Stuffed Dates Recipe

Alright, so picture this: you’re in your kitchen, and suddenly, the tantalizing aroma of prosciutto-wrapped, goat cheese-stuffed dates wafts through the room, transporting you to a culinary paradise you never knew existed. It’s love at first bite, my friends.

Dates that are filled with stuffing are a wonderful blend of flavors, sweet and savory, that make them perfect as appetizers or snack. Medjool dates are by far my favorites, for their richness and texture.

The filling for these dates consists of creamy goat cheese, finely chopped toasted pistachios, and a few dashes of orange zest and sea salt. What could make this already fabulous mix of flavors even better?

How about wrapping the date in a thin slice of prosciutto before popping it in your mouth? Dates stuffed with goat cheese and pistachios and wrapped in prosciutto are practically health food.

Stuffed Dates Recipe Ingredients

• Medjool dates: Natural sweetness, high in fiber, and a source of energy.
• Goat cheese: Creamy texture, provides protein and calcium, adds tanginess.
• Pistachios: Crunchy, heart-healthy fats, rich in protein and antioxidants.
• Orange zest: Refreshing citrus aroma, enhances flavor with vitamin C.
• Prosciutto: Savory, thinly sliced, adds a salty contrast and protein.
• Honey (optional): Natural sweetness, can enhance flavor, adds moisture.

Stuffed Dates Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 24 Medjool dates
• 4 ounces goat cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup chopped toasted pistachios
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• Zest of 1 orange
• 12 slices of thinly sliced prosciutto, halved
• 2 tablespoons honey (optional)

How to Make this Stuffed Dates Recipe

1. Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. With great care, make a lengthwise slit on each Medjool date and take out the pit.

3. In a small bowl, blend the soft goat cheese, chopped toasted pistachios, sea salt, and orange zest until thoroughly incorporated.

4. A small spoon or your fingers should be used to stuff each date with around 1 teaspoon of the goat cheese mixture.

5. Softly press the dates around the filling; they won’t completely seal, and that’s all right.

6. Encase each stuffed date in a half-slice of prosciutto, and nestle them seam side down on the oiled, rimmed baking sheet.

7. In the preheated oven, bake the dates for roughly 10-12 minutes, or until the crispy prosciutto wraps around them.

8. Take from the oven and allow them to cool for a bit on the baking sheet.

9. If desired, drizzle with honey to make it even sweeter.

10. As a delightful appetizer, serve the warm or room-temperature stuffed dates.

Stuffed Dates Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Sharp knife
5. Small bowl
6. Spoon or fingers (for stuffing)
7. Grater or zester (for orange zest)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of goat cheese?A: Yes, you can replace goat cheese with either cream cheese or blue cheese, and you will have a totally different flavor profile.
• Q: Can I prepare the stuffed dates ahead of time?A: Without a doubt! You may make them a day ahead and keep them in a hermetic container in the reefer.
• Q: How do I pit the Medjool dates?A: With a small knife, make a slit along the side of the date and remove the pit with your fingers.
• Q: Are there any nut-free alternatives for the pistachios?A: For a nut-free version, you can use toasted sunflower seeds or just leave out the nuts.
• Q: Is the honey necessary for the recipe?A: Optional and adds a touch of sweetness, honey can be left out or replaced with agave syrup.
• Q: Can I use a different type of cured meat instead of prosciutto?A: Yes, pancetta or Serrano ham, when they are sliced thinly, can serve as substitutes for prosciutto.

Stuffed Dates Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Substitute Deglet Noor dates or dried apricots for Medjool dates.
Chevre: Use cream cheese or ricotta cheese as an alternative.
Pistachios that have been toasted: Attempt almonds or walnuts that have been toasted.
Bacon: Use turkey bacon or smoked salmon.
Maple syrup or agave nectar are suitable replacements for honey.

Pro Tips

1. Chill the Goat Cheese Mixture Before stuffing the dates, allow the goat cheese mixture to chill in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. This can make it easier to handle and stuff into the dates without being too sticky.

2. Use a Piping Bag For easy and tidy stuffing, transfer the goat cheese mixture into a small piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with a corner cut off. This allows for precise filling of the dates with less mess.

3. Ensure Even Prosciutto Coverage When wrapping the dates with prosciutto, make sure to slightly overlap the edges to ensure they hold together better during baking. This also helps keep the filling secure.

4. Toast Pistachios Freshly For a more enhanced flavor, consider toasting the pistachios just before using them. Freshly toasted nuts will add an extra aroma and depth to the dish.

5. Experiment with Garnishes Aside from a honey drizzle, you can experiment with other garnishes such as a light sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a few fresh thyme leaves for additional flavor complexity.