These Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates are a fancy finger food your guests will drool over at your next party! They're sweet, savory, creamy, crunchy...everything you want from a one bite appetizer! If you've never had a medjool date stuffed with goat cheese, you have been missing out! They're a holiday favorite and can be made in advance!
I loved these stuffed dates because they're sweet, savory, tangy and crunchy...the perfect bite sized appetizer or hors doeuvre. Dates taste like a juicy plump raisin so they bring a natural sweetness that pairs well with anything salty.
They're stuffed with goat cheese and cream cheese which pair perfectly with the sweetness of the dates. A final sprinkling of nuts and drizzle of sweet honey, bring together all of these delicious flavors.
Bonus! Not only are dates delicious, but they are packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients your body needs. So, they are a pretty healthy appetizer to boot. Make a batch of these stuffed dates for your next get together and watch them disappear from the plate.
What Can You Stuff Inside Dates?
The possibilities are endless! With a few simple ingredients, you can turn stuffed dates into something really special.
For a sweet treat, try stuffing dates with cream cheese, almond butter, or even Nutella. To add a little extra flavor and texture, try adding some rolled oats, chopped nuts, or sprinkles.
For a savory stuffed date, try stuffing them with crumbled cheese and bacon. You can also add in other ingredients like jalapeños or garlic for an extra kick of flavor.
- cream cheese
- goat cheese
- blue cheese
- almond butter
- hummus bacon
- nuts
- prosciutto
- peanut butter
- salami
Regardless of what you stuff your dates with, they're always sure to be a hit! So, if you're looking to wow your guests with an impressive appetizer that's vegetarian and also gluten free, these stuffed dates are the way to go!
🛒Ingredient Tips
There’s no cooking involved in making stuffed dates, and they are super easy to whip up. Here’s what you need:
- Medjool dates- Medjool dates are larger and have a sweet caramel flavor. They are perfect for stuffing.
- Goat cheese- Use your favorite soft goat cheese for this recipe. Substitute mascarpone, gorgonzola, boursin, feta or blue cheese.
- Cream cheese- Cream cheese pairs well with the goat cheese for an added savory flavor.
- Nuts- Choose any variety of salted nuts you prefer including pistachios, walnuts, almonds and/or pecans.
- Seasonings- You can season your dates with fresh sea salt and ground black pepper if you choose.
- Honey- If you are looking for a healthy option, raw honey is the healthiest honey for you, but you can use any honey you prefer.
- *Garnishes- You can garnish your stuffed dates with chopped fresh herbs like basil, rosemary or thyme if you choose.
📝How to Stuff Dates
You’ll have this delicious finger-food ready in just a few minutes. Gather all your ingredients, and let’s get started!
- First, prepare your filling! Cream together your goat cheese and cream cheese in a medium sized bowl. You can do this with a handheld mixer or a fork.
- Cut your dates lengthwise. Dates have pits and they need to be removed before stuffing. Use a sharp knife to do this but be careful when you cut them!
- Add your filling! Fill each date with 1 teaspoon or so of the cheese mixture. You can use a teaspoon measuring spoon or piping bag.
- Next, add the crunch. I chose to sprinkle crushed nuts on top of each date. I like to buy the pre-crushed nuts to save time. You can also add the pecan or walnut directly inside them.
- Honey Drizzle! Finally, drizzle the dates with honey and garnish them with freshly minced basil or thyme leaves.
📃 NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!
✔️Tips for the Best Stuffed Dates
- Use room temperature cheese. It’s easiest to work with when it's softened and not cold.
- You want your cheese mixture to slightly overflow from the date.
- If the crushed nuts aren’t sticking to the date, lightly press them into the cheese.
- For neater dates, use a piping bag to pipe your cheese mixture into the dates.
- If you don’t want to remove seeds, purchase seedless dates from the grocery store.
Can I Use ANY Dates?
When making stuffed dates, you want to use dates that are soft, plump and of a larger size. I use Medjool dates because they are large and are easier to remove the seeds and stuff with cream cheese. However, you could also use barhi and halawi dates as well.
Where Do I Buy Dates?
You can usually find fresh dates at your local grocery store. They will be in the produce section usually next to bananas or near the dried fruits. I have also found dates at my local health food store and even on Amazon.
Can I Use Different Cheeses?
Yes! You can use different cheeses in this easy appetizer recipe. It's very versatile.
👉You can substitute ricotta in place of the cream cheese.
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👉You can also use feta instead of goat cheese. You will just have to make sure to mix it well before stuffing the dates. Feta will also have a different flavor than goat cheese, but it’s a fun addition to these stuffed dates.
👉Use another soft cheese like brie, blue or gorgonzola cheese.
Variations
Wrap your dates in bacon for a "Devils On Horseback" version of this popular holiday appetizer. If doing so, baking them will be necessary.
I recommend pre-cooking the bacon a bit if doing so. Then wrapping with a toothpick to finish them off. If you love bacon, here are some bacon appetizers you will love!
Other Cheesy Appetizers:
- Easy Savory Canapes
- Goat Cheese & Fig Jam Crostini
- Goat Cheese Puff Pastries
How to Store Leftovers
You will want to store the dates and stuffing separately. Dates can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 6-months. I do not recommend freezing them.
Store the cheese mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days.
Drinks To Serve With These:
Bonefish Grill's Winter White Cosmo
More Party Appetizers You’ll Love:
- Prosciutto Melon & Mozzarella Skewers
- Crispy Panko Buffalo Shrimp
- Maple Sweet Potato Rounds Appetizer
- Caramelized Pearl Onions with Balsamic Glaze
- Cheesy Stuffed Biscuits
- Polenta Fries With Thyme Honey
📖 Recipe
Stuffed Dates
Ingredients
- 16-18 Medjool dates
- 2 ounces goat cheese
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 tablespoons pecans, crushed (or you can use pistachios or walnuts)
- Sea salt and fresh ground black pepper
- Honey for drizzling
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Cream together your goat cheese and cream cheese using a rubber spatula.
- Use a knife to cut each date lengthwise just a bit. A slit big enough to remove the pit and fill.
- Use a small teaspoon and fill each date with the cheese mixture so it overflows slightly.
- Sprinkle crushed nuts over top of each date. If they don’t stick, lightly press them into the cheese.
- Drizzle with honey and garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
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