Description
These stuffed dates with goat cheese are a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring sweet dates, creamy goat cheese whipped with honey, and a crunchy nut topping. Perfect for parties, brunch, or a cozy snack, they’re naturally gluten-free and easily customizable for different diets.
Ingredients
- 20 large Medjool dates, pitted
- 4 oz (115g) goat cheese, softened
- 1–2 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup crushed pistachios (or almonds, walnuts, or toasted seeds)
- Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, mint) or crispy bacon bits (optional)
- Pinch of salt and black pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Slice each Medjool date lengthwise (but not all the way through) and remove the pit to create a pocket.
- In a small bowl, whip together goat cheese and honey until creamy and spreadable. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper if desired.
- Using a small spoon or spatula, fill each date pocket with about 1–1.5 tsp of the cheese mixture.
- Sprinkle each stuffed date with crushed pistachios or your chosen nut/seed topping. Add herbs or bacon bits if desired.
- Optional: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange stuffed dates on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, until cheese softens and dates are warm.
- Let dates cool for 2–3 minutes, then transfer to a serving platter. Drizzle with extra honey or a pinch of flaky sea salt before serving if desired.
Notes
Use fresh, soft dates for best results; soak firm dates in warm water for 5 minutes. Whip goat cheese with honey for extra creaminess. Baking is optional but makes the dates gooey and cheese melty. For nut-free, use toasted seeds or skip the crunch. Make ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours; bring to room temp before serving. Customize with herbs, bacon, or different cheeses.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed date
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 40
- Fat: 3
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 2
Keywords: stuffed dates, goat cheese appetizer, party snack, gluten-free, easy appetizer, Mediterranean, finger food, holiday appetizer