These candy and savory goat cheese stuffed dates are topped with roasted pecans and contemporary thyme for a fast and straightforward, scrumptious appetizer that everybody will love!
Nothing is worse than everybody getting hangry whereas ready for a meal to start out, so if you happen toβre searching for a fast and scrumptious appetizer to serve at feast I extremely advocate these goat cheese stuffed dates!
The candy and savory combo from the dates and goat cheese is absolute perfection and the crunch of the pecans takes this dish to the subsequent stage. Theyβre a favourite of mine to serve at Thanksgiving dinner together with these candy potato bites and scorching honey whipped cottage cheese dip.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Candy and savory β The mixture of candy Medjool dates, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy, roasted pecans hits all the precise taste notes. Every chunk is an ideal steadiness of candy, salty and savory!
- Straightforward to make β Regardless of how fancy they appear, these stuffed dates are tremendous easy to make. With simply 5 important substances (plus seasonings) and minimal prep, youβll have a scrumptious appetizer prepared very quickly.
- Excellent for any event β Whether or not itβs a vacation gathering, informal feast, or only a snack for your self, these stuffed dates are good for any event.
Components Wanted
- medjool dates β the star of the present! You should purchaseΒ medjool datesΒ which can be already pitted or have the pits that you just pit your self (itβs tremendous simple). Two manufacturers that I like areΒ Pure DelightsΒ andΒ Joolies. You’ll find Pure Delights within the produce part of most grocery shops (close to the bananas) and Joolies are supplied onΒ AmazonΒ andΒ Thrive Market.
- goat cheese β a savory, creamy cheese that completely pairs with the sweetness of the dates.
- pecans β the proper crunch! I like to recommend roasting them for the last word taste however you possibly can skip that step in order for you.
- maple syrup β if roasting the pecans, youβll toss them in maple syrup first. Belief me, itβs scrumptious!
Discover the complete ingredient record with measurements within the recipe card under.
Substitutions & Variations
- Swap the cheese: Cream cheese, ricotta, feta cheese, blue cheese or a unique gentle cheese can be equally scrumptious!
- Swap the nuts: Need to use a unique nut like walnuts, pistachios or almonds? Go for it!
- Make them dairy-free: Sub in a dairy-free cheese! An incredible various is cashew cheese. It has that creamy texture that may get an identical tangy taste. Almond ricotta is one other superior choice, itβs delicate however nonetheless tremendous creamy.
- Make them nut-free: Skip the pecans all collectively or prime them with roasted pepitas.
- Add bacon: I like my bacon wrapped dates, so I do know wrapping the goat cheese stuffed dates in a slice of bacon can be so scrumptious!
- Make a dessert stuffed date: Strive filling the dates with nut butter and topping with roasted nuts or chocolate chips. I personally love these chocolate lined stuffed dates, that are full of peanut butter.
Easy methods to Make Stuffed Dates
Step 1: Begin by chopping your pecans. Add them to a small bowl with maple syrup and spices. Toss till effectively coated.
Step 2: Unfold the pecans on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast for 8-10 minutes. Put aside to chill.
Step 3: Whereas the nuts are roasting, slice the dates in half lengthwise and take away the pit.
Step 4: Stuff every date with goat cheese. Then sprinkle the cooled pecans on prime of the goat cheese. Get pleasure from!
Brittanyβs Tip!
Roasting the pecans with maple syrup and thyme may seem to be an additional step, however belief me itβs price it!! Roasting makes them further crunchy and provides this appetizer a scrumptious candy and savory element. You should definitely control the pecans whereas theyβre within the oven, they’ll go from completely toasted to burned shortly!
Can I Make Stuffed Dates Forward of Time?
Sure! This can be a nice recipe to make forward of time as they retailer effectively within the fridge. You may pit and stuff the dates with goat cheese and retailer them in an hermetic container within the fridge for 2-3 days. Simply wait to roast the pecans till proper earlier than serving in order that they keep heat and crunchy. When itβs time to serve, prime every date with the freshly roasted pecans and a sprinkle of thyme. Nobody will know you prepped them upfront!
Easy methods to Retailer Leftovers
If you find yourself with any leftovers (uncommon, nevertheless it occurs!), retailer them in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 3-4 days. You may get pleasure from them straight from the fridge or allow them to heat up a bit at room temp for one of the best texture.
Often Requested Questions
I favor stuffing my dates with goat cheese (I feel itβs one of the best taste combo), however different good pairing choices are cream cheese, blue cheese, ricotta or feta cheese. Something thatβs softer and creamier for stuffing would work effectively.
In case your dates really feel a bit agency, you possibly can simply soften them up! Simply soak the dates in heat water for about 10-Quarter-hour, then drain and pat dry. Theyβll be plump, gentle, and able to stuff with all that creamy goat cheese goodness.
Goat cheese stuffed dates aren’t solely tremendous scrumptious but in addition nutrient-packed! Dates carry pure sweetness, fiber, and antioxidants, whereas the goat cheese provides protein and a little bit of wholesome fats. Prime them with pecans for an additional crunch and a dose of wholesome fat, and also youβve bought a snack or appetizer thatβs nearly as good for you as it’s tasty.
Medjool dates have a wealthy, virtually caramel-like style and a gentle, chewy texture whereas common dates, generally known as Deglet Noor, are normally smaller and have a agency flesh and a candy, delicate taste. I sometimes use Medjool dates in all my recipes like my date mounds bars, wholesome peanut butter balls and no bake almond cookies.
Extra Straightforward Appetizer Recipes
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