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- 20 Medjool dates, pitted - 5 oz goat cheese, softened - 2 tablespoons honey - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans - Fresh rosemary or thyme leaves for garnish The main ingredients create a sweet and creamy filling. Medjool dates are perfect for stuffing. They are soft and have a rich, caramel-like flavor. Goat cheese adds a tangy taste that pairs well with the sweet dates. Honey brings just the right amount of sweetness. The additional ingredients elevate the dish. Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth. Ground cinnamon gives a nice spice that balances the flavors. Sea salt enhances the taste, making each bite pop. Chopped walnuts or pecans provide a delightful crunch. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme give a beautiful finish and add freshness. Every ingredient plays a role in making these dates easy and irresistible. The mix of flavors and textures will impress anyone who tries them. You can easily customize the recipe by changing nuts or herbs to suit your taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for getting that perfect warm bite later. While the oven heats, grab a mixing bowl. In this bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, honey, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and sea salt. Mix them well until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Now it's time to stuff your dates. Take each Medjool date and remove the pit if you haven’t already. Use a small spoon or your fingers to fill each date with the goat cheese mixture. Make sure to fill them well but don’t let the cheese overflow. After stuffing all the dates, roll them in the chopped walnuts. This adds a great crunch and flavor. Next, place the stuffed dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in the oven for about 10 to 12 minutes. You want the walnuts to toast slightly and the cheese to warm through. After baking, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes. Finally, drizzle some extra honey over the top of each stuffed date. Garnish them with fresh rosemary or thyme leaves to make them look even better before serving. To make the perfect filling for your dates, focus on creaminess. The goat cheese should be soft and easy to spread. Mix the cheese well with honey, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth. If you want more flavor, try adding herbs like thyme or chives. You can also mix in a pinch of cayenne for heat or a splash of orange zest for brightness. Each option gives your dates a unique twist. These stuffed dates can last in the fridge for up to five days. Store them in an airtight container. Make sure they are cool before closing the lid. If you want to reheat them, place the dates on a baking sheet. Heat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about five minutes. This warms the cheese without drying it out. You can also enjoy them cold, as they still taste great! For serving, arrange the stuffed dates on a nice platter. You can drizzle extra honey over them for added sweetness. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme make great garnishes. They add color and a lovely scent. Another fun idea is to serve them with toothpicks. This makes them easy to grab. The look and taste will impress your guests! Pro Tips Choose Quality Dates: Opt for fresh Medjool dates as they are naturally sweeter and have a softer texture, making them perfect for stuffing. Customize the Cheese: For a twist, try mixing in herbs like thyme or chives with the goat cheese for added flavor. Serve Warm: These stuffed dates are best enjoyed warm. Serve them immediately after baking for the ultimate flavor experience. Experiment with Nuts: Feel free to use different nuts like pistachios or almonds for rolling the dates to change the texture and flavor profile. {{image_2}} You can switch up the flavors in your Honey Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the goat cheese mix. This will bring a new depth to each bite. If you prefer sweet flavors, try adding a splash of orange juice or zest. You could also mix in some chopped dried fruits like figs or apricots. Each option makes the dates even more exciting and delightful. If you want a vegan version, swap the goat cheese for a plant-based cream cheese. Make sure to use maple syrup instead of honey for sweetness. For those who need gluten-free options, this recipe is naturally free of gluten. Just ensure that any nuts you use are also gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy these delicious bites without worry. While walnuts add a nice crunch, other nuts can work well too. Pecans or sliced almonds offer a different taste and texture. Pecans give a buttery flavor, while almonds add a satisfying crunch. Choosing different nuts can change the overall feel of your stuffed dates. It’s fun to try various options to see what you like best! Each serving of honey goat cheese stuffed dates has about 150 calories. Here’s a quick look at the macronutrients: - Total Fat: 7g - Carbohydrates: 18g - Protein: 5g These dates offer a mix of healthy fats, carbs, and protein. The combination makes them a great snack. Benefits of dates: Dates are a natural sweet treat. They provide fiber, which aids digestion. They also contain potassium, which helps your heart. Advantages of goat cheese and honey: Goat cheese is easier to digest than cow cheese. It has protein and calcium, great for bones. Honey adds natural sweetness and contains antioxidants. It's good for energy and helps soothe sore throats. Together, these ingredients create a sweet and savory delight. Not only do they taste amazing, but they also pack a nutritional punch. How long can stuffed dates be stored? You can store stuffed dates in the fridge for up to five days. Keep them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh and tasty. If you want to eat them later, just take them out and let them warm up a bit. Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare these dates ahead of time. Stuff them and store them in the fridge. Just bake them right before serving. This keeps them warm and delicious for your guests. Can I use another type of cheese? You can use cream cheese or ricotta as a substitute. These cheeses have a similar texture. However, the taste will change a bit. Goat cheese adds a tangy flavor that is hard to beat. Is there a substitute for honey? Yes, you can use maple syrup instead of honey. Maple syrup offers a sweet taste and works well with the cheese. You can also try agave nectar for a similar effect. What to serve with stuffed dates? Stuffed dates pair well with cheese boards, charcuterie, or fresh fruit. They add a sweet and savory touch to any platter. You can also serve them with crackers for a fun snack. Can they be served cold? Yes, you can serve stuffed dates cold. They taste great chilled, too. Just remember to drizzle some honey on top before serving for added sweetness. Stuffed dates make a tasty treat. We covered the best ingredients, steps, and tips. You learned how to mix goat cheese, use spices, and add nuts. We discussed storage and serving ideas, too. Creating different flavor combos can please everyone. These dates are easy to customize. They offer good nutrition and flavor in every bite. Enjoy making and sharing these delicious snacks!

Sweet & Savory Honey Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates

Delicious Medjool dates stuffed with a creamy goat cheese mixture, drizzled with honey and topped with nuts.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 20 pieces Medjool dates, pitted
  • 5 oz goat cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)
  • to taste leaves Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, honey, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and sea salt. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  • Take each pitted date and use a small spoon or your fingers to stuff it with the goat cheese mixture. Fill them generously but ensure the cheese doesn't overflow.
  • Once all dates are stuffed, roll them in the chopped walnuts to coat the outside.
  • Place the stuffed dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, just until the walnuts are slightly toasted and the cheese is warmed through.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
  • Drizzle additional honey over the top of the stuffed dates, and garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme leaves before serving.

Notes

Feel free to substitute walnuts with pecans if desired.
Keyword appetizer, goat cheese, stuffed dates, sweet and savory