why make this recipe
This recipe is quick and simple. It mixes sweet dates with salty cheese and crunchy nuts. It looks nice on a plate and tastes rich. You can make it for a snack, a party, or a small dessert. It uses few ingredients you may already have.
introduction
Roasted Stuffed Dates are warm bites filled with goat cheese and topped with a walnut mix. You roast them a short time to melt the cheese and bring out the date flavor. The orange and rosemary add fresh notes. Drizzle hot honey for a sweet finish.
how to make Roasted Stuffed Dates
- Heat the oven to 375°F.
- Cut the dates lengthwise and open them. Add 1–2 teaspoons of goat cheese into each date.
- In a bowl, mix chopped walnuts, minced rosemary, orange zest and 2 teaspoons orange juice, cinnamon, sea salt, and olive oil.
- Place the stuffed dates in a baking pan and spoon the walnut mix on top of each date.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then let the dates rest for 5 minutes in the oven or on the counter.
- Move the dates to a serving platter and drizzle with hot honey. Serve warm.
Ingredients :
- 12 oz pitted Medjool dates.
- 4 oz goat cheese, room temperature.
- 1/3 cup finely chopped walnuts.
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary.
- 1 orange (zest and 2 teaspoons juice).
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon.
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil.
- Hot honey for drizzling.
Directions :
- Heat oven to 375°F. Slice dates lengthwise, fill with 1-2 teaspoons goat cheese.
- Mix walnuts, rosemary, orange zest and juice, cinnamon, salt, and oil.
- Arrange dates in baking pan, top with walnut mixture.
- Bake 15 minutes, rest 5 minutes.
- Transfer to platter, drizzle with hot honey. Serve warm.
how to serve Roasted Stuffed Dates
Serve them warm on a platter. They pair well with a dry white wine or sparkling water. Place a small toothpick in each for easy picking. Add extra rosemary sprigs or orange slices for a nice look.
how to store Roasted Stuffed Dates
Cool to room temperature. Put leftovers in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 300°F oven for 5–8 minutes or warm in a microwave for 20–30 seconds. Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
tips to make Roasted Stuffed Dates
- Use soft Medjool dates for easy stuffing.
- Warm the goat cheese a bit so it spreads easily.
- Chop walnuts fine so they sit well on the dates.
- Watch the oven so the cheese does not brown too much.
- Use parchment paper on the pan for easy cleanup.
variation (if any)
- Swap goat cheese for Boursin or cream cheese for a milder, creamier filling.
- Add chopped pistachios instead of walnuts for color and crunch.
- Wrap dates with a thin slice of bacon and roast until the bacon is crisp.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a small smoky note.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes. Stuff the dates and keep them in the fridge covered for a few hours. Add the walnut mix and roast just before serving.
Q: Can I use other dates?
A: You can, but Medjool works best because it is soft and sweet. Smaller, drier dates are harder to stuff.
Q: How long do they last after roasting?
A: In the fridge, they last up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Q: Can I skip the nuts for a nut-free version?
A: Yes. Use toasted seeds (pumpkin seeds) or skip the crunch and add more zest and herbs.
Q: Is there a dairy-free option?
A: Try a dairy-free cream cheese or mashed avocado for a different taste.
Conclusion
For more ideas on roasted stuffed dates and similar recipes, see Roasted Stuffed Dates – Dishing Out Health. For a boursin version, check Roasted Boursin Stuffed Dates – Kalejunkie. For another easy take with pistachios, try Easy Roasted Boursin Stuffed Dates with Pistachios – Cooking in my ….
Roasted Stuffed Dates
Ingredients
- 12 oz pitted Medjool dates Soft and sweet for easy stuffing
- 4 oz goat cheese, room temperature Consider warming for easier spreading
- 1/3 cup finely chopped walnuts Chop finely for better presentation
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary Fresh herbs enhance flavor
- 1 orange zest and 2 teaspoons juice Adds a citrusy note to the mixture
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon For warmth in flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt Balances the sweetness
- 3 tablespoons olive oil For the walnut mixture
- to taste hot honey for drizzling Optional, for a sweet finish
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cut the dates lengthwise and open them.
- Add 1-2 teaspoons of goat cheese into each date.
- In a bowl, mix chopped walnuts, minced rosemary, orange zest and juice, cinnamon, sea salt, and olive oil.
- Place the stuffed dates in a baking pan and spoon the walnut mix on top of each date.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then let the dates rest for 5 minutes in the oven or on the counter.
- Move the dates to a serving platter and drizzle with hot honey. Serve warm.
