3-Ingredient Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Precook the Bacon

Lay the bacon strips flat on the baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes, until they’re about halfway cooked but still pliable. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.

Stuff the Dates

While the bacon cooks, use a small paring knife to slice each date lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Remove the pits. Fill the center of each date with a spoonful of cheese, then gently press the sides together to close.

Wrap with Bacon

Slice the cooled bacon strips in half. Wrap one half-strip of bacon around each stuffed date and secure it with a toothpick.

Bake Until Crisp

Discard the original parchment paper and grease from the baking sheet. Line it with a fresh sheet of parchment paper. Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates on the sheet and season lightly with black pepper. Bake for 5–7 minutes per side, flipping once, until the bacon is crisp and cooked through. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Serve

Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and serve warm.