Roasted Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese, Walnuts, and Orange Zest Recipe
Delight in these Roasted Stuffed Dates, a perfect blend of sweet Medjool dates filled with creamy goat cheese and topped with a fragrant mixture of walnuts, rosemary, orange zest, and cinnamon. Roasted to perfection and drizzled with optional hot honey, this appetizer offers a sophisticated burst of flavors ideal for any gathering or elegant snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 stuffed dates (serves 4-6) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Dates and Filling
- 1 (12-oz.) package pitted Medjool dates
- 1 (4-oz.) log goat cheese, softened to room temperature
Walnut Topping and Seasoning
- 1/3 cup very finely chopped walnuts
- 2 tsp. minced fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp. orange zest (from 1 navel orange)
- 2 tsp. fresh orange juice (from 1 navel orange)
- 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. sea salt
- 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
Optional Garnish
- A drizzle of hot honey
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dates: Preheat your oven to 375ºF. Using a small sharp knife, such as a paring knife, slice each date lengthwise carefully without cutting all the way through. Gently open each date and stuff with 1 to 2 teaspoons of softened goat cheese. Arrange the stuffed dates neatly in a 9×9-inch baking pan or a similarly sized baking sheet.
- Mix Walnut Topping: In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped walnuts, minced fresh rosemary, orange zest, fresh orange juice, ground cinnamon, sea salt, and extra-virgin olive oil. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and the mixture is moist and fragrant.
- Top and Roast: Spoon the walnut and herb mixture evenly over each stuffed date. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the dates to warm through.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the dates from the oven and let them sit for 5 minutes to cool slightly. Transfer to a serving platter and, if desired, drizzle with hot honey for a sweet and spicy finish. Serve warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Soften goat cheese to room temperature for easier stuffing.
- Do not cut dates fully; keep them hinged to hold the filling.
- Hot honey garnish adds a spicy sweetness but is optional.
- This appetizer pairs well with sparkling wine or light white wine.
- Can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving for convenience.
Keywords: stuffed dates, goat cheese, roasted appetizer, Medjool dates, walnut topping, Mediterranean appetizer, easy party snacks
