Crispy Rice with Spicy Salmon, Avocado, and Jalapeño Recipe
These Roasted Stuffed Dates combine the natural sweetness of Medjool dates with creamy goat cheese and a flavorful topping of walnuts, rosemary, orange zest, and cinnamon, baked to perfection and finished with a drizzle of hot honey for a warm, irresistible appetizer or snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (12-oz.) package pitted Medjool dates
- 1 (4-oz.) log goat cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/3 cup very finely chopped walnuts
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 teaspoons fresh orange juice (from 1 navel orange)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Hot honey, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for roasting the stuffed dates.
- Prepare Dates: Using a small sharp knife, slice each date lengthwise without cutting all the way through to create a pocket for the filling. Gently open each date and fill it with 1 to 2 teaspoons of softened goat cheese.
- Arrange Dates: Place the stuffed dates evenly in a 9×9-inch baking pan, round cake pan, or small baking sheet.
- Make Walnut Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped walnuts, minced fresh rosemary, orange zest, fresh orange juice, ground cinnamon, sea salt, and extra-virgin olive oil. Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful topping.
- Top and Bake: Spoon the walnut mixture evenly over each stuffed date, then transfer the pan to the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes until the dates are warm and the topping is fragrant.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and let the dates rest for 5 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, drizzle with hot honey if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Soften goat cheese to room temperature for easy filling and better texture.
- Use a sharp paring knife to avoid crushing the delicate dates when slicing.
- Hot honey can be substituted with regular honey or maple syrup if preferred.
- Walnuts can be toasted lightly before chopping for added flavor.
- For a nut-free version, omit walnuts and use a seed-based topping like pumpkin seeds.
