Roasted Stuffed Dates are the kind of appetizer that makes people stop mid-bite and go, “What is this deliciousness?” They’re incredibly simple to make, yet they taste like something you’d get at a fancy tapas bar. Sweet, gooey Medjool dates stuffed with creamy cheese and crunchy nuts, roasted just enough to caramelize the edges—it’s an irresistible combination that works for almost any occasion.
These bite-sized treats are a dream for last-minute entertaining, and they’re endlessly customizable. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegetarian or even vegan with a few smart swaps. Whether you’re prepping for a dinner party or looking for a quick snack with a gourmet flair, this is the kind of recipe you’ll want to memorize.
Why You’ll Love These Roasted Stuffed Dates
You’ll love how easy this is! It’s one of those recipes that looks fancy but comes together in minutes with minimal effort. It also happens to be:
- Made with just a few simple ingredients
- Customizable with endless sweet or savory fillings
- Perfect for make-ahead prep
- Delicious warm or at room temperature
- Naturally gluten-free
- Elegant enough for a dinner party, but cozy enough for a weeknight snack
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Medjool Dates – The star of the show! Medjool dates are soft, large, and naturally sweet, making them ideal for stuffing and roasting.
- Goat Cheese or Cream Cheese – Goat cheese adds a tangy, creamy flavor, while cream cheese gives a milder, rich taste. Choose whichever you prefer.
- Chopped Nuts – Walnuts or pecans add a beautiful crunch that balances the gooey center. Toast them lightly for even more flavor.
- Olive Oil – A light drizzle before roasting helps everything crisp up beautifully.
- Sea Salt and Black Pepper – A touch of seasoning brings out the contrast in sweet and savory.
- Honey or Balsamic Glaze (optional) – For a finishing touch of sweetness or acidity.
- Fresh Herbs (optional) – Try rosemary or thyme for a fragrant garnish.
How to Prepare Roasted Stuffed Dates
You won’t believe how easy these are to pull together. Here’s the step-by-step:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the dates don’t stick.
- Prepare the dates. Use a sharp knife to slice each Medjool date lengthwise and gently remove the pit, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Stuff the centers. Fill each date with about 1 teaspoon of cheese. Add a pinch of chopped nuts on top of the cheese.
- (Optional) Wrap in bacon. If you’re including bacon, wrap each stuffed date with half a slice and secure it with a toothpick.
- Drizzle and season. Arrange the dates on your baking sheet, then lightly drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt and black pepper over the top.
- Roast. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes. If using bacon, turn once halfway through to ensure even crisping. Otherwise, roast until the dates are heated through and slightly caramelized.
- Add finishing touches. Once out of the oven, let the dates cool slightly. Drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze if desired, and garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary.
That’s it—simple, delicious, and downright addictive.
Serving Suggestions
Roasted Stuffed Dates are versatile little bites that shine on any table. Here’s how to serve them:
- Appetizer Platter – Arrange them with olives, nuts, and cheese for an impressive pre-dinner spread.
- Holiday Parties – Their elegant look and flavor make them perfect for special occasions.
- Snack Board – Serve them as part of a mezze platter with hummus, roasted veggies, and flatbread.
- Cocktail Hour – Pair with sparkling water, herbal mocktails, or even a dry cider for a great flavor combo.
- Brunch Buffets – They’re lovely with quiches, fruit, and fresh bread for a sweet-savory addition.
Tips and Tricks
- Use Fresh Medjool Dates: Avoid dried-out or overly firm dates. Fresh Medjool dates have a soft, caramel-like texture that’s perfect for roasting.
- Toasting the Nuts Adds Flavor: Lightly toast the chopped nuts in a dry pan for 2–3 minutes to bring out their natural oils and boost the flavor.
- Room Temp Cheese is Easier to Work With: Let your cheese soften on the counter for 10–15 minutes for easier stuffing.
- Secure with Toothpicks: If you’re wrapping the dates, toothpicks help keep everything together during roasting.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Assemble them in advance and refrigerate until you’re ready to roast. They hold up beautifully.
Variations
This is one of those recipes that invites creativity. Try any of these fun twists:
- Use Blue Cheese for a bold, funky flavor contrast.
- Try Plant-Based Cheese for a vegan version—cashew-based cheeses work wonderfully.
- Add Spices like cinnamon or smoked paprika to the filling for extra depth.
- Stuff with Almonds or Pistachios for different textures.
- Drizzle with Sriracha Honey if you like a spicy-sweet kick.
- Swap Nuts for Nut Butters like almond or cashew butter for a creamy surprise.
Storage Instructions
Got leftovers? (You probably won’t, but just in case…)
- Refrigerate: Store cooled dates in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: For best results, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes. Avoid the microwave, especially if bacon is involved, to maintain crispness.
- Serve at Room Temp: These still taste amazing even without reheating—perfect for buffet-style gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep and stuff the dates a day in advance. Just keep them covered in the fridge and roast right before serving.
Can I serve them cold or room temperature?
Definitely. They’re delicious both warm and at room temperature, which makes them great for entertaining.
What kind of dates should I use?
Always go with Medjool dates. They’re soft, large, and naturally sweet, making them ideal for stuffing.
Can I skip roasting?
You can! If you’re short on time or don’t feel like using the oven, these are still delicious unroasted—especially if you’re using soft cheese and skipping the bacon.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, if you skip the bacon, it’s a delicious vegetarian-friendly appetizer.
What can I use instead of cheese?
Nut butter or plant-based cheese can make an excellent alternative for dairy-free or vegan guests.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely. Just spread them out on a large sheet pan or use two pans and rotate halfway through roasting.
Final Thoughts
Roasted Stuffed Dates are the ultimate sweet-and-savory treat. Whether you’re throwing a dinner party, hosting a holiday gathering, or just treating yourself, they hit all the right notes—soft and sticky, rich and creamy, with just the right amount of crunch. They’re easy to make, fun to customize, and guaranteed to impress.
Once you try them, they’re bound to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. So grab a box of dates, your favorite cheese, and a handful of nuts—it’s time to create something truly delicious!
Easy Roasted Stuffed Dates
Ingredients
- 16 Medjool dates, pitted
- 1/2 cup goat cheese or cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, lightly toasted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for drizzling
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon honey or balsamic glaze (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each date lengthwise and remove the pit without cutting all the way through.
- Stuff each date with about a teaspoon of goat cheese or cream cheese, then top with a pinch of chopped nuts.
- Place the stuffed dates on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper.
- Roast in the oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is warmed through and the dates are slightly caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze if using, and garnish with fresh herbs.
- Serve warm or at room temperature as a sweet and savory appetizer or snack.
