Prepare:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare Dates: If dates aren’t already pitted, carefully cut a slit lengthwise down one side of each date and remove the pit. Open dates slightly to create a pocket for filling, but don’t cut all the way through.
3. Toast Nuts (Optional): If nuts aren’t already toasted, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned. Let cool, then chop finely. (This step dramatically improves flavor but can be skipped if using pre-toasted nuts.)

Assemble:

4. Stuff Dates: Using a small spoon or butter knife, stuff each date with about 1-2 teaspoons goat cheese, pressing gently to fill the cavity. The exact amount depends on date size—fill generously but don’t overstuff or cheese will ooze out during baking.
5. Add Nuts: Press chopped nuts on top of the cheese filling, or roll the stuffed portion in chopped nuts to coat.
6. Wrap with Bacon: Wrap each stuffed date with a half-strip of bacon, starting at one end and spiraling around. The bacon should cover most of the date but cheese should still be visible at ends. Secure with a toothpick through the center, piercing the bacon overlap to hold it in place.
7. Arrange on Pan: Place bacon-wrapped dates seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one for air circulation.

Bake:

8. Bake: Bake for 12-18 minutes, until bacon is crispy and browned to your liking. Timing varies based on bacon thickness and oven—start checking at 12 minutes. For crispier bacon, broil for final 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
9. Cool Slightly: Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. Dates will be very hot inside!

Finish and Serve:

10. Optional Garnish: If using, drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves or a pinch of smoked paprika.
11. Serve: Serve warm. Remind guests to remove toothpicks before eating!