Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place a wire rack on top of baking sheet.

Make sure pitted dates each have a lengthwise slice down the center, or make a lengthwise cut with a sharp knife, taking care to not cut all the way through. Cut the cheese into 16 cubes, a scant 3/4-inch each. Cut each strip of bacon in half crosswise.

Place a piece of cheese in the center of each date, and pinch the sides to close the date. Wrap half a bacon strip around each date, with the seam falling on the opposite side from the slit.

Arrange the dates seam side down on the wire rack.

Bake the dates on the middle rack of oven until bacon is browned and crispy, 22-27 minutes.

Check to see that dates are done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.

Allow the dates to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes. Arrange the dates on a plate and stick a toothpick through the top of each. Serve immediately.