Description
These Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates are a delightful and easy appetizer featuring sweet Medjool dates filled with creamy goat cheese and crunchy toasted walnuts. Optionally drizzled with honey and balsamic glaze and garnished with fresh thyme, they offer a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, ideal for entertaining or a sophisticated snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Dates
- 12 Medjool dates (pitted)
Filling
- 4 oz goat cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans, toasted)
Optional Toppings
- 1 tablespoon honey (for drizzling)
- Balsamic glaze (for drizzling)
- Fresh thyme leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dates: If the Medjool dates are not already pitted, carefully slice each date lengthwise and remove the pit, making a cavity for the filling.
- Mix the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened goat cheese and chopped toasted walnuts. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is uniform and easy to spoon.
- Stuff the Dates: Using a small spoon or your fingers, gently fill each date with the goat cheese and walnut mixture, pressing lightly to pack the filling inside without breaking the dates.
- Serve: Arrange the stuffed dates neatly on a serving platter. If desired, drizzle with honey and balsamic glaze for added sweetness and tang. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves for a burst of herbal aroma and color. Serve immediately or refrigerate up to an hour before serving for a chilled appetizer.
Notes
- To toast walnuts or pecans, place them in a dry pan over medium heat, stirring frequently for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned.
- If you prefer a vegan option, substitute goat cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative.
- These stuffed dates are best eaten fresh but can be refrigerated for up to one hour before serving to maintain texture and flavor.
- Medjool dates are preferred due to their large size and natural sweetness, but other soft dates can be used in a pinch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: goat cheese stuffed dates, appetizer, Medjool dates, stuffed dates, walnut stuffed dates, party snacks, Mediterranean appetizer
