🧂 Ingredients

• 20 Medjool dates
• 10 slices of bacon
• ¼ cup goat cheese
• toothpicks

📖 Instructions

🔪 Prep the Dates
Slice each date open just enough to remove the pit (if not already pitted).
If using a filling, stuff each date with about ½ tsp of goat cheese (alternately, consider blue cheese or cream cheese) or one almond. Pinch closed.

🥓 Wrap with Bacon
Wrap each date with half a strip of bacon and secure with a toothpick.

🔥 Bake
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil and place a rack on top (if you have one).
Arrange dates on the rack and bake for 18–22 minutes, turning halfway, until the bacon is crispy and caramelized.

❄️ Rest & Serve
Let cool slightly before serving — they’re molten hot inside!
Optional: drizzle lightly with honey or balsamic glaze for extra flair.

🔄 Variations:
Spicy: Add a tiny slice of jalapeño inside with the filling.
Maple twist: Brush with maple syrup before the last 5 minutes of baking.
Vegan version: Use plant-based bacon and stuff with spiced nuts.