Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

- Using the sharp paring knife, carefully slice each date lengthwise, removing the pit while keeping the fruit intact for easy stuffing.

- If using cheese, cut a small piece and stuff it into the cavity of each date, pressing gently to fill.

- Cut the bacon slices in half crosswise to create smaller strips that are easier to wrap around each date.

- Wrap each stuffed date with a strip of bacon, securing it with a toothpick to hold everything in place.

- Place the bacon-wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet, arranging them so they don’t touch to ensure even crisping.

- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until the bacon is golden brown and crispy, and the dates are caramelized and soft.

- Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and let the bites rest for about 5 minutes; the bacon will crisp up further as they cool slightly.

- If desired, drizzle the dates with honey for a glossy finish and sprinkle with chopped herbs for a burst of freshness.

- Serve the bacon-wrapped dates warm, enjoying the crispy bacon with the sweet, tender interior filled with gooey cheese and caramelized fruit.
Notes
Ensure bacon is thin-cut for quick crisping. Watch the last few minutes to prevent burning. Adjust baking time based on bacon thickness for perfect crunch.
