Oh my goodness, let me tell you about cheese stuffed dates! These little gems are a delightful mix of sweet, creamy, and savory all in one bite. Imagine the rich creaminess of the cheese paired with the natural sweetness of Medjool dates – it’s a flavor explosion you won’t want to miss. Plus, this cheese stuffed dates recipe is an easy appetizer that comes together in no time! Seriously, in just 35 minutes, you can whip up a platter that’s perfect for parties or a cozy night in. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a go-to favorite!
Ingredients List
- 12 Medjool dates, pitted – These are the star of the show! Their natural sweetness and chewy texture make them perfect for stuffing.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened – This adds that creamy richness. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing!
- 1 oz goat cheese, crumbled – For a tangy kick that complements the sweetness of the dates beautifully.
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped – These fresh herbs add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor.
- 1 tbsp honey – A touch of sweetness to balance the savory notes from the cheese.
- 1/4 tsp salt – Just a pinch to enhance all those wonderful flavors.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper – A hint of spice to round everything out.
- 12 slices of prosciutto – This salty, crispy outer layer takes these stuffed dates to the next level of deliciousness.
How to Prepare Cheese Stuffed Dates
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is essential because it helps your stuffed dates cook evenly and ensures that the prosciutto gets crispy. You want that lovely crunch on the outside while keeping the cheese filling creamy and warm.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crumbled goat cheese, chopped chives, honey, salt, and black pepper. Using a fork or a spatula, mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. This step is crucial—if the mixture isn’t well combined, you’ll have clumps in your stuffed dates. You can also use a hand mixer for an ultra-smooth consistency!
Stuff the Dates
Now, for the fun part! Take each pitted Medjool date and, using a small spoon or a piping bag, carefully stuff it with the cheese mixture. Make sure to fill each date generously but don’t overstuff, or they may burst during baking. If you’re using a piping bag, you can get into those tight spaces easily and have a pretty presentation!
Wrap in Prosciutto
Next, grab a slice of prosciutto for each stuffed date. Wrap the prosciutto around the date, making sure to cover it evenly. This helps to keep everything in place while baking and ensures you get that delightful salty crunch in every bite. Overlap the prosciutto slightly to avoid any gaps.
Bake to Perfection
Place the wrapped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the prosciutto is crispy and golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end; you want that perfect crisp without burning! Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool for a minute before serving—trust me, those cheesy interiors will be hot and melty!
Why You’ll Love This Cheese Stuffed Dates Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- A delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors that will impress your guests.
- Rich, creamy cheese filling that pairs beautifully with the chewy texture of Medjool dates.
- Versatile enough to be served as an appetizer, snack, or even a party starter.
- Can be customized with different cheeses or toppings to suit your taste preferences.
Tips for Success
To make your cheese stuffed dates truly shine, here are a few expert tips! First, if you want to mix things up, try substituting the goat cheese with blue cheese for a bolder flavor or even a soft Brie for something creamier. For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture—wow, it really kicks things up a notch!
If you find that your prosciutto is tearing while wrapping, it might be too cold. Let it sit at room temperature for a bit. And don’t worry if some of the cheese mixture oozes out during baking; that just means you’ve packed them with love! Lastly, keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is a little different, and you want that perfect crispy prosciutto without burning. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note: the nutritional values provided for these cheese stuffed dates are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. For the most accurate information, be sure to check the labels on your products. Enjoy these delicious bites without worry, but keep in mind that everyone’s kitchen and pantry are a little different!
FAQ Section
What are the best types of dates to use? Medjool dates are my absolute favorite for this cheese stuffed dates recipe because they’re large, sweet, and have a lovely chewy texture. However, you can also use Deglet Noor dates if you can’t find Medjool—they’re slightly drier but still delicious!
Can I prepare these in advance? Absolutely! You can stuff the dates a day ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to wrap them in prosciutto right before baking to keep everything fresh and tasty. This way, you can save time and still wow your guests!
How can I make them spicier? If you’re looking to add a little heat, mix a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the cheese mixture. You could also drizzle some sriracha or hot honey over the finished dates for that extra kick. Trust me, it’s a fantastic way to elevate the flavors!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your cheese stuffed dates, presentation is key! Arrange them on a beautiful platter, perhaps with some fresh herbs like parsley or arugula for a pop of color. Drizzling a little balsamic reduction over the top can add an elegant touch and a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the dates. Serve alongside a selection of crackers, cheese, and cured meats to create a delightful charcuterie board. These stuffed dates also pair wonderfully with a crisp white wine or a refreshing sparkling beverage, making them a perfect addition to any gathering!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftover cheese stuffed dates (which is rare, but it can happen!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, the best way to reheat is in the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place the dates on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the prosciutto regains its crispiness. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the prosciutto chewy and the cheese too runny. Enjoy those delicious bites again!
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Cheese Stuffed Dates Recipe: 5 Easy Steps to Delight!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious cheese stuffed dates make a perfect easy appetizer.
Ingredients
- 12 Medjool dates, pitted
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 oz goat cheese, crumbled
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 12 slices of prosciutto
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, goat cheese, chives, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Stuff each date with the cheese mixture using a small spoon or piping bag.
- Wrap each stuffed date with a slice of prosciutto.
- Place the wrapped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the prosciutto is crispy.
- Serve warm on a platter.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture.
- Substitute prosciutto with bacon for a different flavor profile.
- Garnish with additional chives for presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed date
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: cheese stuffed dates recipe easy appetizer
