why make this recipe
Goats Cheese Stuffed Dates are a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors. These tasty bites are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual get-together or a fancy dinner party. They bring a unique twist to appetizers with their creamy texture and rich taste. Plus, they’re easy to make, allowing you to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
how to make Goats Cheese Stuffed Dates
Ingredients :
- 20 dates
- 250 g bacon (diced)
- 40 g walnuts (roughly chopped)
- 1 tbsp rosemary (finely diced)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 250 g goats cheese
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C / 350 degrees F.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the dates lengthways and remove the seed. Be careful not to split the dates in half. Discard the seeds and set the dates aside.
- In a cold pan, add the bacon. Turn the heat to high and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the walnuts, two-thirds of the rosemary, maple syrup, and brown sugar to the pan with the bacon. Cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the mixture has a jammy consistency.
- In a food processor, combine the goats cheese, two-thirds of the orange zest, olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Blend until smooth and well combined.
- Stuff the dates with roughly a teaspoon of the goats cheese mixture and lay them onto a baking tray or into a baking dish.
- Sprinkle the candied walnuts and bacon mixture all over the stuffed dates.
- Bake for 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle over the remaining rosemary and orange zest and serve immediately.
how to serve Goats Cheese Stuffed Dates
Serve the stuffed dates warm for the best flavor experience. They can be placed on a nice platter and garnished with extra rosemary or orange zest for a beautiful presentation. These bites pair well with wine or can be enjoyed on their own as a delicious snack.
how to store Goats Cheese Stuffed Dates
Store any leftover stuffed dates in an airtight container in the fridge. They should be eaten within two days for the best taste. You can reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their warm, gooey texture.
tips to make Goats Cheese Stuffed Dates
- Make sure to use fresh dates for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t rush the bacon cooking process; a crispy texture adds to the overall taste.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning in the goats cheese mixture to suit your taste.
- You can use different nuts if you prefer, like pecans or almonds.
variation
For a spicier twist, consider adding a small pinch of chili flakes to the goats cheese mixture. You can also substitute the maple syrup with honey for a different sweet flavor.
FAQs
Can I make these in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and stuff the dates a few hours ahead of time. Just keep them in the fridge until you are ready to bake.
Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, you can substitute it with cream cheese or feta for a different flavor profile.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Simply omit the bacon and replace it with a savory vegetarian option like sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes.
Goats Cheese Stuffed Dates
Ingredients
For the stuffing
- 250 g goats cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp rosemary finely diced
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- Zest of 1 orange
- salt and pepper to taste
For the main ingredients
- 20 dates fresh
- 250 g bacon diced
- 40 g walnuts roughly chopped
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C / 350 degrees F.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the dates lengthways and remove the seed. Be careful not to split the dates in half. Discard the seeds and set the dates aside.
Cooking
- In a cold pan, add the bacon. Turn the heat to high and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the walnuts, two-thirds of the rosemary, maple syrup, and brown sugar to the pan with the bacon. Cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the mixture has a jammy consistency.
- In a food processor, combine the goats cheese, two-thirds of the orange zest, olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Blend until smooth and well combined.
- Stuff the dates with roughly a teaspoon of the goats cheese mixture and lay them onto a baking tray or into a baking dish.
- Sprinkle the candied walnuts and bacon mixture all over the stuffed dates.
- Bake for 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle over the remaining rosemary and orange zest and serve immediately.
