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It’s never too early to start planning your holiday appetizers! I know I can’t be the only one who is thinking of Thanksgiving and Christmas over here in the mid August heat! This Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for any occasion, big or small! Whether you’re planning an intimate date night or just looking for your new afternoon addiction – these bite size sweet and savoury treats are the perfect fit anytime. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility and ability to be made in much larger quantities.
Like I told you before in the Tahini Date Granola blog, my husband is a certified date fiend. He can’t resist them, and honestly, neither can I. There’s something magical about the combination of soft, sweet Medjool dates filled with tangy goat cheese, topped with crunchy nuts, and finished with a drizzle of spicy honey. Everything about it just screams eat me!
Spicy honey is having a moment right now, and I’m here for it! The subtle heat paired with the creamy goat cheese and sweet dates is a match made in heaven. If you or your guests prefer a milder flavour, feel free to use regular honey. I’ve linked a few of my favourite spicy honeys below, but if you’re feeling adventurous, check out this homemade Spicy Honey Recipe from Gimme Some Oven.
I recently learnt that in some parts of the world Medjool dates are hailed as “the king of dates” based on their impressive size. This variety of dates has a luxuriously soft texture and a deep, rich flavour reminiscent of caramel. Unlike other varieties of dates, Medjool dates are exceptionally juicy and tender, making them ideal for recipes where the date’s natural sweetness and texture can shine. Their size makes them easy to pit and stuff, which is why they are a favourite for appetizers and desserts.
Medjool dates aren’t just about taste, they’re also packed with nutrients. They are a good source of dietary fibre, which aids in digestion, and they provide essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and copper. Their natural sugars make them a great alternative to processed sweets, which is why you’ll see many people use them in healthy dessert and snack recipes.
Making these roasted stuffed dates could not be more easy! I love how quickly they come together with minimal cleanup and actually an enjoyable stuffing process! Follow these easy instructions or print out the recipe card below. I guarantee if you make this recipe once you will have it memorized and on repeat in no time.
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice each date down the middle and remove the pit, creating a pocket for the filling.
In a small bowl, combine the softened room temperature goat cheese with chopped walnuts. Mix until well blended. Spoon 1-2 teaspoons of the goat cheese mixture into each date, depending on their size.
Place the stuffed dates on the prepared baking sheet, sprinkle with chopped pistachios, and drizzle with spicy honey. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the dates are warm and the nuts are slightly toasted.
These stuffed dates are incredibly versatile and can be served warm or at room temperature. Arrange them on a beautiful platter for a stunning appetizer at your next gathering. They also make an excellent addition to a cheese board or can be enjoyed as a sweet and savoury dessert.
If you have any leftovers (though I doubt you will!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days. To enjoy them again, simply reheat them in a warm oven for a few minutes, or enjoy them cold straight from the fridge.
These Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates are the perfect combination of sweet, savoury, and spicy. They’re easy to make, gluten-free, and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a quick and elegant snack, these stuffed dates are sure to be a hit!
I’d love to hear how your Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates turned out! Leave a comment and a rating below to share your experience with this recipe. Looking for more appetizer inspiration? Check out these other delicious recipes
Food Photographer and Recipe Developer based in Toronto, Canada.
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*Macros are provided as an estimate for convenience. Your final numbers will vary depending on ingredient brands, substitutions, and how you portion the recipe.
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3 Responses
This recipe is awesome, It’s so easy to make, is healthy and tastes delicious! It was a bit hit at Thanksgiving, everyone wanted the recipe!
Hey Marie! Love to read that this recipe was a hit and everyone enjoyed it 🙂 Thanks so much for leaving a rating and review!