Treat yourself to these scrumptious Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates! This irresistible appetizer is quick and easy to make, and you'll love the sweet - savory flavor and the crunchy pistachio topping. Perfect for parties and snacks!
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ginnie's Take
I always have a box (or two) of dates hanging around my place. They make a wonderful addition to everything from oatmeal to baked goods, and I love eating them as a snack or dessert, too. But the best way to enjoy them is stuffed! Dates make the perfect receptacle for all sorts of sweet and savory fillings, and these Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates are a favorite. You are going to love each and every bite!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor - These delectable dates have the perfect combination of creamy, tangy, sweet, salty, and crunchy textures and flavors. So delish!
- Easy to Make - This recipe is truly simple to prepare. Throw a batch together minutes before a party, or save some time, and make them in advance. It's a great way to use up a few dates and some leftover cheese, too.
- Great Appetizer or Snack - Whether you need an crowd pleasing appetizer for a party, or you're just craving for a sweet-savory snack, this yummy recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds!
Jump to:
Ingredients
You need six simple ingredients to make this decadent date appetizer:
- Dates - I like to use Medjool dates for this recipe, although other varieties will work, too. Look for them in your grocer's produce section or by the dried fruit. Tip: My grocery store carries pitted dates. If you can find them, they make this recipe even faster to prepare!
- Cheese - Choose a creamy goat cheese for this recipe, like the goat cheese logs you can find in any supermarket.
- Herbs - You'll mix fresh thyme into the filling. It pairs perfectly with the tangy goat cheese, bright lemon, and sweet honey.
- Lemon - A little lemon zest and juice enhances all the other flavors.
- Honey - Goat cheese and honey are a match made in heaven. The honey adds just a touch of sweet to the otherwise savory filling.
- Nuts - Crunchy pistachios add a wonderful flavor, and they're the perfect contrast to the creamy cheese filling and chewy dates. I used lightly salted pistachios.
This recipe is naturally vegetarian and gluten free (check labels carefully if you have an allergy). You can also make it vegan, dairy free, and / or nut free with a simple swap or two. Check out the Variations section below for tips.
How to Make Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates
Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Pistachios couldn't be easier to make or more delicious! You'll find a detailed recipe card below, but here's a quick overview of the steps:
- Prep dates. Start by slicing the dates from top to bottom (but not all the way through the other side), then remove the pits.
- Make filling. Stir together the goat cheese, lemon juice and zest, thyme, and honey in a small bowl.
- Stuff dates. Fill the dates with the goat cheese mixture, then top with the chopped pistachios.
And that's all there is to it, your amazing Goat Cheese Dates are ready to enjoy!
Variations
Feel like experimenting? Here are a few variations to try:
- Cheese - Not a goat cheese fan? You can use cream cheese instead, or for a tangier flavor, use half cream cheese and half feta.
- Herbs + Spices - Swap out the thyme for fresh rosemary, or for a more unique flavor, mix in some ground cardamom.
- Nuts - Replace the pistachios with walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, or almonds.
- Nut Free - Sprinkle the dates with chopped pepitas, or skip the nuts altogether.
- Orange - Use orange zest and juice instead of lemon.
- Hot Honey - Add a little heat by drizzling the dates with hot honey.
- Vegan + Dairy Free - Replace the goat cheese with your favorite plant-based spreadable cheese (this cream cheese would work great).
- Baked - I prefer serving these Stuffed Dates at room temperature, but they're also tasty when eaten hot. To do so, simply bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Goat Cheese and Pistachio Stuffed Dates with a few appetizers, and you have a party! I like to pair them with other finger foods, like these bite-size Cheese Tarts, simple, yet luxurious Radishes with Butter, mouthwatering Boursin Stuffed Mushrooms, colorful Avocado Crostini, or these fun Feta Cracker Bites.
Storage
Store any leftover dates in an airtight container in your refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for about two to three days. For the best flavor, remove them from the refrigerator about 15 to 30 minutes before you plan to eat them.
Related Recipes
Looking for more stuffed date ideas? Try my Peanut Butter Dates (the perfect sweet treat) or my Blue Cheese Dates (so simple to make) next!
And if you're a goat cheese fan, you'll want to check out my Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese Crostini, Tarte Soleil, Whipped Goat Cheese, and savory Cheese Truffles appetizer recipes, too.
Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates
Ingredients
- 24 medjool dates (or other dried dates)
- 8 ounces (227 grams) goat cheese
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- ¼ cup pistachios, chopped
Instructions
- Cut dates from end to end (but not all the way through). Remove pits, then set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix goat cheese, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice (to taste), honey, and thyme leaves until smooth.
- Fill dates with goat cheese mixture, then top with chopped pistachios.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to eat. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
