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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a baking pan by lightly greasing or lining with parchment paper.
- Carefully slice each date lengthwise, creating a small pocket without cutting completely through.
- Gently fill the dates with creamy goat cheese, ensuring a smooth and even distribution.
- 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.
- Drizzle olive oil over the walnut mixture and thoroughly combine to create a textured topping.
- Arrange the cheese-stuffed dates in the prepared baking pan, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Evenly sprinkle the walnut and herb mixture over the dates, covering them generously.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, allowing the dates to caramelize and the topping to become golden and crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let the dates rest for 5 minutes to develop deeper flavors and cool slightly.
- Transfer the roasted dates to a serving platter, then drizzle with warm honey for a sweet and luxurious finish.
- 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