4 ounces goat cheese, softened at room temperature
6 strips of turkey bacon, cut in half crosswise
2 tablespoons honey, for drizzling
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
12 toothpicks, soaked in water
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier after your Christmas festivities. If you are using wooden toothpicks, soak them in a small bowl of water for ten minutes to prevent them from scorching in the oven.
Slice each Medjool date lengthwise to create an opening, being careful not to cut all the way through. If the pits are still inside, gently remove them and discard. Use a small spoon or a piping bag to fill the center of each date with about one to two teaspoons of softened goat cheese. Press the sides of the date back together slightly to enclose the cheese.
Take one half strip of turkey bacon and wrap it tightly around the center of a stuffed date. Ensure the ends of the turkey bacon overlap slightly on the bottom. Secure the wrap by piercing a toothpick straight through the center of the date. Place the prepared dates on the baking sheet with the seam side down.
Place the baking sheet in the center of the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, use tongs to carefully turn each date over so the turkey bacon crisps evenly on all sides. Keep a close eye on them to ensure the turkey bacon becomes golden brown and slightly crispy without burning the sugary dates.
Remove the tray from the oven and let the dates sit for a few minutes. The cheese will be very hot and needs a moment to set. Transfer them to a festive serving platter, drizzle with a little bit of warm honey, and sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the top for a beautiful Christmas presentation.
