Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese and Walnuts Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s both irresistibly sweet and satisfyingly savory, then you absolutely must try this Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese and Walnuts Recipe. It’s one of those simple yet elegant bites that always gets a crowd going — and honestly, it barely takes any time to whip up. I love this recipe because it balances creamy, crunchy, and sweet flavors in the best possible way. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be reaching for it again and again!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese and Walnuts Recipe, you’ll want to start with really good quality Medjool dates — they’re the secret to that rich, naturally sweet flavor. The goat cheese should be at room temperature for easy stuffing, and fresh or toasted walnuts add that perfect crunch.

• Medjool dates: Choose large, plump ones that are soft but not overly sticky for easier pitting and stuffing.
• Goat cheese: Use a creamy, spreadable type — room temp goat cheese blends beautifully inside the dates.
• Walnut pieces: You can use raw or lightly toasted; toasting amps up the flavor and adds extra crunch.
• Honey (warmed): A drizzle of warm honey brings an extra layer of sweetness and glossy finish.
• Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch adds a subtle kick that balances the sweetness; Aleppo pepper works great too if you want a milder heat.

Variations

I love mixing things up with this recipe depending on the occasion and what I have on hand. Don’t hesitate to customize it to your taste — it’s super forgiving and ideal for personalization.

• Add fresh herbs: I sometimes toss in a small basil or thyme leaf inside the dates for a fresh herbal note that surprises and delights.
• Swap nuts: Pecans or pistachios can be great alternatives to walnuts if you want a different texture or flavor twist.
• Try flavored goat cheese: Herb or honey-infused goat cheese makes the filling even more special.
• Make it savory: For a non-sweet option, try stuffing dates with blue cheese and walnuts and skipping the honey.

How to Make Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese and Walnuts Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Pit the Dates

Start by slicing each Medjool date lengthwise and gently remove the pit. I find it easiest to use a small paring knife – just be careful not to slice all the way through so the date stays nicely intact for stuffing. If your dates are extra sticky, a quick rinse and dry can help, but usually, they’re perfectly manageable as is.

Step 2: Fill with Creamy Goat Cheese

Using a small spoon or a piping bag, stuff each date cavity generously with room temperature goat cheese. You want enough to create a creamy center without overstuffing, which could cause the date to break open. I love the contrast the goat cheese provides — it’s tangy and smooth and feels like a little indulgence in every bite.

Step 3: Top with Walnuts and Honey

Gently press a walnut piece into the goat cheese filling. This keeps it anchored and adds the crunch we’re all craving here. Then drizzle a small amount of warmed honey over the dates to add a sticky, glossy finish that enhances the sweetness. Finally, sprinkle a few red pepper flakes to bring just a touch of heat — it really wakes up the flavors beautifully.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Arrange the stuffed dates on a pretty platter and watch how fast they disappear! If you want to serve them warm, gently heat them in an oven-safe dish at 350°F for about 5 minutes, just enough to soften the cheese without melting it into a puddle.

How to Serve Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese and Walnuts Recipe

Garnishes

I usually garnish my stuffed dates with a light drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for visual appeal and flavor pop. Sometimes, I toss on some finely chopped fresh mint or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to add an unexpected fresh or salty accent, which elevates the overall taste.

Side Dishes

This stuffed date appetizer pairs beautifully with a crisp salad, like arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a simple mixed greens salad. It also goes great alongside a cheese board or alongside cured meats if you want to create a full charcuterie spread for your guests to snack on.

Creative Ways to Present

If I’m serving these for a party, I love presenting them on a wooden board lined with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. Sometimes I place the dates inside small decorative cupcake liners for easy grabbing or arrange them around a cluster of grapes and olives for a gorgeous Mediterranean-inspired platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (rare, but it happens!), store stuffed dates in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 2 days, but I recommend bringing them to room temperature before serving again so the goat cheese regains its creamy texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the dates before without the honey drizzle and red pepper flakes—just the stuffed dates themselves—wrapped tightly in plastic wrap then stored in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze well for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and add the toppings fresh.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the stuffed dates in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes—just enough to warm the cheese without melting it completely. You can drizzle on the warmed honey again after reheating to revive that fresh-from-the-kitchen vibe.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I honestly can’t say enough good things about this Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese and Walnuts Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is so effortless, which makes it a go-to for me especially when hosting friends or during the holidays. The sweet, creamy, crunchy combo just works every time, and pretty much everyone in my family goes crazy for it. Give it a try — I promise these will become your new favorite bite-sized treat to share and enjoy.

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