon, making them the ultimate one-bite holiday appetizer.
What makes this recipe different from the traditional version is the use of Cabot Gouda cheese instead of goat cheese. Cabot’s Gouda has a creamy, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the caramel-like sweetness of the dates and the crisp saltiness of the bacon. Once baked, the cheese melts into the center, creating a gooey filling that feels decadent but not heavy. This appetizer proves that a handful of high-quality ingredients can create something memorable without a lot of fuss.
As a dad, a teacher, and a year-round backyard cook here in Denver, I’m always looking for ways to simplify holiday cooking without sacrificing flavor. These dates are a go-to because they can be made ahead, baked quickly, and served either warm or at room temperature. That flexibility is gold when you’re juggling family, guests, and the chaos of the season.
Why Bacon-Wrapped Dates Are Always a Hit
There’s a reason bacon-wrapped dates are a staple at parties and on restaurant menus—they bring together the best flavor profiles in a single bite. Sweet, salty, creamy, and smoky all combine in a way that makes people instantly reach for seconds. The sticky-sweet exterior of the dates caramelizes as they bake, while the bacon crisps up around the edges. The cheese inside ties it all together with its gooey texture and nutty depth.
Using Cabot Gouda in place of the more traditional goat cheese makes these feel a little more special and unique. Gouda is buttery, nutty, and smooth, and it melts into the dates in a way that goat cheese doesn’t. Each bite has a balance of flavors that feels elevated but still familiar. When you bring a platter of these to a gathering, people immediately notice they’re not the same old bacon-wrapped dates—they’re something better.
The Inspiration for This Recipe for Cabot Gouda Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Dates
I first started making bacon-wrapped dates years ago because they were an easy appetizer that looked fancy but came together quickly. Over time, I started experimenting with different fillings, and when I tried Cabot Gouda, I was hooked. It’s the perfect cheese for this recipe because it stands up to the heat of baking while melting just enough to create a creamy, cheesy center.
The holidays are such a busy time for our family. Between school events, teaching, and raising twin toddlers, I don’t have time to make complicated appetizers that require hours of prep. This recipe fits perfectly into my cooking style—it’s fast, it’s flavorful, and it feels festive. My wife and I often joke that the best holiday dishes are the ones you can make while carrying on a conversation with family in the kitchen, and this recipe fits that bill.
Why Cabot Gouda is the Star Ingredient
Cabot Creamery Cooperative is known across the country for their cheddar cheeses, but their Gouda deserves just as much recognition. Gouda is one of the oldest cheeses in the world, dating back to the 12th century in the Netherlands, and Cabot’s take on it is a standout. Their Gouda is aged to perfection, giving it that nutty, buttery flavor that makes it so versatile.
Because Cabot is a cooperative owned by farm families across New England and New York, you know their cheeses are crafted with care and dedication. That cooperative model means every purchase of Cabot cheese supports hardworking family farms. Including Cabot products in recipes like this one not only makes your dish taste incredible but also supports a brand with values rooted in community and quality.
When baked inside these dates, the Gouda melts into a creamy pocket of flavor. It balances the richness of the bacon and the sweetness of the dates, resulting in a bite that’s satisfying but not overwhelming. For me, that balance is what makes this recipe holiday-worthy.
Ingredients for Gouda Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Dates
You only need a short list of ingredients to make these, which is part of what makes them such a great option for busy cooks. Each item has a job to do in the recipe, and together they create a bite that’s both layered and balanced.
- Pitted Medjool dates – These are large, soft, and sweet, making them the perfect vehicle for stuffing.
- Cabot Gouda cheese – Nutty, buttery, and perfectly melty, this cheese takes the place of traditional goat cheese.
- Bacon – Choose a standard cut (not too thick) so it wraps easily and crisps evenly. Each slice is cut in half for the perfect coverage.
- Hot honey – Adds a touch of spice and sweetness, plus helps the bacon caramelize.
- Smoke Junkie seasoning – My go-to BBQ rub adds a smoky edge that complements the bacon and Gouda beautifully.
This recipe proves that with just five ingredients, you can make something elegant and flavorful enough to impress a holiday crowd.
Why Baking is the Best Method- use your Traeger!
Some appetizers require frying or constant attention, but not these dates. Baking them on a Traeger or in a conventional oven makes the process almost hands-off. Placing the wrapped dates seam side down on a wire rack over a foil-lined sheet pan ensures even cooking and easy cleanup.
The two-step bake is key: starting at 350°F allows the bacon to render slowly while the cheese melts inside. Then, turning up the heat to 400°F crisps the bacon to perfection without overcooking the dates or drying out the cheese. This method gives you the best of both worlds: gooey centers and crispy exteriors.
Step-by-Step Process
- Preheat your grill or oven to 350°F.
- Slice dates open (if not already pitted) and insert a matchstick of Cabot Gouda into the center. Press the date closed around the cheese.
- Cut each slice of bacon in half. Wrap each date tightly in a half slice of bacon and place seam side down on a wire rack.
- Brush each wrapped date with hot honey and sprinkle with Smoke Junkie seasoning.
- Bake for 15 minutes at 350°F. Then increase the heat to 400°F and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until bacon is crispy.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Serving Ideas and Variations
These dates are incredibly versatile and fit seamlessly into different types of gatherings.
- Holiday appetizer platters – Pair them with nuts, olives, and more Cabot cheeses on a festive board.
- Thanksgiving starter – Serve them as a pre-dinner bite to keep guests satisfied while the turkey finishes cooking.
- Christmas party snack – Arrange them on a tray with sprigs of rosemary for a seasonal touch.
- Gameday spread – Place them alongside sliders, nachos, and wings for a surprising addition to a casual menu.
- Flavor variations – Try swapping hot honey for maple syrup, balsamic glaze, or even sriracha honey to mix up the flavor profile.
- Prep ahead – Stuff and wrap the dates the day before, then simply bake them before serving. They’ll still be fresh, melty, and delicious.
Alternate Recipes & Product Links
If you enjoyed these Cabot Gouda Stuffed Dates, check out some other recipes that work beautifully for holidays and parties:
- Green Chili Smash Burger Tacos on the Traeger
- Gobernador Style Shrimp Tacos on the Traeger Flatrock
- Easy and Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes on the Traeger
- Monte Cristo Sliders on the Traeger
Products used in this cook:
- Cabot Gouda Cheese
- Hot Honey
- Smoke Junkie Seasoning
- Traeger Grill (though any oven works)
Add These Dates to Your Menu!
This holiday season, take the stress out of entertaining by making appetizers that are both simple and unforgettable. These Cabot Gouda Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Dates are the perfect example. With just a few ingredients, you can create a bite-sized treat that feels gourmet but takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
Cabot Gouda truly makes this recipe shine. The creamy, nutty flavor elevates each bite, proving that when you start with high-quality cheese, you don’t need a complicated recipe to impress. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, heading to a Christmas party, or just putting together a Sunday gameday spread, these dates will quickly become a new family favorite.
So this year, skip the stress and lean into recipes like this one. Grab a block of Cabot Gouda, a package of bacon, and a handful of dates—and watch as your guests keep coming back for more.
Cabot Gouda Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Equipment
- Traeger grill or oven
- Wire rack
- Foil-lined baking sheet
- Sharp knife
- Basting brush
Ingredients
- 20 Medjool dates pitted
- 1 block Cabot Gouda cheese cut into matchstick-sized pieces
- 10 slices bacon cut in half
- 2 tbsp hot honey
- 1 tbsp Smoke Junkie seasoning or your favorite BBQ rub
Instructions
- Preheat Traeger or oven to 350°F.
- Slice each date open and insert a matchstick of Cabot Gouda. Press to close.
- Wrap each stuffed date in half a slice of bacon and place seam side down on a wire rack set over a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Brush each wrapped date with hot honey and sprinkle with Smoke Junkie seasoning.
- Bake for 15 minutes at 350°F. Increase temperature to 400°F and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until bacon is crispy and golden.
- Remove from oven and serve warm or at room temperature.
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