The oven timer just dinged, and the warm aroma of roasted walnuts mingling with fresh rosemary filled my kitchen. It’s these little moments of culinary magic that make cooking so special, especially when I’m preparing Roasted Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates with Rosemary-Walnut Topping. The combination of creamy goat cheese cradled in sweet Medjool dates, topped with a delightful crunch, never fails to impress. This appetizer is a breeze to whip up, making it perfect for unexpected guests or festive gatherings. Plus, you can prep it ahead of time, allowing you to focus on enjoying your time with loved ones. Curious about how these irresistible bites come together? Let’s dive into the recipe! Why You’ll Love Roasted Stuffed Dates Unique Flavor Profile: The delectable pairing of sweet Medjool dates and tangy goat cheese creates an irresistible fusion that will have your guests raving. Crunchy Topping: The rosemary-walnut mixture adds a delightful crunch and aromatic herbaceous notes, making these bites not just tasty, but exciting to eat. Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can create a stunning appetizer in under 30 minutes. Ideal for gatherings, they are quick enough for a weeknight snack, yet impressive enough for a party! Make-Ahead Magic: Prep these lovely treats in advance and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready, simply pop them in the oven for fresh, piping-hot goodness. Crowd-pleasing Appeal: Perfect for both vegetarians and meat-lovers, these Roasted Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates fit seamlessly into any menu. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds! Enjoy this delightful recipe at your next get-together and consider pairing it with a Garlic Roasted Chicken or a Turkey Herb Roasted dish for a complete feast! Roasted Stuffed Dates Ingredients For the Dates • Pitted Medjool Dates – The sweet, chewy base that cradles the creamy filling; other dates like Deglet Noor can be used if desired. • Goat Cheese – Delivers a rich, tangy flavor; substitute with cream cheese or vegan cashew cheese for a dairy-free option. For the Topping • Walnuts – Adds a delightful crunch and nuttiness; pecans or sunflower seeds can work as allergy-friendly substitutes. • Fresh Rosemary – Infuses a fragrant herbal note; dried rosemary is a suitable alternative in smaller amounts. • Orange Zest and Juice – Brightens the flavor profile with zesty citrus notes; lime juice can also be used for a twist. • Ground Cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth; feel free to omit for a simpler flavor if preferred. • Sea Salt – Enhances the overall taste; regular salt can be used if needed. • Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – Binds the walnut mixture; avocado oil works as a great substitute. Optional Drizzle • Hot Honey – Provides a sweet heat that elevates the dish; regular honey or agave syrup can be used for sweetness. This charming combination of roasted stuffed dates promises to delight your taste buds! Ready to transform these ingredients into a stunning appetizer? Let’s keep cooking! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Roasted Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates with Rosemary-Walnut Topping Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a perfectly roasted finish for your delicious Roasted Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates. While the oven warms up, gather your baking dish and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup when the time comes to arrange the dates. Step 2: Prepare the Dates Carefully slice each pitted Medjool date lengthwise, taking care not to cut all the way through. This creates a pocket for the filling. Once sliced, fill each date with 1 to 2 teaspoons of creamy goat cheese, ensuring a generous amount to contrast with the natural sweetness of the dates. Line the stuffed dates in your prepared baking dish. Step 3: Make the Walnut Topping In a small mixing bowl, combine chopped walnuts, minced fresh rosemary, orange zest, orange juice, ground cinnamon, sea salt, and extra-virgin olive oil. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly coated, creating a fragrant, crunchy topping that will enhance the flavors of the roasted dates. Step 4: Assemble the Dates With the walnut mixture ready, take a spoon and generously dollop the crunchy topping over each stuffed date. Spread it evenly, ensuring that each date receives its fair share of the aromatic topping. This layer will bring delightful textures and flavors to the Roasted Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates. Step 5: Roast the Dates Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast the stuffed dates for about 15 minutes, or until the walnut topping is golden and fragrant. Keep an eye on them as they cook, watching for that perfect golden-brown color, indicating they are ready to come out for the best flavor and crunch. Step 6: Cool and Serve After roasting, let the dates cool for about 5 minutes. This will make them easier to handle and enhance the overall eating experience. If desired, drizzle a touch of hot honey over the top for an added layer of sweetness and heat. Arrange the Roasted Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates on a serving platter and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors! Make Ahead Options These Roasted Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates are perfect for busy cooks who appreciate a head start on meal prep! You can assemble the dates and keep them refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking, which makes entertaining a breeze. Simply slice the Medjool dates and fill them with goat cheese as directed, then prepare the rosemary-walnut topping and sprinkle it over the stuffed dates. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to serve, just pop them in the oven and roast for about 15 minutes, resulting in delicious bites that are just as delightful as if made fresh! Variations & Substitutions for Roasted Stuffed Dates Feel free to get creative with these delicious roasted stuffed dates and make them your own! Cheese Swap: Substitute goat cheese with ricotta for a milder, creamier filling that still delights. A ricotta base beautifully complements the sweetness of the dates, creating a lighter, airy treat. Nut-Free Option: Use pumpkin seeds instead of walnuts if you’re avoiding nuts. They offer a crunch while being allergy-friendly, ensuring everyone can enjoy these tasty bites without worry. Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the walnut topping for an extra layer of heat. This fun twist gives your appetizer a surprising burst of flavor that will impress those who enjoy a little spice! Vegan Delight: Replace goat cheese with cashew cheese for a completely vegan alternative that still packs a creamy punch. It pairs seamlessly with the sweet dates and crunchy topping. Dried Fruits: Incorporate chopped dried cranberries or apricots into the walnut mixture for a fruity contrast. These additions will introduce an extra layer of sweetness, bringing a festive flair to your appetizer. Herb Variations: Instead of fresh rosemary, try using thyme or sage for a different herbal twist. Each herb brings its own unique flavor to enhance the stuffed dates further. Citrus Swap: Swap out orange zest and juice for lemon or lime to give a fresh zing. The change in citrus will elevate the taste and add an exciting brightness to the dish. Feel free to serve these roasted stuffed dates alongside a gorgeous Garlic Roasted Chicken for a delightful dinner spread or incorporate them into your next Thanksgiving Turkey Herb Roasted feast for an unforgettable pairing! Enjoy exploring these variations that cater to your flavor preferences and dietary needs! What to Serve with Roasted Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates Elevate your dining experience with delightful accompaniments that enhance the flavor of your roasted goat cheese stuffed dates. Charcuterie Board: A mix of cured meats, cheeses, and olives creates a beautifully balanced platter, perfect for mingling flavors with every bite. Fresh Arugula Salad: Peppery arugula paired with a lemon vinaigrette adds a fresh, bright contrast to the creamy sweetness of the dates. Crispy Baguette Slices: Crunchy baguette toasts offer a wonderful base for scooping up the stuffed dates, creating a symphony of textures. Honey-Drizzled Ricotta: This creamy cheese with a drizzle of honey brings a sweetness that harmonizes beautifully with the savory roasted flavors. Sparkling White Wine: Bubbles and acidity in a crisp sparkling wine elevate the overall experience, cleansing the palate between bites. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: For a sweet finale, these indulgent berries complement the appetizer’s complexity, ending the meal on a note of bliss. Creating a feast? Pair these delicious options with your roasted stuffed dates for an unforgettable soirée! Storage Tips for Roasted Stuffed Dates Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Ensure they’re tightly sealed to maintain freshness and flavor. Freezer: These Roasted Stuffed Dates can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for best results. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes until warm. This helps retain the crunchy topping and creamy filling. Room Temperature: You can leave them at room temperature for up to 2 hours during gatherings. Just remember that they taste best when served warm! Expert Tips for Roasted Stuffed Dates Prep Ahead: Prepare the dates in advance and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to roast for easy entertaining. Room Temperature Cheese: Use room-temperature goat cheese for easier stuffing; cold cheese can be difficult to fill into the dates. Watch the Oven: Keep a close eye on the dates while roasting to prevent them from becoming overly browned. The perfect color is a lovely golden hue! Serving Temperature: Serve warm for the best flavor, but they are delicious at room temperature too. Just remember, Roasted Stuffed Dates can be enjoyed later too! Flavor Variations: Experiment with different nuts or spices, like cayenne for a spicy twist in the walnut topping, to customize your Roasted Stuffed Dates. Roasted Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates with Rosemary-Walnut Topping Recipe FAQs What should I look for when selecting Medjool dates? Absolutely! Look for Medjool dates that are plump and have a shiny appearance. Avoid those with dark spots all over, as this may indicate overripeness. Fresh dates will have a slightly sticky texture but should not feel overly dry or hard. How should I store leftover roasted stuffed dates? After enjoying your delightful bites, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. This helps keep them fresh and preserves their lovely flavor. Just remember to let them cool completely before sealing them up! Can I freeze roasted stuffed dates? If so, how? Yes, you can freeze them! To freeze, wrap each individual stuffed date in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply bake them directly from the freezer, following the reheating instructions below. How do I reheat roasted stuffed dates for optimal taste? To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dates on a baking sheet and bake them for about 15 minutes until heated through. This method helps retain the delightful crunch of the walnut topping while warming the creamy goat cheese inside. Are roasted stuffed dates suitable for those with nut allergies? Yes, you can easily make them nut-free! Simply replace the walnuts with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds in the topping. These alternatives still provide a lovely crunch without the risk of nut allergies. Enjoy! Can I make these stuffed dates ahead of time? Very! Prepare the dates up to the point of roasting, then store them in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. When you’re ready to serve, simply pop them in the oven to roast. This way, you can enjoy the flavor and excitement without any last-minute prep! Irresistible Roasted Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese Delight Enjoy these Roasted Stuffed Dates, a perfect blend of sweet Medjool dates and creamy goat cheese, ideal as appetizers for any gathering. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 35 minutes mins Servings: 4 piecesCourse: AppetizersCuisine: MediterraneanCalories: 200 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Dates12 Pitted Medjool Dates can substitute with Deglet Noor8 oz Goat Cheese can substitute with cream cheese or vegan cashew cheeseFor the Topping1 cup Walnuts can substitute with pecans or sunflower seeds2 tbsp Fresh Rosemary can use dried rosemary in smaller amounts1 tbsp Orange Zest2 tbsp Orange Juice can substitute with lime juice1 tsp Ground Cinnamon optional1 tsp Sea Salt can use regular salt2 tbsp Extra-Virgin Olive Oil can substitute with avocado oilOptional Drizzle2 tbsp Hot Honey can use regular honey or agave syrup Equipment Baking dishMixing BowlParchment Paper Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.Slice each pitted Medjool date lengthwise without cutting all the way through and fill with goat cheese.In a bowl, mix chopped walnuts, rosemary, orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon, salt, and olive oil until coated.Dollop the walnut topping over the stuffed dates, spreading it evenly.Roast the dates in the oven for about 15 minutes until the topping is golden and fragrant.Let cool for 5 minutes, then drizzle with hot honey if desired and serve. Nutrition Serving: 3piecesCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 5gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 220mgFiber: 3gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 0.5mg NotesThese roasted stuffed dates can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge until ready to roast. They are delicious warm or at room temperature. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
