Roasted Stuffed Dates

If you’re looking for a quick and delightful appetizer to wow your family and friends, you’ve hit the jackpot with these Roasted Stuffed Dates! They’re sweet, savory, and perfectly balanced with a hint of rosemary and a drizzle of hot honey. This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s not only easy to prepare but also impressively elegant for any occasion—from casual get-togethers to festive gatherings.

Imagine serving up these warm, cheesy bites as everyone mingles around the table. You’ll love the smiles that light up when they take their first bite. Plus, they come together in just about 30 minutes, making them the perfect solution for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a beautiful appetizer in no time.
• Crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves the combination of sweet dates and creamy cheese; it’s always a hit!
• Make-ahead option: You can prepare these stuffed dates in advance and pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
• Versatile flavors: Feel free to switch out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your taste preferences.
• Healthy indulgence: Packed with nutrients from walnuts and dates, this dish is a guilt-free treat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Roasted Stuffed Dates use simple and wholesome ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. Each component adds its own unique flavor while blending beautifully together. Let’s gather what we need!

For the Stuffing

• 1 (12-oz.) pkg. pitted Medjool dates
• 1 (4-oz.) log goat cheese (softened to room temperature for easier handling)
• 1/3 cup very finely chopped walnuts

For the Topping

• 2 tsp. minced fresh rosemary
• 1 tsp. orange zest plus 2 tsp. fresh orange juice (from 1 navel orange)
• 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. sea salt
• 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

For Garnish

• A drizzle of hot honey (optional)

Variations

One of the things I love about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize it based on what you have at home or your personal taste preferences.

• Swap the cheese: Try using cream cheese or feta for a different flavor profile.
• Add some spice: Incorporate red pepper flakes into the walnut mixture for a bit of heat.
• Change the nuts: Substitute almonds or pecans instead of walnuts for varied texture and taste.
• Try different herbs: Fresh thyme or basil can replace rosemary for an alternate herbaceous note.

How to Make Roasted Stuffed Dates

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375ºF. This ensures our stuffed dates bake evenly and develop that lovely golden color.

Step 2: Prepare the Dates

Using a small sharp knife, slice open each date lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Gently break them open and fill each one with about 1 to 2 teaspoons of goat cheese. Place these filled dates in a baking pan—this is where all those irresistible flavors will meld together!

Step 3: Mix the Topping

In a small bowl, combine your finely chopped walnuts, minced rosemary, orange zest and juice, ground cinnamon, sea salt, and olive oil. Mixing well helps distribute all those fragrant flavors that will top off our stuffed dates deliciously.

Step 4: Bake

Spoon the walnut mixture generously over each stuffed date before transferring your pan into the oven. Bake for about 15 minutes until they are warm and slightly caramelized. Once done, let them sit for about five minutes; this allows them to cool slightly so they’re easier to handle.

Step 5: Serve

Carefully transfer your roasted stuffed dates onto a serving platter and drizzle with some hot honey if desired. Serve them warm so everyone can enjoy their gooey goodness straight from the oven!

Enjoy every bite of these Roasted Stuffed Dates—they’re sure to become a favorite at your table too!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Stuffed Dates

Creating the perfect roasted stuffed dates is all about attention to detail, and these simple tips will help you achieve a delightful result every time!

• Choose Quality Dates: Opt for fresh Medjool dates as they are naturally sweet and have a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy goat cheese.

• Soften the Cheese: Allow your goat cheese to sit at room temperature before use. This makes it easier to spread and fill the dates, creating a more enjoyable texture.

• Experiment with Nuts: While walnuts are delicious, feel free to substitute them with pecans or pistachios for a different flavor profile and texture.

• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: The amounts of cinnamon and salt can be tweaked according to your preference. Taste the walnut mixture before topping the dates and adjust if needed!

• Don’t Skip the Hot Honey: A drizzle of hot honey adds a contrasting sweetness that enhances the overall flavor of the dish. It’s a small step that makes a big difference!

How to Serve Roasted Stuffed Dates

Serving roasted stuffed dates can be just as fun as making them! Presenting this dish in an inviting way will surely impress your guests.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Herbs: Sprinkling some additional finely chopped rosemary or parsley on top not only adds color but also enhances the aromatic experience of the dish.

• Crumbled Feta or Goat Cheese: For an extra touch of creaminess, crumble some feta or more goat cheese over the top just before serving.

Side Dishes

• Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: This refreshing salad made with quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and olives pairs perfectly with stuffed dates. Its bright flavors complement the richness of the cheese.

• Roasted Vegetable Platter: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized adds depth and balances out the sweetness of the dates. Think bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant drizzled with olive oil.

• Hummus with Pita Bread: A creamy hummus served with warm pita is an excellent addition to your appetizer spread. The chickpea dip matches well with both flavors and textures.

• Simple Arugula Salad: A light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette can add a peppery crunch that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of your stuffed dates.

With these tips and serving ideas, your roasted stuffed dates are sure to shine at your next gathering! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Roasted Stuffed Dates recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make them in advance, allowing the flavors to mingle and intensify, ensuring a delightful appetizer for any gathering.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover stuffed dates in an airtight container.
• Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To maintain their flavor, avoid stacking them too tightly.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the baked stuffed dates in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• When ready to enjoy, preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
• Place the stuffed dates on a baking tray and cover with aluminum foil.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

Have questions about making these delicious Roasted Stuffed Dates? Here are some common inquiries!

Can I use a different cheese instead of goat cheese for Roasted Stuffed Dates?

Absolutely! Cream cheese or ricotta can be great alternatives if you’re not a fan of goat cheese. Just ensure that the cheese you choose has a similar creamy texture for easy stuffing.

How do I know when my Roasted Stuffed Dates are done baking?

Your stuffed dates are ready when they are heated through and slightly golden on top. The walnuts should be toasted and fragrant! A total bake time of about 15 minutes should do the trick.

Can I add other nuts or ingredients to my Roasted Stuffed Dates?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different nuts such as pecans or almonds. Dried fruits like cranberries or apricots can also add a sweet touch if desired.

What can I serve with Roasted Stuffed Dates?

These stuffed dates pair beautifully with a variety of dips such as hummus or tzatziki. They can also be served alongside fresh veggies or crusty bread for a complete appetizer spread!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Roasted Stuffed Dates as much as I do! They truly bring together wonderful flavors and textures that will impress anyone at your next gathering. Whether it’s game night, a holiday party, or just a cozy evening at home, these little bites of goodness are sure to shine. Happy cooking and savor every delicious moment!