Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese and Walnuts Recipe

Introduction

Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese and Walnuts are a delightful, elegant appetizer or snack that beautifully combines sweet, savory, and crunchy elements. The natural sweetness of Medjool dates is complemented by the creamy richness of goat cheese, while the addition of crunchy walnuts creates the perfect contrast in texture. Whether you’re preparing them for a party, a festive gathering, or simply to enjoy as a special treat, these stuffed dates are sure to impress your guests with their unique and satisfying flavor combination.

The simplicity of this recipe makes it incredibly easy to prepare, while the sophisticated pairing of ingredients elevates it to a whole new level. This appetizer brings together the best of sweet and savory, with a little bit of luxury in every bite. Once you make these stuffed dates, they are likely to become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection, offering a balanced snack that’s both flavorful and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese and Walnuts

• Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory: The dates’ natural sweetness contrasts perfectly with the tangy, creamy goat cheese and the earthy crunch of the walnuts, creating a well-rounded flavor profile that everyone will enjoy.
• Simple and Quick to Prepare: Despite their gourmet appeal, these stuffed dates are incredibly easy to make. You can prepare them in just 15 minutes with a few basic ingredients, making them a perfect choice for both novice and experienced cooks.
• Elegant and Versatile: These stuffed dates are the perfect appetizer for a dinner party, a holiday gathering, or a casual snack. Their simplicity doesn’t take away from their ability to impress guests with their unique and sophisticated flavor combination.
• Healthy and Nutrient-Dense: Dates are packed with fiber and essential vitamins, while walnuts provide healthy fats and antioxidants. Goat cheese adds a creamy texture without being overly rich, offering a balanced, indulgent treat without compromising on nutrition.
• Customizable: The recipe offers plenty of room for variation, allowing you to experiment with different cheeses, nuts, and seasonings to create a stuffed date that fits your unique taste.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 0 minutes (No baking or cooking required)
• Servings: Approximately 12 stuffed dates
• Calories per Serving: Around 80-90 calories per stuffed date, depending on the ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 80-90 kcal
• Fat: 6-7g
• Carbohydrates: 8-9g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 7-8g

Ingredients

For the Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese and Walnuts:

• 12 large Medjool dates (or your preferred variety)
• 4 oz. goat cheese, softened
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts (lightly toasted, if desired)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for drizzling)
• Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish (optional)
• Pinch of sea salt (optional, for seasoning)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dates

Begin by preparing your dates. Use a sharp knife to slice the dates in half lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. You want to open them up like a little pocket. Remove the pits from the dates if they are not already pitted. Set the pitted dates aside on a plate or cutting board.

If you like, you can lightly toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to bring out their natural flavors. Just make sure to keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Toasting the walnuts is optional but adds an extra depth of flavor to the finished dish.

2. Prepare the Goat Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, combine the softened goat cheese with a pinch of salt, if desired, for extra flavor. You can also add herbs like fresh thyme or rosemary for a more aromatic profile. Stir the mixture until smooth and creamy. If you like a sweeter taste, you can add a drizzle of honey into the goat cheese mixture, making it a little more indulgent. Adjust the sweetness based on your taste preferences.

3. Stuff the Dates

Using a small spoon or your hands, fill each date half with the goat cheese mixture. Be generous with the filling, but try not to overstuff the dates so that the cheese doesn’t spill out. Press the halves back together, gently squeezing them to help the cheese stay in place.

Once all the dates are stuffed with goat cheese, sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the top of each date. You can either place the chopped walnuts directly into the cheese before sealing the date or sprinkle them on top afterward, depending on your preferred method.

4. Garnish and Serve

For an extra touch of flavor and elegance, drizzle a small amount of honey over the stuffed dates. The honey not only adds a glossy finish but also enhances the sweetness of the dates. If you prefer a savory touch, sprinkle the stuffed dates with a little sea salt to bring out the contrast between the sweet dates and creamy goat cheese.

Lastly, garnish the stuffed dates with a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary to add color and a touch of aromatic fragrance.

5. Serve and Enjoy

These stuffed dates are best served fresh, at room temperature, or chilled for a more refreshing bite. Arrange them on a serving platter or in a bowl for easy sharing. If making these in advance, store the stuffed dates in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve.

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese and Walnuts

• Use Medjool Dates for Best Results: Medjool dates are larger, sweeter, and more tender than other types of dates, making them perfect for stuffing. However, you can substitute them with other varieties if necessary, although the texture and sweetness may vary.
• Customize with Other Nuts: While walnuts are the classic pairing with goat cheese and dates, feel free to experiment with other nuts such as almonds, pecans, or pistachios for a unique twist.
• Herb Variations: If you’re looking for extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to the goat cheese filling. You can also try sprinkling a small amount of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a subtle spice.
• Make it Spicy: For a touch of heat, sprinkle the stuffed dates with a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. The spiciness will contrast nicely with the sweetness of the dates and the creaminess of the goat cheese.
• Serving Suggestions: These stuffed dates make a fantastic appetizer for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or casual get-togethers. They also work well as a snack, served alongside a glass of white wine or champagne.

Variations of Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese and Walnuts

• Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese and Prosciutto: For a more savory twist, add a thin slice of prosciutto to the dates before stuffing them with goat cheese. The saltiness of the prosciutto adds a savory element that balances out the sweetness of the dates.
• Stuffed Dates with Blue Cheese and Almonds: Swap out the goat cheese for crumbled blue cheese and the walnuts for sliced almonds. This creates a bolder, tangier flavor profile that pairs well with the sweetness of the dates.
• Stuffed Dates with Cream Cheese and Pecans: If you prefer a milder flavor, use cream cheese in place of the goat cheese and substitute the walnuts with chopped pecans. The cream cheese offers a smoother texture, while the pecans add a buttery richness.
• Stuffed Dates with Ricotta and Honey: For a lighter, sweeter filling, try using ricotta cheese mixed with honey and vanilla extract. This creates a soft, creamy filling that pairs perfectly with the dates and adds a natural sweetness.
• Vegan Stuffed Dates: For a vegan version, replace the goat cheese with a vegan cheese or a cashew-based cream cheese. You can also use maple syrup in place of honey for a plant-based sweetener.

Storage and Shelf Life

Stuffed dates with goat cheese and walnuts are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. If storing, make sure the dates are fully chilled before placing them in the container to prevent the filling from becoming too soft. The stuffed dates can be served chilled or brought to room temperature before serving, depending on your preference.

If you want to prepare these stuffed dates in advance for a party or gathering, consider assembling them a few hours ahead of time and keeping them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld together while making it convenient for you to enjoy the party stress-free.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese and Walnuts

Pair these delicious stuffed dates with complementary foods and beverages to enhance your meal experience:

• Wine Pairings: Stuffed dates with goat cheese and walnuts pair beautifully with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or a light sparkling wine like Prosecco. For a red wine option, consider a light Pinot Noir or Merlot.
• Cheese Plate: Serve the stuffed dates alongside a selection of cheeses like brie, camembert, or sharp cheddar. This combination makes for a luxurious and well-rounded appetizer spread.
• Fresh Salad: Pair the stuffed dates with a fresh salad made with mixed greens, arugula, or spinach. The lightness of the salad provides a great contrast to the richness of the dates and goat cheese.
• Bread: A crusty baguette or flatbread can serve as the perfect accompaniment to the stuffed dates, providing a neutral base to balance out the rich flavors of the dates and cheese.
• Olives and Tapenade: Offer a side of marinated olives or a Mediterranean tapenade to complement the dates and cheese. The salty, briny flavors of the olives work wonderfully with the sweetness of the dates.

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Conclusion

Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese and Walnuts are the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and creamy, making them an ideal appetizer or snack for any occasion. With minimal effort and a few simple ingredients, you can create a gourmet treat that will surely delight your guests and leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re preparing these for a special occasion or just looking for a satisfying snack, these stuffed dates offer a flavorful and unique way to enjoy the natural sweetness of dates while indulging in creamy goat cheese and crunchy walnuts. Try them today and elevate your snack game to new heights!