Roasted Stuffed Dates Recipe That Everyone Will Love
These Roasted Stuffed Dates are an exquisite blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, perfect for any occasion. Juicy Medjool dates are generously filled with creamy goat cheese, then topped with a fragrant mixture of walnuts, fresh rosemary, and bright orange zest. Baked to golden perfection, they offer a delightful textural contrast and an unforgettable taste experience that will impress any guest.
Prep Time
Approximately 20 minutes
Cook Time
Approximately 15 minutes
Total Time
Approximately 35 minutes
Servings
Makes 24 dates, serving 6-8 people as an appetizer
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- A perfect balance of sweet, salty, tangy, and earthy flavors in every bite, creating a complex taste experience.
- Elegant and impressive, yet surprisingly simple to prepare, making it ideal for both casual and formal gatherings.
- Offers a delightful contrast of creamy goat cheese, chewy dates, and crunchy, aromatic walnuts.
- Versatile as an appetizer, a sophisticated snack, or even a light dessert with coffee.
- Can be made ahead, simplifying your entertaining schedule and allowing more time with guests.
Ingredients
- 24 Medjool dates, pitted
- 113 grams (4 ounces) soft goat cheese (or cream cheese), at room temperature
- 80 milliliters (1/3 cup) chopped walnuts (or almonds)
- 10 milliliters (2 teaspoons) minced fresh rosemary
- 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) orange zest
- 10 milliliters (2 teaspoons) fresh orange juice
- 1.25 milliliters (1/4 teaspoon) ground cinnamon
- 1.25 milliliters (1/4 teaspoon) sea salt
- 45 milliliters (3 tablespoons) extra-virgin olive oil
- Hot honey, for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. This provides a non-stick surface and helps the dates brown evenly.
- Allow the goat cheese to soften at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes. This step is crucial as it makes the cheese much easier to work with, ensuring a smooth, spreadable consistency for stuffing into the dates.
- Carefully slice each pitted Medjool date lengthwise down one side, creating a pocket or slit without cutting completely through the date. This creates a perfect cavity to hold the creamy cheese filling.
- Gently stuff each date with approximately 5-10 grams (1 to 2 teaspoons) of the softened goat cheese, using a small spoon or your fingers. Smooth the surface of the cheese to create an even top for the nut mixture, ensuring a neat presentation.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, minced fresh rosemary, orange zest, fresh orange juice, ground cinnamon, and sea salt. Drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil and stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the walnuts are lightly coated with the fragrant mixture.
- Take a spoonful of the aromatic nut mixture and carefully top each cheese-stuffed date. Gently press the mixture onto the cheese to ensure it adheres nicely and doesn't fall off during the roasting process.
- Arrange the stuffed dates on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is adequate space between each one. This allows for even air circulation around each date, helping them roast uniformly and achieve a beautiful golden hue without steaming.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and roast for 15 minutes, or until the goat cheese is wonderfully soft and slightly warmed through, and the walnuts are golden brown and fragrant. Keep a close eye on them during the final minutes to prevent over-browning.
- Remove the dates from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This brief cooling period allows the cheese to set slightly, making them easier to handle and preventing the filling from spilling out when served.
- If desired, drizzle a touch of hot honey over the warm dates just before serving. The spicy sweetness provides an extra layer of flavor that beautifully complements the other ingredients, adding a delightful kick. Serve warm or at room temperature as a sophisticated appetizer.
Tools You’ll Need
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Sharp paring knife (for pitting and slicing dates, and chopping rosemary)
- Citrus zester (for orange zest)
Essential Success Tips
- Choose plump, fresh Medjool dates for the best texture and natural sweetness; they are softer and easier to pit and stuff effectively.
- Ensure your goat cheese is at room temperature before stuffing; this makes it much more pliable and easier to work with, preventing the dates from tearing.
- Don't overstuff the dates; a moderate amount of cheese and nut topping will ensure they hold their shape, cook evenly, and maintain a balanced flavor profile.
- Keep a close eye on the dates while roasting, especially during the last few minutes, as ovens can vary and you want the nuts golden and fragrant, not burnt.
- For an extra layer of flavor and crunch, lightly toast the walnuts in a dry pan for a few minutes before mixing them with the rosemary and spices.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- To enhance the depth of flavor, consider adding a very fine grating of fresh nutmeg or a pinch of smoked paprika to the nut topping mixture. This adds a subtle warmth and complexity that elevates the dish.
- If preparing these for a large party, you can stuff the dates in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Assemble the nut topping just before roasting for optimal freshness and crunch.
- Experiment with different soft cheeses like mascarpone or even a creamy blue cheese for a more pungent flavor profile, always bringing them to room temperature first to ensure easy and smooth stuffing.
Notes
- Storage: Leftover dates can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven for a few minutes or enjoy at room temperature.
- Variations: Substitute pecans or pistachios for walnuts to change the nutty flavor. Drizzle with a balsamic glaze instead of hot honey for a different savory-sweet kick. For a spicier version, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper can be added to the nut mixture.
- Serving Suggestion: These dates pair wonderfully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, a rich, dark beer, or a dry sparkling wine. They also make an excellent and attractive addition to a charcuterie or cheese board.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these dates ahead of time?
Yes, you can stuff the dates with the goat cheese and prepare the nut topping up to a day in advance. Store the stuffed dates and the nut mixture separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble and roast just before serving for the best texture and warmth.
What if I don't like goat cheese?
If goat cheese isn't to your taste, you can easily substitute it with other soft, spreadable cheeses. Cream cheese offers a milder flavor, while mascarpone provides a rich, sweet creaminess. Ensure whichever cheese you choose is at room temperature for easy stuffing.
Are these dates spicy with the hot honey?
The hot honey drizzle is optional and provides a subtle warmth and sweetness that beautifully complements the other flavors, rather than an intense spice. If you prefer no heat at all, a regular honey or maple syrup drizzle works just as well and adds a lovely sweetness.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Approximate per date: Calories: 120, Protein: 3g, Fat: 7g, Carbohydrates: 15g, Fiber: 2g. (Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and quantities used.)
Allergy Information
This dish contains dairy (goat cheese) and tree nuts (walnuts). If you have an almond allergy, please ensure no cross-contamination if substituting with walnuts. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens if severe allergies are a concern.
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