These sweet and savory goat cheese stuffed dates are topped with roasted pecans and fresh thyme for a quick and easy, delicious appetizer that everyone will love!
Nothing is worse than everyone getting hangry while waiting for a meal to start, so if you’re looking for a quick and delicious appetizer to serve at dinner party I highly recommend these goat cheese stuffed dates!
The sweet and savory combo from the dates and goat cheese is absolute perfection and the crunch of the pecans takes this dish to the next level. They’re a favorite of mine to serve at Thanksgiving dinner along with these sweet potato bites and hot honey whipped cottage cheese dip.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Sweet and savory – The combination of sweet Medjool dates, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy, roasted pecans hits all the right flavor notes. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweet, salty and savory!
- Easy to make – Despite how fancy they look, these stuffed dates are super simple to make. With just 5 main ingredients (plus seasonings) and minimal prep, you’ll have a delicious appetizer ready in no time.
- Perfect for any occasion – Whether it’s a holiday gathering, casual dinner party, or just a snack for yourself, these stuffed dates are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients Needed
- medjool dates – the star of the show! You can buy medjool dates that are already pitted or have the pits that you pit yourself (it’s super easy). Two brands that I like are Natural Delights and Joolies. You can find Natural Delights in the produce section of most grocery stores (near the bananas) and Joolies are offered on Amazon and Thrive Market.
- goat cheese – a savory, creamy cheese that perfectly pairs with the sweetness of the dates.
- pecans – the perfect crunch! I recommend roasting them for the ultimate flavor but you can skip that step if you want.
- maple syrup – if roasting the pecans, you’ll toss them in maple syrup first. Trust me, it’s delicious!
Find the full ingredient list with measurements in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Swap the cheese: Cream cheese, ricotta, feta cheese, blue cheese or a different soft cheese would be equally delicious!
- Swap the nuts: Want to use a different nut like walnuts, pistachios or almonds? Go for it!
- Make them dairy-free: Sub in a dairy-free cheese! A great alternative is cashew cheese. It has that creamy texture that can get a similar tangy flavor. Almond ricotta is another awesome option, it’s mild but still super creamy.
- Make them nut-free: Skip the pecans all together or top them with roasted pepitas.
- Add bacon: I love my bacon wrapped dates, so I know wrapping the goat cheese stuffed dates in a slice of bacon would be so delicious!
- Make a dessert stuffed date: Try filling the dates with nut butter and topping with roasted nuts or chocolate chips. I personally love these chocolate covered stuffed dates, which are stuffed with peanut butter.
How to Make Stuffed Dates
Step 1: Start by chopping your pecans. Add them to a small bowl with maple syrup and spices. Toss until well coated.
Step 2: Spread the pecans on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast for 8-10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Step 3: While the nuts are roasting, slice the dates in half lengthwise and remove the pit.
Step 4: Stuff each date with goat cheese. Then sprinkle the cooled pecans on top of the goat cheese. Enjoy!
Brittany’s Tip!
Roasting the pecans with maple syrup and thyme might seem like an extra step, but trust me it’s worth it!! Roasting makes them extra crunchy and gives this appetizer a delicious sweet and savory component. Be sure to keep an eye on the pecans while they’re in the oven, they can go from perfectly toasted to burned quickly!
Can I Make Stuffed Dates Ahead of Time?
Yes! This is a great recipe to make ahead of time as they store well in the fridge. You can pit and stuff the dates with goat cheese and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Just wait to roast the pecans until right before serving so they stay warm and crunchy. When it’s time to serve, top each date with the freshly roasted pecans and a sprinkle of thyme. No one will know you prepped them in advance!
How to Store Leftovers
If you end up with any leftovers (rare, but it happens!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can enjoy them straight from the fridge or let them warm up a bit at room temp for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
I prefer stuffing my dates with goat cheese (I think it’s the best flavor combo), but other good pairing options are cream cheese, blue cheese, ricotta or feta cheese. Anything that’s softer and creamier for stuffing would work well.
If your dates feel a little firm, you can easily soften them up! Just soak the dates in warm water for about 10-15 minutes, then drain and pat dry. They’ll be plump, soft, and ready to stuff with all that creamy goat cheese goodness.
Goat cheese stuffed dates are not only super delicious but also nutrient-packed! Dates bring natural sweetness, fiber, and antioxidants, while the goat cheese adds protein and a bit of healthy fat. Top them with pecans for an extra crunch and a dose of healthy fats, and you’ve got a snack or appetizer that’s as good for you as it is tasty.
Medjool dates have a rich, almost caramel-like taste and a soft, chewy texture whereas regular dates, commonly called Deglet Noor, are usually smaller and have a firm flesh and a sweet, delicate flavor. I typically use Medjool dates in all my recipes like my date mounds bars, healthy peanut butter balls and no bake almond cookies.
More Easy Appetizer Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.
-
Preheat oven to 400°F. Chop pecans and add to a small bowl with maple syrup, paprika, salt and fresh thyme. Toss pecans and spread on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Roast pecans for 8-10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.
-
Cut dates in half and remove pit.
-
Stuff each date with goat cheese, top with pecans and garnish with fresh thyme. Serve immediately!
- Customize: Feel free to use your favorite soft cheese, nuts and seasonings to make this recipe your own!
- Storing: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can enjoy them straight from the fridge or let them warm up a bit at room temp for the best texture.
- Make ahead: These stuffed dates can be prepped ahead of time, which makes them perfect for entertaining. Just wait to prep the pecans until right before serving, otherwise the pecans will likely loose their crunch.
Serving: 1 half date | Calories: 47kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 91mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
