Cheese And Date Pairing: The Perfect Flavor Combination

Dates are a versatile fruit that can be used in a variety of sweet and savoury dishes. They are often used in creative recipes for snacks, appetizers, desserts and more. Their distinct texture and flavour make them a popular choice for a nutritious snack or a substitute for refined sugar. They are also a great source of vitamins and nutrients. One of the most popular ways to eat dates is to stuff them with cheese. Popular cheese choices include goat's cheese, blue cheese, ricotta, mascarpone and cream cheese.

Goat's cheese and dates

For a simple yet impressive appetizer, try stuffing Medjool dates with goat's cheese. Medjool dates, known as the "king of dates", have a rich, caramel-like taste and a soft, chewy texture that complements the cheese perfectly. To enhance the flavour and texture even more, you can top the stuffed dates with roasted pecans or pine nuts, adding a delightful crunch to each bite.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different types of goat's cheese, such as honey-infused goat's cheese, or add a sprinkle of chilli flakes to the cheese for an extra kick. You can also wrap the stuffed dates in bacon for an indulgent treat.

The beauty of this combination lies in its versatility. Whether you're serving them as a fancy appetizer at a dinner party or enjoying them as a nutritious snack, goat's cheese and dates are sure to satisfy your cravings.

So, the next time you're looking for a quick and easy appetiser or a tasty snack, why not give goat's cheese and dates a try? With their complementary flavours and textures, they are sure to become one of your favourite pairings.

Cream cheese and dates

One popular way to serve cream cheese and dates is to stuff the dates with the cheese. To do this, simply slice the dates lengthwise, remove the pit, and spoon in the cream cheese. You can also mix the cream cheese with honey before stuffing the dates for an extra touch of sweetness. Top the stuffed dates with chopped nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, to add a crunchy texture and a salty contrast to the sweetness of the dates.

For an even more indulgent treat, wrap the stuffed dates with bacon before baking them in the oven. The bacon adds a savory, crispy element to the creamy cheese and sweet dates, creating a flavor-packed bite.

When choosing dates for this combination, Medjool dates are an excellent option. They are larger and darker than other varieties, with a soft texture and a caramel-like taste that pairs perfectly with the cream cheese.

Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or dessert, cream cheese-stuffed dates are sure to impress and satisfy.

Blue cheese and dates

Blue cheese is a popular choice to pair with dates. The salty cheese balances the sweetness of the dates, creating a delicious sweet and savoury snack.

For a simple, yet impressive, appetizer, try stuffing pitted dates with blue cheese. Medjool dates are a popular choice, as their larger size and softer texture make them perfect for filling. For a more complex flavour, you could also try adding some honey or maple syrup to your dates.

If you're feeling extra indulgent, you could wrap your stuffed dates in bacon. This combination is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

For a quick and easy option, set out a handful of pitted dates on a plate, drizzle with tahini, and sprinkle with blue cheese. This no-fuss snack is perfect for entertaining, and your guests will love the combination of sweet and salty flavours.

Whether you're a date lover or not, the combination of blue cheese and dates is sure to be a winner. The salty, tangy cheese pairs perfectly with the sweet, sticky fruit, creating a delicious and elegant snack or appetizer.

Feta cheese and dates

To make this tasty treat, you will need to start by pitting your dates. Using fresh, soft and juicy Medjool dates is recommended for the best flavour. Once pitted, you can stuff them with chunks of feta cheese. For an extra flavour boost, you can add other ingredients to the feta, such as lemon zest, fresh dill, oregano, garlic, olive oil, or even cream cheese.

After stuffing the dates, they can be baked in the oven for around 15 minutes at 225 C/440 F, or 7-10 minutes at 375 F, until the cheese has softened and gained some colour. Alternatively, you can serve them as they are without baking.

For an extra special touch, you can wrap the stuffed dates with prosciutto or bacon before baking. This adds a savoury, salty element to the dish and makes it even more of a crowd-pleaser.

Feta-stuffed dates are best served warm, straight from the oven. However, they can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for 3-5 days. They are a simple yet impressive dish that is sure to be a hit with your guests!

Mascarpone and dates

Mascarpone is a heavy Italian cheese with a creamy texture, often used in desserts. It is an excellent source of calcium and contains vitamins A, B12, zinc, phosphorus, and riboflavin. Mascarpone is a great match for dates, especially Medjool dates, which are larger and darker than other varieties, with a caramel-like taste and texture.

Mascarpone-Stuffed Dates

A popular recipe idea is to stuff Medjool dates with mascarpone. This can be served as a sweet or savoury dish, depending on the other ingredients used. For a sweet option, try adding nuts, such as pistachios, walnuts, or pecans, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. For a savoury option, you could add a sprinkle of sea salt and some orange zest.

Mascarpone, Dates, and Bacon

For a savoury option, you could pair mascarpone-stuffed dates with bacon. Wrapping the dates in bacon will create a sweet and salty flavour combination.

Mascarpone, Dates, and Goat's Cheese

For a tangy flavour, you could stuff the dates with a combination of mascarpone and goat's cheese.

Garnish with some olive oil, sea salt, and pepper.

Preparation Tips

When preparing dates, look for fresh, plump, and large Medjool dates, usually found in the refrigerated section of the grocery store. You can buy pitted dates or remove the pits yourself by slicing the dates lengthwise.

Storage

Mascarpone-stuffed dates can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They are best served at room temperature, so it is recommended to take them out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions