Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Set aside.

Line a plate with paper towels. Set aside.

Cut bacon slices into thirds. Set aside.

Using a piping bag fitted with a coquette tip, insert the tip into the hold on one end of each pitted date, filling with goat cheese. You may want to insert the tip into the opposite side to ensure full filling. Alternatively, cut each date in half lengthwise to create an opening (if using pit-in dates, remove the pit and discard), and pipe or spoon goat cheese into the center of the date. Set aside.

When all of the dates are filled, wrap each date in bacon and secure with a toothpick through the entire date.

Place finished dates on prepared baking sheet. Bake dates for 10 minutes, remove from oven, and, using the toothpicks as a handle, flip the dates to cook the other side of the bacon. Bake dates an additional 8 to 10 minutes or until bacon is browned to your liking. Remove from the oven and place finished dates on the prepared paper towel lined plate. Store leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator up to 5 days. Remove toothpick and reheat in microwave or leave the toothpick in and broil for a couple minutes in oven or toaster oven.