Description
Roasted Stuffed Dates combine the rich sweetness of Medjool dates with a creamy, savory cheese filling and crunchy nuts, roasted to perfection for a caramelized, melt-in-your-mouth appetizer. Quick, easy, and versatile, this recipe is perfect for parties, holidays, or a wholesome snack that balances luscious and savory flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 Medjool dates, pitted
- 4 oz goat cheese or cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Sea salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- Honey or balsamic glaze, for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Dates: Carefully slice each date lengthwise on one side and remove the pit, keeping the dates intact to create a pocket for stuffing.
- Make the Stuffing: In a bowl, combine the goat cheese or cream cheese with chopped nuts, fresh herbs, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix well until evenly distributed.
- Stuff the Dates: Using a small spoon or your fingers, fill each date with the cheese mixture. Press gently to keep the stuffing inside, taking care not to overfill.
- Arrange and Roast: Place the stuffed dates on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and roast in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes until warm and the cheese slightly melts.
- Add Finishing Touches: Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. Optionally, drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze and sprinkle with extra sea salt or fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- Choose Medjool dates for their large size and soft texture for easier stuffing.
- Avoid overstuffing to prevent dates from splitting during roasting.
- Use fresh, soft cheese for better blending and creamier texture.
- Lightly drizzle olive oil to keep dates moist and enhance caramelization.
- Keep a close eye while roasting to avoid drying out the dates; golden and tender is ideal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 stuffed dates
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Roasted Stuffed Dates, Appetizer, Snack, Medjool Dates, Goat Cheese, Cream Cheese, Nuts, Gluten Free, Easy Appetizer