Juicy Roasted Stuffed Dates Recipe: A Sweet Flavor Adventure

Luxurious and bite-sized, these roasted stuffed dates instantly spark joy at any gathering.

Wrapped in smoky bacon and filled with tangy blue cheese, this elegant appetizer promises pure indulgence.

Creamy cheese melts delicately inside sweet, caramelized dates while crispy bacon adds a salty crunch.

Each morsel delivers complex layers of flavor that dance across your palate.

The recipe requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum satisfaction.

Guests will be impressed by these sophisticated yet simple bites that elevate any social occasion.

Prepare to watch these delectable morsels disappear within moments of serving.

The Tools Required for Roasted Date Perfection

• Baking Pan: Sturdy dish for roasting dates evenly.
• Sharp Knife: Precise tool for slicing dates lengthwise.
• Cutting Board: Stable surface for preparing ingredients.
• Mixing Bowl: For combining walnut topping ingredients.
• Zester or Grater: To extract fresh orange zest.
• Measuring Spoons: Accurate measurement for cheese and seasonings.
• Serving Platter: Elegant plate for presenting the final dish.
• Drizzle Spoon: For elegantly adding hot honey over dates.

Preparing Stuffed Dates in the Oven

Step 1: Prepare Baking Workspace

Preheat your oven to 375°F.

Carefully slice each date lengthwise, creating a gentle pocket.

Gently fill the dates with creamy goat cheese, ensuring a smooth and even distribution.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Walnut Mixture

• Chopped walnuts
• Fresh rosemary leaves
• Orange zest
• Fresh orange juice
• Ground cinnamon
• Sea salt
• Olive oil

Mix these ingredients thoroughly to create a fragrant and textured blend.

Step 3: Arrange and Top Dates

Place the cheese-filled dates onto a baking pan.

Generously sprinkle the walnut mixture over each date, ensuring complete coverage and maximum flavor infusion.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection

Slide the baking pan into the preheated oven.

Roast the dates for 15 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the nuts to become golden and crisp.

After baking, let the dates rest for 5 minutes to settle their flavors.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the roasted dates to a beautiful serving platter.

Drizzle with hot honey for an extra layer of sweetness.

Serve immediately while warm, allowing guests to experience the delightful combination of textures and flavors.

Tips for Flavorful Roasted Stuffed Dates

• Use a sharp knife to make a clean lengthwise cut, avoiding splitting the dates completely for a neat presentation.
• Select creamy, high-quality goat cheese for a rich, smooth filling that complements the sweet dates.
• Roughly chop walnuts to ensure a crunchy, varied texture that adds interesting contrast to the soft dates.
• Warm honey slightly before drizzling to create a glossy, smooth coating that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Enjoy the dates while they're warm to experience the optimal balance of melted cheese and crispy walnut topping.

Stuffed Date Flavor Ideas and Fillings

• Vegan Nut Cheese Dates: Replace goat cheese with cashew cream cheese, use almonds instead of walnuts for a plant-based version.
• Mediterranean Herb Dates: Swap rosemary for fresh thyme, add crumbled feta cheese, use lemon zest instead of orange for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Sweet Dates: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper in the topping, use maple syrup for drizzling instead of hot honey, add chopped pecans for extra crunch.
• Gluten-Free Antioxidant Dates: Use pistachios for the topping, sprinkle with pomegranate seeds, drizzle with raw honey for added health benefits.

Presenting Roasted Dates for Entertaining

• Appetizer Elegance: Serve these roasted dates as a sophisticated starter at your next dinner party, perfectly paired with a crisp white wine or champagne.
• Cheese Board Star: Arrange the stuffed dates alongside other cheeses, nuts, and charcuterie for a stunning Mediterranean-inspired cheese platter that will impress guests.
• Holiday Nibble: Place these warm, fragrant dates on a festive tray during Christmas or Thanksgiving gatherings as a delightful sweet and savory bite-sized treat that everyone will love.
• Salad Topper: Chop the roasted dates and sprinkle over mixed green salads to add a rich, caramelized flavor and luxurious texture to your everyday greens.

The Smart Way to Store Roasted Stuffed Dates

• Store cooled stuffed dates in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual dates in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Label with date of preparation.
• Warm dates at 325F for 5-7 minutes. Spread on baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out.
• Warm dates in 10-second intervals, checking texture. Best used sparingly to maintain original crispy topping and soft cheese.

FAQs

• Are goat cheese substitutions possible?

Yes, you can swap goat cheese with blue cheese, cream cheese, or ricotta for different flavor profiles.

• Can I make these dates ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare dates up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best results.

• What if I don't have walnuts?

Almonds, pecans, or pistachios work perfectly as alternative nuts in this recipe. Just chop them similarly to walnuts.

• Is hot honey necessary?

While hot honey adds a delicious sweet-spicy finish, regular honey works fine if you prefer a milder taste or don’t have hot honey available.

What Makes Roasted Stuffed Dates So Addictive

• Elevate simple dates into a sophisticated, restaurant-worthy starter that impresses guests with minimal kitchen skills.
• Combine sweet dates, tangy goat cheese, and aromatic walnuts for a complex taste experience that takes minutes to prepare.
• Perfect for cocktail gatherings, holiday events, or elegant wine nights, these stuffed dates adapt to any social occasion with ease.
• Deliver a protein-rich, nutrient-dense bite that balances natural sweetness with protein from goat cheese and healthy fats from walnuts.

Ingredients Needed for Stuffed Roasted Dates

• Dates: Sweet, soft fruits that serve as the base for this delicious appetizer.
• Goat Cheese: Creamy cheese that provides a tangy filling for the dates.

• Walnuts, Rosemary: Crunchy nuts and aromatic herb that add texture and flavor to the dish.

• Orange Zest, Orange Juice: Citrusy elements that brighten the overall taste profile.
• Cinnamon, Salt: Warm spice and seasoning that balance the sweetness of the dates.
• Olive Oil: Helps bind the topping and adds richness to the dish.

• Hot Honey: Sweet and spicy drizzle that elevates the final presentation and flavor of the roasted stuffed dates.

Roasted Stuffed Dates Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Mediterranean stuffed dates offer a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors. Almonds, goat cheese, and herbs create an irresistible appetizer that will surprise guests with its elegant simplicity.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pitted Medjool dates
• 4 ounces (113 grams) goat cheese, room temperature
• 1/3 cup (40 grams) finely chopped walnuts

Herbs and Spices:

• 2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 orange (zest and 2 teaspoons juice)
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil
• Hot honey for drizzling

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a baking pan by lightly greasing or lining with parchment paper.
2. Carefully slice each date lengthwise, creating a small pocket without cutting completely through.
3. Gently fill the dates with creamy goat cheese, ensuring a smooth and even distribution.
4. In a separate mixing bowl, combine finely chopped walnuts with freshly minced rosemary, fragrant orange zest, a pinch of ground cinnamon, and a touch of salt.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the walnut mixture and thoroughly combine to create a textured topping.
6. Arrange the cheese-stuffed dates in the prepared baking pan, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
7. Evenly sprinkle the walnut and herb mixture over the dates, covering them generously.
8. Roast in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, allowing the dates to caramelize and the topping to become golden and crisp.
9. Remove from the oven and let the dates rest for 5 minutes to develop deeper flavors and cool slightly.
10. Transfer the roasted dates to a serving platter, then drizzle with warm honey for a sweet and luxurious finish.
11. Serve immediately while still warm, allowing guests to enjoy the rich, complex flavors.

Notes

• Customize cheese options for dietary needs by swapping goat cheese with vegan alternatives like cashew cream or almond ricotta.
• Toast walnuts beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Use high-quality local honey for a richer drizzle that complements the sweet and savory elements of the dish.
• Prepare dates ahead of time and refrigerate before baking to help them maintain structure and prevent overcooking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg