Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Carefully pit each date with a sharp paring knife, making a small slit if needed. Gently open the date to remove the pit.
Stuff each pitted date with a small teaspoon of cheese, pressing gently to fill the cavity completely.
Cut each bacon slice in half lengthwise, creating thin strips perfect for wrapping.
Wrap each stuffed date with a bacon strip, securing it with a toothpick. Make sure the bacon covers the entire date for a crispy exterior.
Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow crisping.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is golden brown and crispy, filling the kitchen with a smoky aroma.
Remove from the oven and transfer the hot bacon-wrapped dates to a cooling rack. Let them rest for 2 minutes to settle and finish crisping.
Drizzle the dates with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with chopped herbs if using. The glaze adds a bright, tangy contrast to the rich, crispy bites.
Serve warm, enjoying the perfect balance of sweet, salty, smoky, and tangy flavors with a crispy exterior and tender interior.
