Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is important because the perfect bacon crisp requires good heat.

Begin by pitting the Medjool dates. This step is essential, so don’t skip it! Check inside each date to ensure no stones are leftover; you want a smooth and delightful stuffing experience.

With the dates cleaned, it’s time to stuff them. Gently open each date and add a teaspoon of crumbled blue cheese. Don’t be shy—fill them up!

Take a slice of bacon and carefully wrap it around each stuffed date. The key here is to use a full slice; you’ll want enough bacon to coat the date well. If the bacon slices are too long, you can cut them in half.

If needed, secure the wrapped dates with a toothpick. Then, drizzle a bit of the balsamic glaze over each date. Sprinkle them with flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the flavors.

Arrange the wrapped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crisp and the cheese begins to melt. Keep an eye on them—the aroma alone will have you checking frequently!

Once out of the oven, let the dates cool for a couple of minutes. To serve, arrange them on a platter, drizzle with additional balsamic glaze if desired, and sprinkle with fresh rosemary. Enjoy the eagerness of people gathering to taste your creation!