Roasted Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese & Walnut

Sweet, Savory & Perfectly Elegant: Your New Go-To Party Star!

Hey friend! Pull up a stool—I’ve got a little secret to share. Remember that moment when you pop something in your mouth and your eyes just close because it’s so stupidly good? That’s exactly what happened when I first tested these Roasted Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese & Walnut. Picture this: It’s 10 PM the night before my holiday party, I’m surrounded by half-wrapped gifts, and my oven’s already doing double duty. I needed a hero appetizer—fast. Something warm, luxurious, but zero stress. Enter these little flavor torpedoes! Sweet Medjool dates hugging creamy goat cheese, crunchy toasted walnuts, and a kiss of orange zest, all roasted until they’re golden-tipped and begging for a drizzle of spicy honey. The next day? Gone in 90 seconds flat. Guests chased me into the kitchen demanding the recipe. And that’s why I’m handing it to you today—because whether you’re hosting a fancy soiree or just treating yourself to a “heck yes, I deserve this” snack, these dates are your ticket to effortless wow. No chef skills required. Just big, bold, bite-sized joy. Ready to make magic?

Grandma’s Apron & A Happy Accident

This recipe? It’s a love letter to my grandma’s chaotic, flour-dusted kitchen. Every Sunday, she’d let me “help” bake—which really meant I got first dibs on the cookie dough while she told stories about her childhood in Greece. One rainy afternoon, we ran out of pastry for spanakopita. Desperate, she grabbed dates, stuffed them with feta and almonds, and baked them. “Sometimes,” she’d wink, “the best dishes are happy accidents.” Fast-forward 20 years: I’m in my own kitchen, channeling her spirit, swapping feta for tangy goat cheese, adding orange zest for sunshine, and walnuts for that earthy crunch. When I pulled that first tray out, the smell—rosemary, caramelizing dates, toasty nuts—whisked me right back to her linoleum table. That’s the magic of food, isn’t it? One bite, and you’re time-traveling. These dates aren’t just appetizers; they’re edible memories. And just like Grandma’s version, they prove the best things in life are often unplanned.

🛒 Let’s Talk Ingredients: Your Flavor Toolkit

Gather these goodies! I’ve sprinkled in swaps so you can riff like a pro. Pro tip: Quality matters most with simple recipes.

• Medjool dates (12 oz, pitted): These are the Cadillac of dates—plump, sticky-sweet, and perfect for stuffing. Swap: Deglet Noor if you can’t find Medjool (soak in warm water 10 mins first to soften).
• Goat cheese (4 oz log, softened): Creamy with a tangy kick that balances the date’s sugar. Swap: Cream cheese for milder vibes, or feta for a salty punch.
• Walnuts (⅓ cup, finely chopped): Toasted = non-negotiable! They add crunch and earthiness. Swap: Pecans or pistachios work beautifully.
• Fresh rosemary (2 tsp minced): Tiny but mighty! It gives piney depth. Swap: ½ tsp dried rosemary (crush it first!).
• Orange zest + juice (1 tsp zest + 2 tsp juice): Zest brightens, juice adds moisture. Chef hack: Use a microplane—it’s a game-changer for zest!
• Cinnamon (¼ tsp): Warmth without overpowering. Trust me, it’s the secret whisper.
• Sea salt (¼ tsp): Makes flavors pop. Flaky salt? Even better for finishing.
• Extra-virgin olive oil (3 tbsp): Brushing = crispy edges. Use your good stuff—it shines here.
• Hot honey (for drizzle): Optional but life-changing. DIY hack: Simmer ¼ cup honey + ½ tsp chili flakes for 5 mins, then cool.Print
  

  Roasted Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese & Walnut

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  • Author: islamerrick
  • Total Time: 25–30 min
  • Yield: 24 stuffed dates 1x

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  Description

  These roasted dates were a surprise hit at our holiday party—warm, sweet, and filled with creamy goat cheese, a hint of citrus, and toasted walnuts. With rosemary and a drizzle of hot honey, each bite feels like a little luxury. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or dessert, they’re sure to wow.

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  Ingredients

  Scale 1x2x3x

  1 (12 oz) pkg. pitted Medjool dates

  1 (4 oz) log goat cheese, softened

  ⅓ cup finely chopped walnuts

  2 tsp minced fresh rosemary

  1 tsp orange zest + 2 tsp fresh orange juice

  ¼ tsp ground cinnamon

  ¼ tsp sea salt

  3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

  Hot honey, for drizzling (optional)

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  Instructions

  Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  In a small bowl, mix goat cheese, walnuts, rosemary, orange zest and juice, cinnamon, and salt.

  Gently open each date and fill with the goat cheese mixture.

  Place stuffed dates on a baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil.

  Roast for 10–12 minutes, until warmed through and edges crisp slightly.

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 10–12 min
  • Category: Dessert

  Nutrition

  • Calories: 90
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Fat: 5g
  • Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g

👩‍🍳 Let’s Get Cooking: Simple Steps, Big Rewards

Ready? Aprons on! We’re 30 minutes from bliss.

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). → Pro tip: Crank it while prepping! Dates love a hot oven for caramelization.
2. Mix filling: In a small bowl, mash goat cheese with walnuts, rosemary, orange zest + juice, cinnamon, and salt. → Chef hack: Microwave goat cheese 10 secs if it’s cold—softens perfectly! Mix until it’s like fluffy frosting.
3. Stuff dates: Gently pry each date open (don’t tear through!). Spoon in 1 tsp filling. → Messy fingers? Wet hands slightly—filling won’t stick!
4. Brush & arrange: Place dates on a parchment-lined sheet. Brush tops with olive oil. → Why brush? Oil makes ’em crisp up like dreamy little croutons.
5. Roast 10-12 mins: Until edges are golden and cheese is puffing slightly. → Watch closely! Overcooked dates turn tough. They should glisten.
6. Drizzle & devour: Hit them with hot honey while warm. → Serve immediately—they’re best when gooey!

✨ How to Serve: Easy Elegance

Presentation? Foolproof! Pile these beauties on a rustic wooden board or white platter—contrast makes them pop. Tuck in fresh rosemary sprigs for fragrance and flair. For parties, spear each date with a toothpick (diagonal = chic). Pair with sparkling Prosecco or a bold Zinfandel to cut the richness. Serving as dessert? Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and watch people swoon. Remember: These are warm, sticky, and meant to be eaten with fingers. Pass napkins liberally!

🌊 Ride the Flavor Wave: 5 Tasty Twists

Mix it up! This recipe is your canvas.

• Bacon Bliss: Wrap each stuffed date in ½ strip bacon before roasting. Sweet + smoky = crowd chaos.
• Vegan Vibes: Swap goat cheese for almond cream cheese, use maple syrup instead of honey.
• Spicy Sunset: Add ¼ tsp cayenne to the filling + top with Tajín after baking.
• Mediterranean Magic: Use feta + mint instead of goat cheese + rosemary. Finish with lemon zest.
• Dessert Dream: Stuff with mascarpone + dark chocolate chips. Skip rosemary, add vanilla.

🍯 Chef’s Notes: From My Kitchen to Yours

Confession: My first batch was a hot mess! I used rock-hard dates (cue dental emergencies) and forgot to pit one—hello, surprise chomp! Now I triple-check for pits. Over time, I learned: Room-temp cheese is KEY for smooth filling. Also, if your dates feel dry, steam them 2 mins first—they’ll plump right up. These evolved from my “oops” moment into my most-requested party trick. Last Thanksgiving, my niece declared them “better than pie.” High praise! Store leftovers? Ha—good luck. But if you must, fridge them airtight; reheat at 350°F for 5 mins. Pro move: Prep filling 1 day ahead. Stuff + roast day-of. Easy peasy.

❓ FAQs: Nailing Your Date Night (Pun Intended!)

Q: Can I make these ahead?
A: Totally! Stuff dates 24 hours pre-party. Cover and chill. Roast + drizzle RIGHT before serving. Cold dates = sad dates.

Q: Help! My filling is lumpy.
A: No stress! Soften goat cheese by: 1) Leaving it out 30 mins pre-use, or 2) Microwaving 5-10 secs. Mash with a fork—it’ll smooth out.

Q: Can I use dried rosemary?
A: Yes—but use HALF the amount (dried is stronger). Crush it between fingers first to wake up the oils!

Q: Dates sticking to the pan?
A: Parchment paper is your BFF here. Foil works too—just spritz it with oil. No one likes a date torn in half!

📊 Nutrition Per Date (Makes ~24):

Calories: 90 | Fat: 5g | Carbs: 9g | Sugar: 7g | Protein: 2g | Fiber: 1g
Note: Stats include hot honey drizzle. For lower sugar, skip honey or use less.These Roasted Stuffed Dates aren’t just a recipe—they’re your secret weapon for instant culinary glam. Whether you’re hosting a holiday bash or indulging in a cozy night in, these warm, gooey bites bring the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and sophisticated. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, they’re proof that elegance can be effortless. Go ahead—make a double batch. You’ll wish you had more.