These Bacon-Wrapped Date and Goat Cheese Pastry Twists are super quick and easy to make—and trust me, everyone goes crazy for them! They’re the perfect mix of salty-sweet and savory. Imagine flaky puff pastry twisted with creamy goat cheese and sweet dates, all wrapped up in salty bacon, then coated in a spicy rosemary brown sugar mix. Pop them in the oven until the bacon turns crispy and caramelized. Seriously, these fun holiday twists disappear way too fast—they’re totally addictive, festive, and a must for holiday parties.
Two of my all-time favorite holiday appetizers? Goat cheese-stuffed bacon-wrapped dates and my whipped goat cheese with candied bacon and dates. I’m obsessed with the sweet and spicy flavors they bring. And even though dates aren’t always a crowd favorite, they’re so good when paired with salty bacon and creamy goat cheese.
I make bacon-wrapped dates every single Thanksgiving—they’re a staple on my turkey cheese board. And without fail, they’re always one of the first appetizers to vanish.
I really wanted to take those amazing bacon-wrapped date flavors and turn them into something new. That’s how I came up with these bacon twists!
These things are seriously fun and delicious. I used store-bought puff pastry (because easy is best), twisted it up with goat cheese, then wrapped each piece in bacon. The salty bacon, creamy cheese, and sweet dates are a match made in heaven.
And that flaky pastry? It just takes everything to the next level. Good luck stopping at just one—the salty-sweet, savory combo is downright addicting.
The Details
Ingredients
- Organic dark brown sugar
- Fresh rosemary
- Chipotle powder
- Cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper
- Sheets of frozen puff pastry (thawed)
- Goat cheese
- Medjool dates
- Thin slices of bacon
- Fresh thyme
Special Tools
You’ll need a couple of sheet pans and wire cooling racks for this recipe.
Steps
Step 1: Mix the Spicy Sugar
Organic dark brown sugar is my little secret here—it just makes everything better. The flavor, the texture, even the way it looks!
Mix the sugar with rosemary, chipotle powder, and cayenne. Then season it with a little salt and pepper.
Step 2: Form the Twists
Unroll the puff pastry, spread it with goat cheese, and sprinkle on the chopped dates. (Use Medjool dates—they’re juicy, plump, and perfect for baking.)
Fold the pastry in half, then slice it into thin strips. Give each strip a good twist.
Step 3: Wrap the Bacon
Take a slice of bacon and wrap it around each twist.
Coat each twist in the brown sugar mix, then place them on a wire rack-lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake
Bake until the bacon caramelizes all over. The pastry should be golden and flaky—but keep an eye on it, because it can burn quickly!
Step 5: Serve
I love serving these warm with an extra sprinkle of sea salt and some fresh thyme. They’re perfect.
If you loved my original bacon twists, you’re gonna adore these too. They’re a little different but just as insanely delicious. The goat cheese and dates together? Absolutely scrumptious.