Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese

• bacon slices (I find thin bacon works best)8
• dates↗16
• goat cheese↗4 ounce
• toothpicks

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350 °F. Slice the dates lengthwise on one side to create an opening. Remove the pit.

2. 2

   Using a spoon, fill a small amount of goat cheese into the cavity of each date and press the sides together to close.

3. 3

   Cut the bacon slices in half. Wrap each date with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.

4. 4

   Arrange evenly on a rimmed baking sheet (to prevent splattering) and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the dates and, using a toothpick, turn each so it lies on its side. Bake another 5‑8 minutes until browned to your liking, then flip the dates to the other side and repeat. Remove from the oven, place on a paper‑towel‑lined plate and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.