Instructions

1. Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone baking mat and set aside.

2. Use a paring knife to cut a slit in the side of the dates. Use your thumbs to open the date slightly. Remove the pits of your dates.

3. Use a spoon to stuff a little blue cheese into each date, pressing the cheese into the date, and press the date closed.

4. Cut the bacon in half crosswise. Wrap each date with a half-strip of bacon. Secure the end of the bacon with a toothpick.

5. Place the stuffed dates on their side on the baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart. Bake the dates for 15 minutes then flip and continue baking until reaching your desired crispness, another 15-20 minutes.

6. If the dates seem greasy, blot with paper towels. Serve warm or room temperature.