Impress your dinner party guests with this delicious and sophisticated appetiser – goats cheese-stuffed dates. They come together so quickly (under 15 minutes!), and can be prepped ahead to free up your time in the kitchen.
The combination of sweet Medjool dates, creamy goats cheese, and walnuts is both savory and sweet, creating a delightful flavor contrast with a crunch. We finish the goat’s cheese-stuffed dates topping with a drizzle of honey and fresh thyme for the perfect bite.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a simple but tasty snack, these goat cheese-stuffed dates are sure to be a hit. Read on for the complete recipe!
Method
Follow these steps to make our Stuffed Dates With Goats Cheese
Using a sharp knife, make a lengthwise slit in each date and carefully remove the pit, creating a small pocket for each date. In a separate bowl, add your goat’s cheese and fresh thyme leaves and mix until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Toasting your walnuts is entirely optional, but we love how it enhances the crunch and lovely nutty and earthy flavours. To toast your nuts, simply dry fry them in a pan for a few minutes, stirring frequently to ensure they don’t burn. You can also toast your walnuts in the oven if you prefer. Once cooked, leave them to cool before moving on to the next step.
To make your stuffed dates, take a teaspoon of your whipped goat’s cheese mixture and stuff it into each date’s pocket. You can use a spoon or your fingers to press the cheese into the date. Next, add half a walnut to the centre of each opening.
Just before serving, drizzle your honey over the stuffed dates. This adds a touch of sweetness that complements the savory goat cheese perfectly. You can also add a final sprinkling of thyme at this stage.
That’s it – how easy was that?! The next step is optional, but trust us, it makes all the difference. For a warm appetiser that melts in your mouth, simply pop your stuffed dates into the oven for 5-7 minutes at 180°C. Once out of the oven, arrange the goat cheese-stuffed dates on a serving platter and enjoy with your guests!
Hosting Tips & Recipes From Savery Grazing
We hope you enjoyed this fabulously easy appetiser recipe, which is perfect for sharing with friends and family at your next get-together! If you’re looking for more, follow our Instagram and Facebook page, or find us on Pinterest.
Looking for more appetiser inspiration? Try making a crunchy crudités platter or a grazing board. They are perfect for sharing and make for the perfect make-ahead addition to your dinner party.
Let us know what you think of this recipe in the comments below!
People Also Ask
Which Cheese Goes Best With Dates?
Pairing cheese with dates can create a delightful balance of flavors, and the sweetness of the sticky dates can help balance the tang of several cheeses. For the perfect bite, try stuffing your dates with:
- Brie or Camembert
- Stilton
- Goats Cheese
- Feta
- Manchego
- Ricotta
What Can I Use Instead Of Thyme?
If you don’t have fresh thyme on hand – don’t worry! You can really use any type of fresh or dried herb. Our favourite alternatives include rosemary, oregano, marjoram, or Italian seasoning.
How Far Ahead Can I Prep Goats Cheese Stuffed Dates?
You can prep the goats cheese and walnut stuffed dates up to two days in advance, storing them in an airtight container. Avoid adding your walnuts to the dates until just before serving as this helps to retain the crunch of the nuts.
How Long Do Stuffed Dates Last?
As our stuffed dates contain goat cheese, they are best enjoyed within a day or two after prepping. Refrigerate them in an airtight container to help preserve their freshness. Take your stuffed dates out of the fridge half an hour before serving and allow them to come to room temperature.
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