Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place a metal cooling rack on top of a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment. (I like to cook the dates on a baking tray, to allow air to circulate under them, for crispy bacon).

Make glaze by stirring the glaze ingredients together. Set aside.

Fill dates: Cut a slit in the center of the dates, lengthwise. Remove pit, if needed. Stuff the opening with a teaspoon of cheese.

Wrap in bacon: Cut bacon strips in half and wrap the bacon around each date, securing it with a toothpick. Place on prepared baking sheet. Brush a light coating of maple syrup glaze over each (reserve the extra).

Bake at 400 degrees for 15-25 minutes, or until bacon is crisp. Remove from oven and drizzle with any remaining glaze.

Serve warm or at room temperature (refrigerate after 2 hours sitting out). Leftovers will keep for 2-3 days in the fridge.