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- 20 Medjool dates, pitted - 5 oz goat cheese, softened to room temperature - 2 tablespoons honey (plus extra for drizzling) - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt - 1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped (or substitute with pecans) - Fresh rosemary or thyme leaves for garnish To get the best taste, use the right amount of each ingredient. The goat cheese needs to be soft. This helps it blend well with honey, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Mix these until smooth. The balance of flavors is key. I suggest using just enough honey to sweeten the cheese. Too much honey can make it overly sweet. The walnuts provide crunch. Make sure you chop them finely for even coating. Fresh herbs add a nice touch, so don’t skip them! If you can't find goat cheese, try cream cheese for a similar texture. It won’t have the same tang, but it works well. For those who prefer a nut-free option, skip the walnuts and use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. These give a different crunch. If you want to change the herbs, try mint or basil instead of rosemary or thyme. Each will give your dish a unique taste. Using maple syrup instead of honey can also add a fun twist. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures that your dates bake evenly. Next, grab a medium bowl. Here, mix 5 ounces of softened goat cheese with 2 tablespoons of honey, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of fine sea salt. Use a fork or a spatula to blend these ingredients until smooth. You want a creamy texture that’s easy to stuff into the dates. Now, take your 20 pitted Medjool dates. Use a small spoon or your fingers to fill each date with the goat cheese mixture. Make sure to fill them well but avoid letting the cheese overflow. Once all the dates are stuffed, roll each one in 1/2 cup of finely chopped walnuts. This adds not just flavor but also a nice crunch. Arrange the coated stuffed dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking, making cleanup easier. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. You want the walnuts to toast lightly, and the cheese should warm up without browning. After baking, remove the tray from the oven and let the dates cool for a few minutes. This cooling time helps the flavors settle. To add a special touch, drizzle a bit more honey over the warm dates. Finally, garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme leaves. This not only looks beautiful but also adds a fragrant aroma. For an elegant display, consider arranging the dates on a serving platter with sprigs of fresh herbs or next to a small bowl of honey for dipping. When making honey goat cheese stuffed dates, be cautious. Here are some common mistakes: - Using cold cheese: Cold goat cheese is hard to mix. Let it soften for a smooth blend. - Overstuffing dates: Fill each date generously, but don’t let the cheese overflow. - Skipping the toasting step: Toasting walnuts enhances their flavor. Don't skip this step. - Not preheating the oven: Always preheat your oven. This helps achieve the perfect bake. To make these dates even more delicious, try these tips: - Add herbs: Mix fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the cheese for extra flavor. - Use flavored honey: Infused honey, like lavender or chili, can add a unique twist. - Experiment with spices: A touch of cardamom or nutmeg can elevate the flavor. - Try different nuts: Pecans or almonds are great substitutes for walnuts. An attractive plate makes food more appealing. Here are some ideas: - Use a platter: Arrange stuffed dates on a large plate for a lovely display. - Garnish with herbs: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for color and aroma. - Drizzle honey: A light drizzle of honey on top adds shine and sweetness. - Serve with dipping options: Place a small bowl of honey next to the platter for dipping. Pro Tips Quality Cheese Matters: Use high-quality goat cheese for a creamier texture and richer flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the dates. Walnut Substitutions: If you prefer a different nut, pecans or almonds can work exceptionally well, providing their unique flavors while still complementing the dish. Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like mint or basil for a unique twist on the garnish, adding freshness to the sweet and savory profile. Make Ahead: Prepare the stuffed dates in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Bake them just before serving for a warm, delightful appetizer. {{image_4}} If you want to change things up, use different cheeses. Cream cheese adds a rich taste. It’s smooth and blends well with the honey. Ricotta offers a light, fluffy texture. Try feta for a salty kick. Each cheese brings its own flavor, making your stuffed dates unique. You can also add extra flavors to the cheese mix. A pinch of cayenne can add heat. Mix in herbs like thyme or rosemary for freshness. You might want to swap out the honey for maple syrup. This gives a sweet twist and pairs well with the cheese. Change your recipe with the seasons. In spring, add fresh lemon zest for brightness. Summer calls for a touch of basil to add a fresh taste. Fall is perfect for a hint of nutmeg or pumpkin spice. Winter can be brightened up with orange zest for a festive touch. Each season offers new ideas to keep your appetizer exciting! To store leftover Honey Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates, place them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to four days. Make sure they are completely cool before sealing the container. This helps avoid moisture buildup. When you want to enjoy your stuffed dates again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dates on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 5 to 10 minutes. This warms them up and keeps the cheese soft. You can also microwave them for about 15 to 20 seconds, but this may make them a bit soggy. If you want to freeze the stuffed dates, wrap each one in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to eat them, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy the tasty flavors even after a long time! You can serve these stuffed dates with many tasty options. Try pairing them with a cheese board. Add some crackers, fresh fruit, and nuts for balance. A light salad with mixed greens works well too. You might also enjoy them with a honey drizzle or balsamic glaze. For drinks, serve with white wine or sparkling water. Yes, you can prepare these stuffed dates ahead of time. Stuff the dates and coat them with nuts. Store them in the fridge for up to a day. When you are ready, bake them just before serving. This keeps them fresh and warm. If you want, you can also drizzle honey right before serving for extra sweetness. Stuffed dates can be a healthy snack. Dates provide fiber and natural sugars for energy. Goat cheese adds protein and calcium. Walnuts or pecans give you healthy fats. Just watch how many you eat, as they can be high in calories. Enjoy them as part of a balanced diet for the best results. This article covers all you need to know about making Honey Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates. We discussed the best ingredients and how to choose the right flavors. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparation, baking, and presentation. I shared tips to avoid common mistakes and enhance each bite. You also saw variations to keep it fresh and exciting. Finally, we looked at storage and reheating for future enjoyment. Enjoy creating these tasty bites; they will impress your family and friends. Happy cooking!

Sweet & Savory Honey Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates

Delicious Medjool dates stuffed with a creamy goat cheese mixture, rolled in walnuts, and baked to perfection.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 10
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 20 pieces Medjool dates, pitted
  • 5 oz goat cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons honey (plus extra for drizzling)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 0.5 cup walnuts, finely chopped (or substitute with pecans)
  • to taste Fresh rosemary or thyme leaves for a fragrant garnish

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened goat cheese with honey, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and fine sea salt. Use a fork or a spatula to mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
  • Carefully take each pitted date and, using a small spoon or your fingers, generously stuff it with the goat cheese mixture. Aim to fill each date without letting the cheese overflow.
  • Once all of your dates are stuffed, roll each one in the finely chopped walnuts, ensuring they are coated evenly on the outside for added texture and flavor.
  • Arrange the coated stuffed dates on a baking sheet that is lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10-12 minutes. You want to achieve a light toast on the walnuts and warm the cheese through without browning.
  • After baking, remove the tray from the oven and let the dates cool for a few moments to allow the flavors to settle.
  • To finish, drizzle a bit more honey over the warm stuffed dates and garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme leaves to enhance the presentation and aroma before serving.

Notes

For an elegant touch, arrange the stuffed dates on a serving platter, alternating with sprigs of fresh herbs or alongside a small bowl of honey for dipping.
Keyword appetizer, goat cheese, stuffed dates