Roasted Stuffed Dates

Roasted Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese and Walnuts

Looking for an elegant and delicious appetizer that’s easy to make but will impress your guests? These Roasted Stuffed Dates are just the thing! The natural sweetness of Medjool dates pairs beautifully with creamy goat cheese, crunchy walnuts, and a hint of citrus and rosemary. Topped off with a drizzle of hot honey, this appetizer is the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Plus, they’re simple to prepare and only take 25 minutes from start to finish!

Ingredients

• 1 (12-oz.) package pitted Medjool dates
• 1 (4-oz.) log goat cheese, softened to room temperature
• ⅓ cup very finely chopped walnuts
• 2 tsp minced fresh rosemary
• 1 tsp orange zest plus 2 tsp fresh orange juice (from 1 navel orange)
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp sea salt
• 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• A drizzle of hot honey for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan, round cake pan, or small baking sheet to prepare for baking.
2. Prepare the dates: Using a small, sharp knife, carefully slice the Medjool dates lengthwise, making sure not to cut through entirely. Open each date gently and stuff with 1-2 teaspoons of softened goat cheese.
3. Arrange the dates: Place the stuffed dates in your prepared baking pan, ensuring they’re arranged in a single layer for even roasting.
4. Make the walnut topping: In a small bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, minced rosemary, orange zest, orange juice, ground cinnamon, sea salt, and olive oil. Stir the mixture until everything is well combined.
5. Top the dates: Spoon the walnut mixture evenly over the stuffed dates, ensuring each one gets a generous coating of the topping.
6. Roast the dates: Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the dates are warmed through and the walnut topping is golden and fragrant.
7. Serve and garnish: Once the dates are roasted, let them cool for 5 minutes. Transfer them to a serving platter and, if desired, drizzle with hot honey for an extra touch of sweetness and spice.

Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Serving Size

• Servings: 8 servings
• Calories per serving: 120 kcal

These Roasted Stuffed Dates are a fantastic choice for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or any occasion where you want a simple yet impressive appetizer. The creamy goat cheese filling paired with the crunchy walnut topping and the natural sweetness of the dates creates a flavor explosion in every bite. The optional drizzle of hot honey adds a delightful spicy-sweet note that elevates the dish even further.

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