Description
Delicious roasted goat cheese stuffed Medjool dates topped with a fragrant rosemary-walnut mixture and a hint of citrus, finished with a drizzle of hot honey. This Mediterranean-inspired appetizer is easy to prepare and perfect for entertaining.
Ingredients
Dates and Cheese
- 1 (12-oz.) package pitted Medjool dates
- 1 (4-oz.) log goat cheese, softened to room temperature
Walnut Topping
- 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
Garnish
- A drizzle of hot honey (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375ºF (190ºC) to prepare it for roasting the stuffed dates.
- Prepare the Dates: Using a small sharp knife, carefully slice each date lengthwise, not cutting all the way through, to create a pocket. Gently open the date and fill each with 1 to 2 teaspoons of the softened goat cheese, ensuring they are nicely stuffed.
- Arrange Dates in Baking Pan: Place the stuffed dates evenly in a 9x9-inch baking pan or similar-sized dish, arranging them so they roast evenly.
- Make Walnut Topping: 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 until the ingredients are well incorporated to form a flavorful topping.
- Top and Roast: Spoon the walnut mixture generously over each stuffed date. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the topping to toast slightly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the dates from the oven and let them sit for 5 minutes to cool slightly. Transfer to a serving platter and optionally drizzle with hot honey for a sweet and spicy finish. Serve warm for best flavor.
Notes
- Store leftover stuffed dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- To rewarm, bake at 350ºF for 15 minutes until heated through.
- Use softened goat cheese at room temperature for easier filling.
- If hot honey is unavailable, a drizzle of regular honey or maple syrup can be substituted for sweetness.
