Bacon-Wrapped Dates (3 Ingredients!)

1. 1

   Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone baking mat and set aside.

2. 2

   Use a paring knife to cut a slit in the side of 20 to 24 dates. Use your thumbs to open the date slightly. Remove the pits if your dates still have them inside.

3. 3

   Use a spoon to stuff a little goat cheese or blue cheese into each date. Use the back of the spoon to press the cheese into the date. If you're adding almonds, press an almond or two into the cheese. Press the date closed.

4. 4

   Cut 12 to 16 ounces of bacon in half crosswise. Wrap each date with a half-strip of bacon. Secure the end of the bacon with a toothpick.

5. 5

   Place the stuffed date on its side on the baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dates, spacing them evenly apart.

6. 6

   Bake the dates for 15 minutes.

   15 min
7. 7

   Flip the dates. Keep an eye on the dates and remove from the oven as soon as the bacon is as crispy as you like it, 15 to 20 minutes more.

8. 8

   If the dates seem greasy, blot the sides as well as the bottoms with paper towels. Serve warm or room temperature.

Recipe Notes

1. 9

   Make ahead: The dates can be prepped and refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 day before baking.