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When I tasted these stuffed dates at a friend's house I begged for the recipe. Now they're my signature party appetizer. Sweet chewy dates filled with creamy goat cheese topped with crunchy walnuts and drizzled with spicy honey. My guests always hover around the platter trying to sneak extras.
Your New Party Favorite
The beauty of these dates is how they hit every taste bud. That natural sweetness from the dates pairs perfectly with tangy goat cheese while the walnuts add crunch. A drizzle of hot honey brings warmth. Even people who think they don't like dates come back for seconds.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Dates: 24 large Medjool dates pitted and sliced lengthwise
- Cheese: 8 ounces soft goat cheese room temperature
- Nuts: 1 cup chopped walnuts mixed with fresh herbs
- Finishing: Hot honey fresh thyme salt and pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Dates
- Slice dates lengthwise remove pits keep halves connected.
- Make Filling
- Mix goat cheese with chopped herbs salt and pepper.
- Toast Nuts
- Toast walnuts until fragrant cool then chop finely.
- Assemble
- Fill dates with cheese mixture top with nuts.
- Bake and Finish
- Roast at 375°F for 8 minutes drizzle with hot honey.
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My Kitchen Secrets
Look for the biggest softest dates you can find they're easier to stuff. I always toast the walnuts first it makes such a difference in flavor. That drizzle of hot honey at the end is magic don't skip it. My guests always ask what makes them so special.
Party Ready
I arrange these on my grandma's old silver platter with fresh rosemary sprigs between them. They look so fancy but take no time to make. A glass of bubbly alongside makes them feel extra special. My friends think I spent hours in the kitchen.
Make Ahead Magic
I often prep everything the day before then just assemble and bake when needed. If we have leftovers they keep well in the fridge. A quick warm up in the oven brings back their magic though honestly leftovers are pretty rare.
Switch It Up
Sometimes I wrap them in thin strips of bacon before baking. Blue cheese makes them extra tangy. My sister loves them with pistachios instead of walnuts. Last Christmas I tried maple candied pecans on top and everyone went crazy for them.
Holiday Star
These stuffed dates have saved so many parties. When my neighbor forgot an appetizer for book club I whipped these up in no time. They're fancy enough for New Years Eve but easy enough for weekend snacking. The perfect blend of simple and special.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why use Medjool dates specifically?
Medjool dates are larger and softer than other varieties. Their natural caramel-like sweetness and tender texture make them perfect for stuffing.
- → Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare these up to a week in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat them briefly before serving for the best taste and texture.
- → What can I substitute for goat cheese?
Cream cheese or mascarpone make good alternatives to goat cheese. They provide similar creaminess but with a milder flavor.
- → Why add orange zest and juice?
The citrus adds brightness and balances the rich sweetness of the dates. It also complements the rosemary and enhances the overall flavor.
- → What is hot honey?
Hot honey is honey infused with chili peppers, adding a sweet-spicy kick. Regular honey with a pinch of red pepper flakes can be used as an alternative.
Conclusion
These roasted dates combine creamy goat cheese, aromatic herbs, and crunchy walnuts. Finished with hot honey, they're a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors.