Roasted Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese, Walnuts, and Orange Zest Recipe
Delightfully sweet and savory, these Roasted Stuffed Dates are filled with creamy goat cheese and topped with a fragrant mixture of walnuts, fresh rosemary, and citrus accents. Baked until warm and tender, they make an elegant appetizer perfect for entertaining or a sophisticated snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dates and Filling
- 1 (12-oz.) pkg. pitted Medjool dates
- 1 (4-oz.) log goat cheese, softened to room temperature
Walnut Topping
- 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
- Prepare the Dates: Preheat your oven to 375ºF. Using a small sharp knife, such as a paring knife, carefully slice open each Medjool date lengthwise, being careful not to slice all the way through. Gently break open each date and fill it with 1 to 2 teaspoons of softened goat cheese. Arrange the stuffed dates evenly in a 9x9-inch baking pan or similar small baking dish.
- Make the 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 thoroughly to create a fragrant and flavorful topping.
- Assemble and Bake: Spoon the walnut mixture generously over the stuffed dates in the baking pan. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake the dates for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the walnuts to become slightly toasted.
- Rest and Garnish: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the dates sit for 5 minutes to cool slightly. Then transfer the dates to a serving platter and drizzle them with hot honey for a touch of sweetness, if desired. Serve warm to enjoy the full depth of flavors.
Notes
- Softening the goat cheese at room temperature makes it easier to stuff into the dates.
- You can prepare the walnut topping mixture in advance for quicker assembly.
- Medjool dates are ideal for this recipe due to their large size and natural sweetness.
- The hot honey drizzle adds a lovely contrast but can be omitted for a less sweet version.
- For a nut-free alternative, substitute walnuts with finely chopped seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
