These candy and savory goat cheese stuffed dates are topped with roasted pecans and contemporary thyme for a fast and simple, scrumptious appetizer that everybody will love!
Nothing is worse than everybody getting hangry whereas ready for a meal to begin, so in case you’re in search of a fast and scrumptious appetizer to serve at feast I extremely suggest 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. 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 mixture of candy Medjool dates, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy, roasted pecans hits all the correct taste notes. Every chew is an ideal steadiness of candy, salty and savory!
- Simple to make – Regardless of how fancy they give the impression of being, these stuffed dates are tremendous easy to make. With simply 5 major 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 feast, 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 purchase medjool dates which might be already pitted or have the pits that you simply pit your self (it’s tremendous straightforward). Two manufacturers that I like are Pure Delights and Joolies. You could find 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 proper crunch! I like to recommend roasting them for the final 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 complete ingredient record with measurements within the recipe card beneath.
Substitutions & Variations
- Swap the cheese: Cream cheese, ricotta, feta cheese, blue cheese or a unique mushy cheese could be equally scrumptious!
- Swap the nuts: Wish to use a unique nut like walnuts, pistachios or almonds? Go for it!
- Make them dairy-free: Sub in a dairy-free cheese! A fantastic different is cashew cheese. It has that creamy texture that may get an identical 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 prime them with roasted pepitas.
- Add bacon: I really 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 lined stuffed dates, that are full of peanut butter.
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!
Brittany’s Tip!
Roasting the pecans with maple syrup and thyme may seem to be an additional step, however belief me it’s price it!! Roasting makes them additional crunchy and provides this appetizer a scrumptious candy and savory part. You’ll want to regulate 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! This can be a nice recipe to make forward of time as they retailer effectively within the fridge. You’ll be able to 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, prime every date with the freshly roasted pecans and a sprinkle of thyme. Nobody will know you prepped them upfront!
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’ll be able to get pleasure from them straight from the fridge or allow them to heat up a bit at room temp for the very best texture.
Incessantly Requested Questions
I want stuffing my dates with goat cheese (I believe it’s the very best 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 effectively.
In case your dates really feel just a little 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, mushy, and able to stuff with all that creamy goat cheese goodness.
Goat cheese stuffed dates should not solely tremendous scrumptious but in addition nutrient-packed! Dates deliver pure sweetness, fiber, and antioxidants, whereas the goat cheese provides protein and a little bit of wholesome fats. High them with pecans for an additional crunch and a dose of wholesome fat, and also you’ve received a snack or appetizer that’s pretty much as good for you as it’s tasty.
Medjool dates have a wealthy, virtually caramel-like style and a mushy, chewy texture whereas common dates, generally known as Deglet Noor, are normally smaller and have a agency flesh and a candy, delicate taste. I usually 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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