Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 400°F. Mix goat cheese with rosemary and black pepper until combined.

2. 2

   Stuff each pitted date with a small amount of goat cheese, pressing the date closed around the filling.

3. 3

   Wrap each stuffed date tightly with a half-strip of bacon and secure with a toothpick. The bacon should overlap itself slightly to stay in place during cooking.

4. 4

   Arrange on a wire rack set over a baking sheet — the rack allows the bacon to crisp on all sides as the fat drips down. Bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes until the bacon is crispy and caramelized. Let rest 3 minutes before serving — the filling is very hot. The combination of salty bacon, creamy goat cheese, and sweet date is irresistible.