Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Cut each bacon slice in half lengthwise to create 20 thin strips. If goat cheese is firm, microwave for 10–15 seconds to soften.
Using a small paring knife, slice each date lengthwise (but not all the way through) and gently open to form a pocket. Remove any remaining pits.
Fill each date cavity with about 1 teaspoon of softened goat cheese. Adjust amount if you prefer a cheesier center or a lighter filling.
Wrap one bacon strip around the center of each stuffed date, overlapping slightly. Secure with a toothpick inserted lengthwise so the bacon stays in place and the date sits flat on the baking sheet.
Place wrapped dates seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about ½ inch apart so air can circulate evenly.
Bake for 8 minutes, then use tongs to carefully flip each date to the other side.
Bake for an additional 7–8 minutes, or until bacon is golden brown and crispy. If using thick-cut bacon, you may need an extra 1–2 minutes—watch closely to prevent burning.
Remove baking sheet from oven and let dates rest for 2–3 minutes on the tray to allow cheese to set slightly.
Transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley or a light drizzle of balsamic glaze, if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
Make-Ahead Prep: Stuff and wrap dates up to 24 hours in advance. Store in a single layer on a baking sheet, covered with plastic wrap, in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes and follow baking instructions.
Cheese Variations: Swap goat cheese for cream cheese, blue cheese, or feta. Add chopped fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary) to the cheese for extra flavor.
Bacon Alternatives: Use prosciutto, pancetta, or thinly sliced ham instead of bacon. If using prosciutto, reduce baking time by 2–3 minutes per side.
Sweet Glaze Option: Brush bacon with honey, maple syrup, or sprinkle of brown sugar before wrapping. Baste again halfway through baking for a caramelized finish.
Spicy Twist: Mix a pinch of chili powder or cayenne into goat cheese before stuffing for a subtle heat.
Nutty Crunch: Press finely chopped pistachios or walnuts onto the cheese before wrapping. Nuts will toast in the oven and add extra crunch.
Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to re-crisp the bacon.
Dietary Notes: Naturally gluten-free. Dates contain natural sugars—keep portion size in mind if monitoring carb intake.