Bushra Griffith
Goat cheese-stuffed dates are a simple, delicious, and versatile appetizer. They can be made in a variety of ways, including with pistachios, pine nuts, walnuts, and even wrapped in bacon. The salty cheese balances the sweetness of the dates, creating a tasty treat that can be served warm or cold. This combination of flavours has been described as mind-blowing and a crowd-pleaser. The dates can be stuffed with a small spoon and are best served drizzled with honey.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Dates, goat cheese, honey, pistachios/pine nuts, olive oil, salt, pepper, red chilli flakes, thyme, chives, basil, rosemary, orange zest, cinnamon, walnuts |
| Variations | Bacon-wrapped, herbed goat cheese, assorted nuts, brie cheese, cottage cheese, feta cheese, blue cheese, cream cheese, peanut butter, almond butter, tahini, chocolate chips, sundried tomatoes, basil chiffonade, red pepper flakes, cashews, almonds, pecans |
| Preparation | Preheat oven, slice dates lengthwise, remove pit, stuff dates with goat cheese, drizzle with honey, bake |
| Baking Instructions | Bake at 350-375°F for 8-15 minutes, or until goat cheese melts |
| Serving Suggestions | Best served warm, can also be enjoyed at room temperature or chilled |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right dates
When it comes to choosing the right dates for your goat cheese-stuffed dates, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you'll want to select dates that are soft and have a delicious flavour. Medjool dates are a popular choice for stuffed dates due to their soft texture and natural sweetness. They are also large enough to stuff with cheese and other fillings.
Another factor to consider is the colour of the dates. Dates range in colour from light brown to almost black, and the colour can give you an indication of their sweetness. Darker dates tend to be sweeter than lighter ones, so if you're looking for a more intense flavour, go for darker dates.
You'll also want to choose dates that are fresh and moist. Avoid dates that appear dry or shrivelled, as they may not taste as good or be as easy to work with. Look for dates that have a glossy appearance and feel slightly soft when squeezed.
Finally, consider the type of filling you plan to use. If you're using a strong-flavoured cheese like goat cheese, you'll want to choose dates that will complement the flavour. Medjool dates, again, are a good option as their sweetness balances out the tanginess of the goat cheese.
Preparing the dates is simple. Using a small, sharp knife, slice into the date lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. Remove the pit, then stuff the cavity with goat cheese, using a small spoon. Repeat this process for all the dates.
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Preparing the dates
Once the dates are pitted, it's time to stuff them with cheese. It is recommended to use a soft goat cheese at room temperature, as this will be easier to work with. You can use a small spoon or your fingers to stuff each date with cheese. If you want to add some extra flavour, you can mix herbs, such as rosemary, or red chilli flakes into the cheese before stuffing the dates.
If you're feeling creative, you can also add a variety of nuts to the dates. Walnuts, almonds, pistachios, and pecans are all great options. You can chop the nuts and press the dates into them, cheese-side down, or you can stuff the nuts inside the dates along with the cheese. For a truly indulgent treat, try candied nuts or wrap the stuffed dates in bacon.
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Stuffing the dates
If you're feeling creative, you can add a whole almond, walnut, pecan, or pistachio to each date before stuffing. This adds a nice crunch and some extra flavour. You can also wrap each date with a slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick before baking.
For a more indulgent option, try drizzling honey on top of the stuffed dates. You can heat the honey in the microwave or on the stove before drizzling, or add it after the dates are baked for a touch of sweetness. If you're feeling really adventurous, try a drizzle of hot honey or a glaze made from honey and bourbon for an extra kick.
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Adding toppings
There are many ways to add toppings to goat cheese-stuffed dates. A popular option is to use nuts, such as pistachios, walnuts, almonds, or pecans. You can chop the nuts and press the dates into them, cheese-side down, or you can sprinkle them on top. You can also use crushed nuts to top off the dates.
Another option is to add herbs to the goat cheese before stuffing the dates. You can mix in some minced fresh herbs, such as thyme, chives, basil, or rosemary. You can also add orange zest and juice, cinnamon, and salt to the goat cheese for extra flavour.
If you want to add a sweet touch to your goat cheese-stuffed dates, you can drizzle them with honey, especially hot honey. You can also add a sprinkle of Aleppo pepper or black pepper for a little kick. For a more savoury option, you can top the dates with crispy bacon or a glaze made of honey and bourbon.
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Baking or serving
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can serve the stuffed dates as they are, or you can warm them in the oven.
If you want to serve them as they are, you can simply slice, stuff, and enjoy. However, if you want to warm them, there are a few different methods you can use.
One option is to bake the stuffed dates at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, or until the goat cheese begins to melt and bubble. Alternatively, you can roast them at 350°F for 15 minutes if you're rewarming previously chilled dates. If you're making a larger batch, you can bake them at 375°F for 15 minutes.
For a more indulgent treat, try wrapping the stuffed dates in bacon. To do this, cut bacon slices in half and wrap each date with a piece of bacon, securing it with a toothpick. Arrange the wrapped dates on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Then, turn each date onto its side and bake for another 5-8 minutes, or until browned to your liking. Finally, turn the dates onto their other side and repeat. Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
For a vegetarian option, try a herbed goat cheese filling. Simply mix some minced fresh herbs into the goat cheese before stuffing it into the dates. You can also experiment with different types of nuts, such as walnuts, almonds, or pecans.
No matter how you choose to bake or serve them, these goat cheese-stuffed dates are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
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Frequently asked questions
You will need dates, goat cheese, honey, and pistachios or pine nuts. You can also add herbs such as thyme, chives, or basil, or a sprinkle of red chili flakes or black pepper.
Using a small, sharp knife, slice into the date lengthwise, ensuring you do not split the date in half, and remove the pit.
Stuff the dates with goat cheese using a small spoon. Chop the pistachios or pine nuts and press the dates into them, cheese-side down, then drizzle with honey.
