Maple Glazed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

If your dates are not pitted, you will need to pit them before making this recipe. Working one date at a time, slice each date through the middle lengthwise being sure not to cut all the way through. Gently pull the sides apart until you see the pit. Then, use your fingers or the tip of the knife to remove the pit. Repeat with the remaining dates.

Slice the goat cheese into 16 pieces. Stuff each date with a piece of goat cheese, and gently press the sides of the dates to help everything stick together.

Roll each date in a half slice of bacon. Tuck the ends of the bacon under the bottom of each date and use a toothpick to secure the bacon. Line the dates about 1 inch apart on the prepared sheet pan.

Next, whisk the maple syrup, brown sugar, rosemary, red pepper flakes, and black pepper in a small bowl until smooth. Use a pastry brush to brush all sides of the bacon with the glaze.

Bake the dates for about 10 minutes. Then, flip the dates and bake for another 10 minutes. Flip the dates once more so the bottom is touching the sheet pan. Bake for 5-8 more minutes, just until the bacon is crispy and the glaze has thickened. Keep a close eye towards the end so the glaze doesn't burn!

Let the dates sit on the sheet pan for about 3-5 minutes to let the bacon crisp up a bit more. Then, transfer the dates to a platter. Garnish with more rosemary and red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve hot or at room temperature.