Crispy Rice with Spicy Salmon Topping Recipe
These Roasted Stuffed Dates are a delightful appetizer featuring sweet Medjool dates filled with creamy goat cheese, topped with a fragrant walnut and rosemary mixture, and finished with a drizzle of hot honey. Perfect for entertaining or a sophisticated snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz pitted Medjool dates
- 4 oz goat cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/3 cup very finely chopped walnuts
- 2 tsp minced fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 2 tsp fresh orange juice (from 1 navel orange)
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- Hot honey for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for roasting the stuffed dates.
- Prepare Dates: Using a small sharp knife, carefully slice each date lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Open the dates gently and fill each one with 1 to 2 teaspoons of softened goat cheese.
- Arrange Dates: Place the stuffed dates in a 9×9-inch baking pan, round cake pan, or small baking sheet, arranging them evenly.
- Mix Topping: In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped walnuts, minced fresh rosemary, orange zest, fresh orange juice, ground cinnamon, sea salt, and extra-virgin olive oil. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
- Add Topping and Bake: Spoon the walnut mixture evenly over the stuffed dates. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes until warmed through and aromatic.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the dates from the oven and let them sit for 5 minutes to cool slightly. Transfer to a serving platter and drizzle with hot honey if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- For easier filling, soften the goat cheese to room temperature beforehand.
- If you don't have hot honey, regular honey can be used or drizzled with a touch of chili powder for similar heat.
- Ensure not to cut dates completely through to keep the stuffing intact.
- Use fresh rosemary for the best flavor, but dried rosemary can be substituted in smaller amounts.
- Can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
