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Roasted Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese, Walnuts, and Orange Zest Recipe

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4.2 from 168 reviews

Roasted Stuffed Dates are a delightful and elegant appetizer featuring sweet Medjool dates filled with creamy goat cheese, topped with a fragrant walnut and rosemary mixture, and baked to perfection. Finished with a drizzle of hot honey, this savory-sweet dish is perfect for entertaining or a sophisticated snack.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Dates and Filling

  • 1 (12-oz.) package 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

Garnish

  • A drizzle of hot honey (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Dates: Preheat your oven to 375ºF. Using a small sharp knife, such as a paring knife, carefully slice each date lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Gently open the date and stuff each one with 1 to 2 teaspoons of softened goat cheese. Arrange the stuffed dates evenly in a 9×9-inch baking pan, round cake pan, or small baking sheet.
  2. Make 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 until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
  3. Top and Bake: Spoon the walnut mixture generously over each stuffed date. Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the walnuts to toast slightly.
  4. Rest and Garnish: Once baked, remove the dates from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes. Transfer the warm dates to a serving platter and finish with a drizzle of hot honey, if desired, for an extra touch of sweetness and spice.
  5. Serve: Serve the roasted stuffed dates warm as an elegant appetizer or a flavorful snack that combines sweet, savory, and nutty notes beautifully.

Notes

  • Use Medjool dates for their large size and natural sweetness, which complements the creamy goat cheese.
  • Softening the goat cheese to room temperature makes it easier to fill the dates.
  • The walnut mixture can be prepared in advance and spooned onto the dates just before baking.
  • For a vegan version, substitute goat cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative and drizzle with maple syrup instead of honey.
  • Serve warm for the best flavor experience.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Halal

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/roasted-stuffed-dates-with-goat-cheese-walnuts-and-orange-zest-recipe/