Name: Irresistible Roasted Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 pieces Medjool Dates (Look for large, soft dates); 4 ounces Goat Cheese (Use room temperature for easier stuffing); 1/2 cup Walnuts (Chopped, can be swapped with seeds); 2 teaspoons Fresh Rosemary (Minced); 1 tablespoon Orange Zest; 1 tablespoon Orange Juice (Splash); 1 pinch Cinnamon (A hint adds warmth); 1 pinch Sea Salt (Sprinkle to taste); 2 tablespoons Hot Honey (Sweet and spicy drizzle); 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (For roasting)

As I stood in the kitchen, the aroma of sweet and savory dancing in the air, I couldn’t help but smile at the simplicity of it all. There’s something magical about roasted stuffed dates that sparks joy, especially when they’re packed with creamy goat cheese and topped with crunchy herbs and walnuts. This delightful recipe for Roasted Stuffed Dates is not only a show-stopper for gatherings but also surprisingly easy to whip up, making it perfect for a cozy night in or a festive party. Beyond being a gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly dish, these bites are incredibly versatile—swap the goat cheese or add different herbs, and you’ll never run out of variations to keep your taste buds excited. Are you ready to impress your guests with these warm, melty treats? Let’s dive in!

Why Are Roasted Stuffed Dates Amazing?

Flavor Explosion: Each bite of these roasted stuffed dates is a delightful fusion of sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures that dance on your palate.
Versatile Variations: Switch up the cheese or toppings for endless flavor combinations, ensuring you’ll keep coming back for more!
Simple Prep: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can quickly create an impressive appetizer that wows your guests.
Nutrition Boost: These delectable treats not only satisfy cravings but also provide fiber and healthy fats, making them a guilt-free indulgence. Plus, if you want to explore more gluten-free options, check out our gluten-free recipes.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect for gatherings, these sweet and savory bites are sure to steal the spotlight, ensuring everyone leaves raving about your culinary skills!

Roasted Stuffed Dates Ingredients

• Get ready to create a delicious treat!

For the Dates

Medjool Dates – Look for large, soft dates that are perfect for a satisfying fill.
Goat Cheese – Use room temperature cheese for easy stuffing that melts beautifully when baked.

For the Topping

Walnuts – These add a delightful crunch and can be swapped with pumpkin or sunflower seeds for another texture.
Fresh Rosemary – Provides a fragrant, aromatic flavor that complements the sweetness of the dates.
Orange Zest and Juice – Brighten each bite with citrus notes that balance the sweetness perfectly.
Cinnamon – A hint adds warmth; just a pinch goes a long way!
Sea Salt – Enhances all the flavors, so sprinkle to taste.

For Drizzling

Hot Honey – A sweet and spicy drizzle finishes your stuffed dates beautifully; try balsamic for a unique twist instead!
Olive Oil – Helps with roasting, adding moisture to keep those dates perfect.

These Roasted Stuffed Dates will be a highlight of any gathering, bursting with flavors and textures that everyone will love!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Roasted Stuffed Dates

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin your culinary journey by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for roasting and will ensure your Roasted Stuffed Dates become tender and delightful. While the oven warms up, gather your baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Dates
Carefully slice each Medjool date lengthwise, ensuring you don’t cut all the way through—just enough to create a pocket for stuffing. You want to maintain the shape as you fill the dates with creamy goat cheese. This step helps each bite to be both sweet and savory, leading to a heavenly experience.

Step 3: Stuff the Dates
Now, take 1-2 teaspoons of goat cheese and gently fill each date. Press the cheese in slightly so it’s secure but avoid overstuffing to prevent spilling while baking. As you work through the dates, notice how inviting they begin to look, filled with that luscious cheese, which will melt beautifully in the oven.

Step 4: Mix the Topping
In a mixing bowl, combine chopped walnuts, minced rosemary, orange zest, a splash of orange juice, a hint of cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt. Drizzle in some olive oil to bring all ingredients together, creating a flavorful topping for your dates. Stir until well-coated, allowing the aromas to fill the air as you prepare for the next step.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Carefully arrange the stuffed dates in your prepared baking pan, ensuring each date has space for the topping. Then, sprinkle the walnut mixture generously over each stuffed date, covering them evenly. This topping will add a delightful crunch that complements the creamy goat cheese and sweet dates, elevating your dish to a new level.

Step 6: Bake the Dates
Slide the baking pan into your preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. Keep an eye on the dates; they should swell slightly and the cheese will look wonderfully melty. The walnut topping should also begin to golden, creating an irresistible crispiness.

Step 7: Rest and Drizzle
Once done, remove your Roasted Stuffed Dates from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle beautifully. As you let them cool slightly, drizzle warm hot honey over the top, adding a touch of sweetness that perfectly balances the rich goat cheese and nutty topping.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
With your Roasted Stuffed Dates beautifully assembled, transfer them to a serving platter. These enticing bites are best enjoyed warm, so gather your guests around to share in the delicious goodness. Watch as they rave about the flavors and textures of your irresistible creation!

What to Serve with Sweet & Savory Roasted Stuffed Medjool Dates?

Creating a delightful dining experience starts with pairing the perfect sides to these delectable bites.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their silky texture complements the sweet and savory notes of the dates beautifully.
Mixed Green Salad: A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds refreshing contrast to the richness of the stuffed dates. Drizzle a simple honey mustard dressing over the greens for a harmonious touch.
Charcuterie Board: Include olives, prosciutto, and artisan cheeses for an elegant spread that enhances the roasted stuffed dates’ flavors. It invites your guests to mix and match, making every bite unique.
Sparkling White Wine: Balance the sweetness of the dates with a chilled sparkling wine, enhancing the overall dining experience. The bubbles make the meal feel festive and special!
Grilled Vegetables: Smoky grilled zucchini or bell peppers provide a wonderful texture contrast and a pop of color to your meal presentation.
Chocolate-Dipped Fruit: For dessert, serve dark chocolate-dipped strawberries alongside. The richness of chocolate pairs perfectly with the warm, sweet dates, creating a tantalizing end to your meal.

Roasted Stuffed Dates Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative and make these delightful roasted stuffed dates your own with these easy variations!

Cheese Swap: Replace goat cheese with creamy blue cheese or tangy cream cheese for a different flavor twist.
Experimenting with cheese types is like a little adventure for your taste buds—each kind brings its own personality to the dish!
Nut Alternatives: Use chopped pecans or almonds instead of walnuts for a different crunch.
Nuts can elevate your stuffing with unique flavors, and each nut variety can add a different layer of delight to the overall bite!
Herb Infusions: Try fresh thyme or sage instead of rosemary for a lovely aromatic change.
These herbs can transform the dish’s essence, giving it a fresh, garden-inspired feel that brightens every mouthful.
Sweetening Options: Swap hot honey with a drizzle of maple syrup for a milder sweetness.
This substitution introduces a rich sweetness that harmonizes beautifully with the dates while adding its own unique charm!
Spiced To Perfection: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat in your topping.
If you love a little heat, this simple addition will light up your taste buds making every bite a flavorful thrill!
Bacon-Wrapped Delight: Wrap the dates in bacon before baking for added richness and a smoky flavor.
This indulgent twist takes the flavor profile to new heights, with the crispy bacon blending perfectly with the creamy filling!
Fruity Zing: Incorporate finely chopped dried figs or apricots into the walnut mixture for a fruity surprise.
Dried fruits can add beautiful sweetness and chewy texture, creating a delightful contrast against the creamy cheese and crunchy nuts.
Vegetarian Twist: For a vegan version, substitute the cheese with cashew cream or a vegan cheese alternative.
This way, you can enjoy the same deliciousness without compromising on dietary preferences!

Feel invited to embrace these variations; they make it easy to personalize your Roasted Stuffed Dates for every occasion! To elevate your tasting experience even further, consider pairing these bites with delightful treats like homemade olive tapenade or serve alongside flavorful roasted vegetables. You’ll never run out of favorites with all these delicious ideas!

Expert Tips for Roasted Stuffed Dates

Room Temperature Cheese: Ensure your goat cheese is at room temperature for easier filling. Cold cheese can be challenging to spread into the dates.
Watch the Topping: Keep an eye on the walnut mixture while baking to prevent it from burning. If it starts to brown too quickly, cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil.
Resting Period: Let the roasted stuffed dates sit for 5 minutes after baking. This resting time enhances the flavors and makes them easier to handle.
Versatile Fillings: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different cheeses, like blue cheese or cream cheese. This way, you can find your favorite twist on roasted stuffed dates!
Storing Made Easy: If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge for up to one week. Reheat gently for the best flavor and texture.

Make Ahead Options

These Roasted Stuffed Dates are a fantastic option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy their delightful flavors with minimal last-minute effort! You can stuff the Medjool dates with goat cheese and prepare the walnut topping up to 24 hours in advance; simply store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, just assemble the stuffed dates in a baking pan, top them with the walnut mixture, and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes. Allowing the flavors to meld before baking ensures the dates remain just as delicious and texturally pleasing, making them an ideal choice for busy entertaining!

How to Store and Freeze Roasted Stuffed Dates

Fridge: Store your delicious roasted stuffed dates in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week to keep them fresh and tasty.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the stuffed dates in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat the dates in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through, to preserve their delightful texture and flavors.

Serving Tip: Drizzle with hot honey just before serving to revive their warm, melty goodness, enhancing the overall experience of your roasted stuffed dates!

Roasted Stuffed Dates Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best Medjool dates?
Absolutely! When choosing Medjool dates, look for large, soft, and squishy ones without any dark spots all over. They should feel plump to the touch and slightly glossy on the outside, indicating freshness. Avoid dates that feel too dry or have a sticky residue; these may not taste as sweet or delicious.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
After enjoying your tasty Roasted Stuffed Dates, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 1 week. Just be sure to reheat them gently at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes to bring back that warm, melty goodness and crunchy topping!

Can I freeze roasted stuffed dates?
Absolutely! To freeze your delicious roasted stuffed dates, start by laying them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once they are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes.

What should I do if the walnuts burn while baking?
Very! If you notice the walnut topping starting to burn during baking, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil. This will help protect the nuts from direct heat while allowing the dates to finish baking. Keep an eye on them, and next time, you might consider adding the topping halfway through the baking time for an even better result!

Are roasted stuffed dates safe for pets or those with nut allergies?
I recommend caution! While roasted stuffed dates themselves are generally safe for pets, the added ingredients, especially walnuts, can pose risks to certain animals. If you have guests or family members with nut allergies, simply replace walnuts with pumpkin or sunflower seeds in your recipe to make it safe and equally delicious!

Can I use other cheeses for stuffing?
Absolutely! If goat cheese isn’t your favorite, feel free to swap it out for blue cheese or cream cheese. Each will bring a unique flavor profile to your roasted stuffed dates. For a bit more creaminess, consider using mascarpone or ricotta; just ensure the cheese is at room temperature for easy stuffing!