These candy and savory goat cheese stuffed dates are topped with roasted pecans and recent 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 to’re in search of a fast and scrumptious appetizer to serve at ceremonial dinner 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 degree. They’re 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 – The mix of candy Medjool dates, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy, roasted pecans hits all the suitable taste notes. Every chunk is an ideal steadiness of candy, salty and savory!
- Straightforward to make – Regardless of how fancy they give the impression of being, these stuffed dates are tremendous easy to make. With simply 5 predominant components (plus seasonings) and minimal prep, you’ll have a scrumptious appetizer prepared very quickly.
- Excellent for any event – Whether or not it’s a vacation gathering, informal ceremonial dinner, or only a snack for your self, these stuffed dates are good for any event.
Elements Wanted
- medjool dates – the star of the present! You should buy medjool dates which are already pitted or have the pits that you just pit your self (it’s tremendous straightforward). Two manufacturers that I like are Pure Delights and Joolies. You will discover Pure Delights within the produce part of most grocery shops (close to the bananas) and Joolies are supplied on Amazon and Thrive Market.
- goat cheese – a savory, creamy cheese that completely pairs with the sweetness of the dates.
- pecans – the right crunch! I like to recommend roasting them for the last word taste however you possibly can skip that step if you’d like.
- maple syrup – if roasting the pecans, you’ll toss them in maple syrup first. Belief me, it’s scrumptious!
Discover the total ingredient checklist with measurements within the recipe card beneath.
Substitutions & Variations
- Swap the cheese: Cream cheese, ricotta, feta cheese, blue cheese or a special comfortable cheese could be equally scrumptious!
- Swap the nuts: Need to use a special nut like walnuts, pistachios or almonds? Go for it!
- Make them dairy-free: Sub in a dairy-free cheese! An amazing various is cashew cheese. It has that creamy texture that may get an analogous tangy taste. Almond ricotta is one other superior possibility, it’s gentle however nonetheless tremendous creamy.
- Make them nut-free: Skip the pecans all collectively or high 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 could be so scrumptious!
- Make a dessert stuffed date: Attempt filling the dates with nut butter and topping with roasted nuts or chocolate chips. I personally love these chocolate coated stuffed dates, that are full of peanut butter.
Find out how to Make Stuffed Dates
Step 1: Begin by chopping your pecans. Add them to a small bowl with maple syrup and spices. Toss till nicely 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 high of the goat cheese. Take pleasure in!
Brittany’s Tip!
Roasting the pecans with maple syrup and thyme may look like an additional step, however belief me it’s value it!! Roasting makes them additional crunchy and provides this appetizer a scrumptious candy and savory element. Remember to keep watch over the pecans whereas they’re within the oven, they will go from completely toasted to burned rapidly!
Can I Make Stuffed Dates Forward of Time?
Sure! It is a nice recipe to make forward of time as they retailer nicely within the fridge. You possibly can 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 so that they keep heat and crunchy. When it’s time to serve, high every date with the freshly roasted pecans and a sprinkle of thyme. Nobody will know you prepped them prematurely!
Find out how 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 possibly can get pleasure from them straight from the fridge or allow them to heat up a bit at room temp for the most effective texture.
Continuously Requested Questions
I want stuffing my dates with goat cheese (I believe it’s the most effective taste combo), however different good pairing choices are cream cheese, blue cheese, ricotta or feta cheese. Something that’s softer and creamier for stuffing would work nicely.
In case your dates really feel slightly 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. They’ll be plump, comfortable, and able to stuff with all that creamy goat cheese goodness.
Goat cheese stuffed dates should not solely tremendous scrumptious but additionally nutrient-packed! Dates deliver 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 you’ve obtained a snack or appetizer that’s nearly as good for you as it’s tasty.
Medjool dates have a wealthy, virtually caramel-like style and a comfortable, chewy texture whereas common dates, generally referred to 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.
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