Bacon Wrapped Dates

Sweet, salty, and gone in seconds. These are the bite guests remember and request next year, and they take barely any work: stuff, wrap, roast. Check your bacon label since cures vary.

Makes 24 dates · 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 24 Medjool dates
• 4 oz goat cheese
• 12 slices bacon, halved crosswise
• Cracked black pepper

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 400°F and set a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet.
2. Slit each date lengthwise, remove the pit, and stuff with a small spoonful of goat cheese.
3. Wrap each date in half a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick if needed.
4. Arrange on the rack and roast 15 to 18 minutes, turning once, until the bacon is crisp.
5. Drain briefly on paper towels, shower with cracked pepper, and serve warm.