Some appetizers make an impression long before the first bite. Roasted Stuffed Dates fall into that category—deceptively simple, yet rich with flavor, aroma, and texture. Warm, gooey, lightly crisped, and topped with a fragrant walnut–rosemary mixture, they deliver the kind of bite-sized indulgence that effortlessly elevates any gathering. Whether set out at a holiday party, served as a dinner starter, or enjoyed as a cozy treat with tea, these dates bring together sweet, savory, nutty, and citrusy elements in a balanced, irresistible way.
The combination of creamy goat cheese, earthy rosemary, toasted walnuts, and bright orange zest transforms ordinary dates into something memorable. And because they require only a handful of ingredients and less than 30 minutes from start to finish, they’re ideal for both beginner cooks and seasoned entertainers looking for crowd-pleasing simplicity.
Recipe Overview
Roasted Stuffed Dates feature tender Medjool dates filled with soft goat cheese, topped with a fragrant walnut–rosemary–orange mixture, roasted until warm and caramelized, and finished with a drizzle of hot honey. They deliver a balanced bite that’s sweet, creamy, crunchy, herbaceous, and lightly spicy.
Ingredients & Instructions
Ingredients
- 12 oz pitted Medjool dates
- 4 oz goat cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup finely chopped walnuts
- 2 tsp minced fresh rosemary
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 tsp orange juice
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- Hot honey, for drizzling
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Dates and Cheese
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice each date lengthwise (without cutting all the way through).
Fill each pocket with 1–2 teaspoons of goat cheese, pressing lightly to settle the filling.
Tip: If the goat cheese is too firm, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes or mix in a teaspoon of olive oil for easier spreading.
2. Make the Walnut Topping
In a bowl, combine:
- Chopped walnuts
- Rosemary
- Orange zest
- Orange juice
- Cinnamon
- Salt
- Olive oil
Stir until the mixture is evenly coated and aromatic. The blend should be moist enough to stick to the tops of the dates.
3. Assemble and Roast
Arrange the stuffed dates on a baking sheet or in a shallow baking dish.
Spoon a small amount of the walnut mixture onto each date—press gently so it adheres.
Bake for 15 minutes, just until the dates soften, the cheese warms, and the topping turns lightly golden.
Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
4. Finish with Hot Honey
Transfer the dates to a platter.
Drizzle generously with hot honey, adding sweet heat that ties everything together.
Cooking Tips & Variations
1. Choose the Right Dates
Medjool dates work best because of their size and natural caramel flavor, but any soft, plump dates will do. Avoid overly dry varieties.
2. Cheese Alternatives
- Cream cheese for a milder, kid-friendly filling.
- Blue cheese for a bold, sharp contrast.
- Ricotta + lemon zest for a lighter, airy center.
3. Nut Options
Swap walnuts for almonds, pistachios, or pecans if you prefer different textures or flavors.
4. Flavor Boosters
- Add crushed red pepper flakes to the walnut mixture for extra heat.
- Replace orange zest with lemon zest for a brighter citrus note.
- Mix in a touch of maple syrup for added richness.
5. Make-Ahead Tips
Assemble the stuffed dates and topping separately up to a day in advance.
Before serving, add the topping, roast, and finish with hot honey.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat at 300°F for 5–7 minutes to restore warmth and texture.
Serving Ideas
- Arrange on a wooden board alongside nuts, grapes, and cheeses.
- Serve as a canapé before dinner or as part of a brunch spread.
- Pair with herbal tea, sparkling wine, or citrus cocktails.
These Roasted Stuffed Dates combine everyday ingredients into an elegant, flavor-packed appetizer that suits casual evenings and special events alike. Their sweetness, aroma, warmth, and subtle crunch make them incredibly satisfying—and the simple prep ensures they remain a convenient go-to recipe whenever you want something impressive with minimal effort.
FAQs
1. Can I make these without goat cheese?
Yes—cream cheese, mascarpone, ricotta, or vegan soft cheese all work.
2. Can I serve them cold?
They’re best warm, but still delicious at room temperature.
3. Is hot honey necessary?
It adds depth and contrast, but regular honey also works.
4. Can I toast the nuts first?
Yes, lightly toasting walnuts enhances flavor.
5. Can I freeze stuffed dates?
Not recommended; the texture becomes mushy after thawing.
Sweet, savory, and elegant, these Roasted Stuffed Dates feature goat cheese, rosemary walnuts, citrus, and hot honey—an easy 15-minute appetizer full of rich flavor.