3-Ingredient Devils on Horseback

Ingredients

For 12 servings

• •15 center-cut bacon slices, cut in half crosswise
• •30 pitted Medjool dates (about 2-inches each), soaked in warm water for 5 minutes, then drained
• •4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled (about 3/4 cup)
• •Metal or wooden toothpicks (see notes)

Method

1. 1.Adjust oven racks to upper-middle and lower-middle positions, and preheat oven to 400°F (205 °C). Line 3 rimmed baking sheets with aluminum foil. Arrange bacon halves in a single layer on 2 prepared baking sheets. Bake both sheets at same time until edges begin to curl and fat begins to render, 8 to 10 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through baking. Let cool on baking sheet until cool enough to handle, about 5 minutes.
2. 2.While bacon cooks, use a paring knife to cut a slit lengthwise in each date to create an opening, taking care not to cut all the way through.
3. 3.Stuff each date with about 3/4 teaspoon blue cheese; press lightly to pack in, then pinch to close.
4. 4.Wrap 1 cooled bacon half around each stuffed date. Secure with toothpick, if needed, and arrange seam-side down on the remaining prepared baking sheet.
5. 5.Bake on lower-middle rack until bacon is browned and crisp, 12 to 14 minutes, rotating baking sheet halfway through. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.