1. Prepare the Dates

Start by pitting the dates if they aren’t already pitted. Gently slice the dates lengthwise without cutting them all the way through. This will create a pocket for the filling, if desired. If you’re stuffing the dates, use a small spoon to fill them with goat cheese or cream cheese, and optionally, a few pieces of chopped nuts like almonds or pecans. The cheese adds a creamy texture that complements the sweetness of the dates, while the nuts add a subtle crunch.

If you prefer the dates plain, feel free to skip the stuffing step and move straight to wrapping them in turkey bacon.

2. Prepare the Turkey Bacon

Cut each slice of turkey bacon in half so that you have shorter strips to wrap around the dates. Turkey bacon is thinner than regular bacon, so be careful not to tear it when wrapping. If desired, you can slightly cook the turkey bacon in a skillet for a couple of minutes to give it a little crisp before wrapping, but it’s not necessary. It will crisp up beautifully while baking.

3. Wrap the Dates

Take each prepared date and wrap a half slice of turkey bacon around it. Secure the bacon in place with a toothpick, making sure it holds tightly while baking. The toothpicks will also make it easy to remove the dates after cooking.

If you’re stuffing the dates, be sure to keep the stuffing inside the date while you wrap it tightly with the bacon.

4. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature will ensure that the turkey bacon crisps up nicely, while the dates warm through, becoming even sweeter.

5. Arrange the Dates on a Baking Sheet

Place the bacon-wrapped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will help prevent the bacon from sticking and make cleanup easier. Arrange the dates in a single layer, leaving some space between each one so that the heat can circulate evenly and cook the bacon to perfection.

6. Bake the Dates

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the dates for 18-20 minutes, or until the bacon is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to ensure they don’t overcook. The dates should become soft and warm, while the turkey bacon should have a nice crisp around the edges.

If the bacon isn’t as crispy as you’d like, you can turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking to give the bacon an extra crisp, but be careful not to burn the dates.

7. Cool and Serve

Once the dates are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Use tongs or a fork to remove the toothpicks carefully, as they can be hot. Serve the crispy turkey bacon-wrapped dates as a warm appetizer or snack, and watch them disappear in no time!