Roasted Stuffed Dates

Name: Roasted Stuffed Dates
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 12 oz pitted Medjool dates (Fresh, not dried.); 4 oz goat cheese (Room temperature for easy stuffing.); 1/3 cup finely chopped walnuts (Can be replaced with pecans or almonds.); 2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary (Fresh herbs for depth, can substitute with thyme.); 1 orange zest and 2 teaspoons juice (Freshly zested for best flavor.); 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (Adds warmth to the flavor profile.); 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (Balances sweetness.); 3 tablespoons olive oil (Adds moisture and binds the walnut mixture.); to taste hot honey (Drizzle for finishing touch.)

Posted on January 26, 2026

Delicious roasted stuffed dates filled with nuts and spices, perfect appetizer.

Apptizer Recipes

Easy Roasted Stuffed Dates: A Cozy Snack Experience

Have you ever had one of those moments in the kitchen where you just feel like a culinary genius? Like, you pull off something magical, and you’re channeling your inner gourmet chef? That was me the first time I made these Roasted Stuffed Dates. Honestly, it was one of those chilly autumn nights, all cozy and warm, when the sun dipped early, and I had a craving for something special. You know, the type of dish that sings to you from the inside out—comforting, delicious, and a little bit fancy, but easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

It all started when I stumbled upon a friend’s Instagram post featuring these adorable little bites. They were so simple yet so appealing. Stuffed dates? What a clever idea! I decided to make them for a gathering. Spoiler alert: they were a hit! Everyone loved the contrasting textures and flavors—sweet, creamy, crunchy—all in one bite. People were swooning, and I was just standing there, slightly overwhelmed but also a bit smug. Goodness, isn’t that the best feeling?

What makes this recipe matter to me is not just how delicious they are but also the memories it conjures up. I served them while catching up with friends, sitting around a table lit by fairy lights (which somehow always make everything feel magical). The air was rich with smells of roasting, a hint of sweetness mingling with an earthy crunch from the nuts. Moments like these, where food brings people together, truly warm your heart. Plus, let’s be real—I need all the cozy vibes I can get.

So here’s a recipe that’s bound to impress without making you feel like you’re juggling flaming torches in the kitchen. And don’t worry; it’s budget-friendly too! On top of that, they’re a great protein-packed snack, making them perfect for those late-night cravings or as quick family meals. Now let’s dive into why you’ll fall in love with making these delightful stuffed dates!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

EASY TO MAKE: With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can whip these up in no time! Trust me; they are perfect for those easy weeknight dinners.
HEALTHY COMFORT FOOD: They’re not just tasty; they pack in nutrition too! Medjool dates are full of fiber, while walnuts provide healthy fats and protein, making them great high protein meals.
LEFTOVER FRIENDLY: Did I mention any that these are just as good the next day? Pop them in the fridge, and they make for fantastic snacks throughout the week!
PICKY-EATER APPROVED: Kids (and adults) who claim they don’t like “weird” food often find themselves pleasantly surprised by these. They’re sweet, creamy, and crunchy—what’s not to love?
PREP AHEAD: If you’re gearing up for parties or family get-togethers, you can prepare these in advance and simply throw them in the oven when your guests arrive.
A HUG IN A BITE: Seriously, the combination of flavors feels like comfort food. The sweetness of the date, the tangy goat cheese, and that lovely honey drizzle—pure bliss!

What Makes This Recipe Special?

These roasted stuffed dates bring a burst of unique flavors and textures that just work. Imagine the sweet, caramel-like essence of the Medjool dates melted against the tangy creaminess of goat cheese. Heavenly isn’t quite enough to describe it! Throw in the crunch from the walnuts and the aromatic kick from rosemary, and you have something extraordinary. Plus, if you’re anything like me, those little bursts of orange zest and juice will dance right on your tongue, creating an explosion of flavor.

It’s the perfect balance between sweet and savory, which has made these dates a favorite in my home. They embody that effortless way of cooking that makes you look like you put way more effort than you actually did—because oops, that’s just how cooking goes sometimes!

Ingredients

12 oz pitted Medjool dates: These are the stars of the dish. Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the savory goat cheese, and they have a delightful chewy texture. Don’t settle for the dried ones; fresh is the key!
4 oz goat cheese, room temperature: The creaminess of goat cheese is what makes every bite feel luxurious. If you find goat cheese a bit intense, you can swap in cream cheese for a milder flavor.
1/3 cup finely chopped walnuts: They lend an essential crunch to the stuffed dates. They can be replaced with pecans or almonds if you desire, depending on what flavors you prefer.
2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary: Fresh herbs add depth. They bring a beautiful earthiness that pairs delightfully with the sweetness of the dates. If you’re fresh out of rosemary, thyme can be a delightful substitute too.
1 orange (zest and 2 teaspoons juice): This is my secret weapon! Orange zest brightens the whole dish, adding a refreshing contrast to the richness. Avoid the juiced versions; fresh is very much recommended.
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth and enhances the flavor profile, bridging everything beautifully. Just don’t go crazy with it; a little goes a long way!
1/4 teaspoon sea salt: Salt is essential for balancing sweetness. It makes all the flavors pop without overpowering them.
3 tablespoons olive oil: This helps bind the walnut mixture while adding moisture and richness.
Hot honey for drizzling: The final touch! A drizzle of hot honey elevates these dates to a whole new level. If you can’t find hot honey, feel free to mix regular honey with a pinch of chili flakes for that spicy-sweet kick!

And trust me, you’ll want to follow these tips: make sure your dates are fresh and soft for that melt-in-your-mouth experience. If they’re too hard, they won’t give you that satisfying chew. Oh, and remember—when zesting oranges, go gently! The white pith underneath is bitter, and trust me, you don’t want to ruin this culinary masterpiece.

How to Make It Step-by-Step

Here’s where the fun begins! Grab your ingredients and let’s get cookin’!

Preheat the Oven: First things first, preheat that oven to 375°F (190°C). Nothing beats the smell of warm baked goods wafting through the kitchen, right?
Prepare the Dates: Start by slicing the dates lengthwise. Not all the way through, just enough so you can create that little pocket for the cheese. And holy moly, the smell of those sweet, buttery dates is inviting.
Stuff the Dates: Take about 1-2 teaspoons of the goat cheese and stuff it into each date. Honestly, this part feels like playing with your food, but in the best possible way. Don’t stress if they spill a tad—it’s all part of the charm.
Mix the Walnut Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, minced rosemary, orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon, sea salt, and olive oil. You’ll want to stir that mixture until it’s well combined, and the smell will be heavenly!
Fill Those Dates: Spoon the walnut mixture generously over each cheese-stuffed date. You want the dates to look like they’re wearing little hats made of awesomeness! You’ll feel like a little artist as you drizzle and pack it on.
Bake: Arrange the filled dates on a baking pan. Bake those beauties for about 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re warm and slightly golden on top. Your kitchen is about to smell like a gourmet restaurant!
Rest and Drizzle: Once they come out of the oven, let them rest for about 5 minutes. Then, drizzle with that glorious hot honey. Seriously, you’ll want to drizzle it like it’s the finishing touch on a masterpiece.
Serve: Transfer the stuffed dates to a lovely platter. You can garnish them with a sprig of rosemary for that fancy touch and serve them warm. Watching everyone’s faces light up as they take their first bite? Priceless!

Honestly, it’s a pretty straightforward process, but it’s the little quirks along the way that make this recipe so special. I remember the first time I made them, I accidentally overstuffed a few, and they oozed all over the pan. Oops! But they still tasted amazing, so nobody seemed to mind.

Tips for Best Results

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and good quality cheese make a huge difference. Don’t skimp here!
Room Temperature Cheese: Make sure your goat cheese is room temperature. This makes it easier to stuff and gives a creamier texture.
Don’t Rush the Cooling: Letting them rest is crucial! It allows flavors to meld together beautifully, plus it helps keep your taste buds from being burned off.
Adjust Sweetness: If you have a sweet tooth, drizzle more hot honey! If you’re more savory inclined, adjust accordingly.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

Nuts: Feel free to swap the walnuts for pecans or almonds, or even try a nut-free version using sunflower seeds if allergies are a concern.
Herbs: Play around with different herbs. Thyme, basil, or even mint can bring a fresh twist.
Dairy-Free Option: If you’re looking for a vegan alternative, try using cashew cream or a dairy-free cheese spread!
Spices: Want to kick it up a notch? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the walnut mixture for an unexpected bite.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Slice dates lengthwise, fill with 1-2 teaspoons of goat cheese. Mix walnuts, rosemary, orange zest and juice, cinnamon, salt, and olive oil in a bowl. Arrange the dates in a baking pan and top with the walnut mixture. Bake for 15 minutes, then let them rest for another 5. Drizzle with hot honey. Serve warm for a cozy taste sensation you won’t forget.

Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)

For drinks, consider a nice glass of red wine or a bubbly sparkling water with a splash of lemon juice. They add a refreshing vibe to the rich flavors of the stuffed dates. Pair it with a light salad or a warm bowl of roasted veggies for a complete meal experience. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a night in with some rom-coms, a cozy blanket, and a plate of these beauties?

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll be good for about 3-4 days. When reheating, I’d go with the oven instead of the microwave; it’ll retain that lovely crisp texture. Just pop them in at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if you can; we don’t want mushy dates, do we?

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

Want to prep these ahead for a gathering? You can assemble them up to a day in advance! Just keep them covered in the fridge, and pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve. If you have extra stuffed dates, you can freeze them for a month. Line them on a baking sheet, flash freeze, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Just remember to bake from the frozen state and add a couple of minutes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Dry Dates: Make sure you’re using fresh, moist dates. Dried out ones won’t taste as good.
Overcooking: These days don’t take long to bake. Keep an eye on them to prevent that dreaded dry texture.
Too Much Filling: If you overstuff, they might explode, and while it’s still delicious, it will look a little less presentable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use other cheeses instead of goat cheese?
Definitely! Cream cheese or even blue cheese can work well if you prefer a less tangy flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making this a great option for gluten-sensitive guests.
How spicy is the hot honey?
It can vary depending on the brand, but it generally offers a mild heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness! You can always adjust to your taste.
Can these be served cold?
Sure! They’re tasty warm, but they also work as a cold appetizer. Just store them in the fridge and serve them chilled.

Cooking Tools You’ll Need

Baking sheet
Mixing bowls
Chef’s knife
Cutting board

Final Thoughts

As I sit here, reflecting on my delightful roasted stuffed dates, I can’t help but smile. Cooking is all about connection—whether it’s with friends, family, or even with yourself. Each time I make this recipe, I’m reminded of those cozy nights, the laughter shared around the table, and the joy of creating something delicious.

I’d love to hear how your attempts at these turn out! Whether you make them your own or stick to my version, please share your experiences. If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend!

Happy cooking!