Easy Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates Recipe: Sweet & Savory Bliss

Tantalizing feta-parmesan roasted stuffed dates offer a sublime blend of sweet and savory flavors that upgrade simple ingredients into an extraordinary appetizer.

Mediterranean culinary traditions have long celebrated these delectable bite-sized morsels as crowd-pleasing party favorites.

Soft, succulent fruits become irresistible when paired with creamy, salty cheese and baked to golden perfection.

Rich, complex flavor profiles emerge as the ingredients meld together during roasting, creating a harmonious taste experience.

Elegant yet uncomplicated, this recipe demonstrates how minimal ingredients can produce maximum culinary impact.

Guests will be impressed by the sophisticated combination of textures and nuanced flavors in each carefully crafted bite.

Prepare to elevate your entertaining game with this simple yet stunning appetizer.

Roasting Tips for Gooey and Crisp Perfection

• Soften Dates with Care: Gently slice dates lengthwise, removing pits to create a perfect pocket for stuffing without tearing the delicate fruit.
• Balance Cheese Coating: Ensure feta is evenly coated with honey and Parmesan for a consistent, crispy exterior that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
• Chop Nuts Precisely: Finely chop walnuts to create a uniform, crunchy topping that distributes evenly and adds texture to each bite.
• Watch Baking Time Closely: Keep an eye on dates during the 15-minute roasting to prevent burning, looking for a golden-brown topping and warm, soft centers.
• Serve Immediately Hot: Enjoy these stuffed dates right after baking when the cheese is melted, the nuts are crisp, and the honey glaze is still glistening.

Best Storage Methods for These Tasty Treats

• Storing Leftovers: Place cooled stuffed dates in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Reheating Method: Warm dates gently in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving to maintain the crispy topping and prevent dates from becoming mushy.
• Freezing Option: Wrap individual dates in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What Sips Go Well with Roasted Dates

• Pair with Sparkling Wine: Break out a crisp prosecco or champagne to complement the sweet and savory notes of these stuffed dates. The bubbles will cut through the richness of the feta and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Charcuterie Board: Serve these dates alongside a selection of cured meats like prosciutto or salami. The salty, meaty flavors will enhance the nutty and herbal elements of the dish.
• Serve with Light Red Wine: Choose a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais. These wines have enough acidity and subtle fruitiness to balance the honey's sweetness and the feta's tanginess.
• Complement with Herbal Cocktail: Create a rosemary-infused gin cocktail that echoes the herb in the date stuffing. The botanical notes will harmonize beautifully with the dish's complex flavor profile.

Try These Twists for Stuffed Dates

• Mediterranean Magic: Swap walnuts with pine nuts and add a pinch of za'atar spice blend for an authentic Middle Eastern flavor profile. Drizzle with pomegranate molasses after baking for extra tang.
• Spicy Spanish Style: Replace walnuts with chorizo crumbles and add smoked paprika to the topping. Use manchego cheese instead of Parmesan for a robust Spanish-inspired variation.
• Herb Garden Blend: Incorporate fresh thyme and basil into the nut mixture. Use goat cheese instead of feta for a creamy, tangy alternative that complements the herbs beautifully.
• Blue Cheese Boldness: Substitute feta with creamy blue cheese and add crumbled bacon to the walnut mixture. Drizzle with a balsamic reduction for a rich, complex flavor experience.

What’s So Addictive About Roasted Stuffed Dates

• Burst with Gourmet Flavor: These stuffed dates combine the rich, creamy feta with sweet honey and sharp Parmesan, creating an explosion of complementary tastes that dance on your palate.
• Quick Elegant Appetizer: Whip up this impressive starter in just 25 minutes, perfect for entertaining guests or elevating a simple gathering with minimal cooking skills required.
• Texture Sensation: Experience the delightful contrast between the soft, caramelized dates, crispy Parmesan coating, and crunchy walnut topping that provides a multi-dimensional mouthfeel.
• Versatile Party Pleaser: Equally stunning as a sophisticated appetizer or a decadent snack, these stuffed dates work brilliantly for cocktail parties, holiday gatherings, or spontaneous gourmet moments.

What You’ll Need to Roast These Sweet and Savory Gems

• Feta: Creamy, tangy cheese that provides a rich filling for the dates.
• Parmesan: Sharp, hard cheese that creates a crispy coating when shredded.
• Walnuts: Crunchy nut that adds texture and nutty flavor to the topping.

• Dates: Sweet, soft fruit that serves as the base for stuffing.
• Rosemary: Aromatic herb that brings earthy and pine-like notes to the dish.
• Scallions: Mild onion with a fresh, green flavor for added complexity.
• Parsley: Bright, fresh herb that provides a light, clean taste.
• Orange Zest: Citrusy garnish that adds a subtle, fragrant brightness.

• Honey: Sweet, natural syrup used for coating and drizzling.
• Olive Oil: Rich, smooth oil that helps bind the topping ingredients.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the seasoning.

How to Fill and Bake Dates Like a Pro

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Step 2: Create Nutty Herb Topping

• Chopped walnuts
• Finely chopped rosemary
• Sliced scallions
• Chopped parsley
• Olive oil
• Honey
• Orange zest
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix ingredients thoroughly to create a fragrant topping.

Step 3: Prepare Cheese Coating

• Place honey in a small bowl
• Spread shredded Parmesan on a small plate

Step 4: Coat Feta Cheese

Dip each piece of feta into honey, then roll in Parmesan cheese to create a delicious exterior coating.

Step 5: Stuff the Dates

Carefully open each date and insert the honey-Parmesan coated feta cheese inside.

Step 6: Arrange and Top

Place stuffed dates in a casserole dish and generously sprinkle the prepared nutty herb mixture over the top.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, until dates are warm and topping turns golden brown.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from oven, drizzle with additional honey, and serve warm for a delightful appetizer or sweet treat.

Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates combine Mediterranean richness with elegant simplicity. Creamy cheese nestled in sweet fruit creates an irresistible appetizer that promises delightful flavor contrasts and sophisticated culinary pleasure for guests.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese:

• 3 ounces (85 grams) feta cheese, sliced into 1-inch pieces
• ¾ cup (75 grams) shredded Parmesan cheese

Stuffing and Herbs:

• ⅓ cup (40 grams) walnuts, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon rosemary, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons scallions
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (or arugula)

Base and Seasonings:

• 10 ounces (280 grams) pitted Medjool dates, sliced open on one side
• 1 ½ teaspoons olive oil
• 1 ½ teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Pepper, to taste

Topping:

• Honey, for drizzling

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even roasting.
2. In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine chopped walnuts, finely minced fresh rosemary, thinly sliced scallions, chopped parsley, extra virgin olive oil, pure honey, freshly grated orange zest, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create a fragrant and textured topping mixture.
3. Prepare two separate vessels: one with liquid honey and another with finely shredded Parmesan cheese for coating the feta.
4. Delicately dip each feta piece first into the honey, ensuring a light and even coating, then roll in the Parmesan cheese to create a crisp exterior.
5. Carefully split open each Medjool date, removing the pit if not already done, and gently nestle the honey and Parmesan-coated feta inside.
6. Arrange the stuffed dates in a single layer within a ceramic or glass baking dish, maintaining some space between each piece.
7. Evenly distribute the prepared walnut-herb topping over the stuffed dates, covering them generously.
8. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and roast for 15 to 18 minutes, watching for a golden-brown topping and heated through dates.
9. Remove from the oven and drizzle additional honey over the top for a glossy, sweet finish.
10. Serve immediately while warm, allowing guests to enjoy the contrasting textures and flavors.

Notes

• Select Medjool dates for their large size and soft, caramel-like sweetness, ensuring easy stuffing and maximum flavor.
• Prepare ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and create a stress-free appetizer experience.
• Toast walnuts briefly before mixing with herbs to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the topping.
• Use fresh herbs like rosemary and parsley for a vibrant, aromatic boost that elevates the overall taste profile.
• Serve immediately after baking to enjoy the warm, gooey cheese and crispy parmesan coating at its peak deliciousness.
• Pair with a crisp white wine or sparkling beverage to complement the rich, sweet, and savory elements of this elegant appetizer.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 145 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg