Roasted Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese, Walnuts, and Orange Zest Recipe

If you’re looking for a snack or appetizer that’s easy to put together but feels fancy and oh-so-delicious, you’ve got to try this Roasted Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese, Walnuts, and Orange Zest Recipe. These little bites surprise everyone with their rich layers of flavor — the sweetness of Medjool dates paired with tangy goat cheese, crunchy walnuts, and a burst of fresh orange zest is just heavenly. I absolutely love how they balance sweet, savory, and citrusy notes all in one bite.

One of my favorite things about this Roasted Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese, Walnuts, and Orange Zest Recipe is how wonderfully versatile it is. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, need a unique cocktail hour nibble, or just want a simple treat for yourself, these dates always hit the spot. Plus, they come together in no time, which means you can impress your guests without stressing in the kitchen.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Roasted Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese, Walnuts, and Orange Zest Recipe plays a crucial role, contributing depth and texture that work so well together. When you pick your ingredients thoughtfully, the result feels truly elevated.

• Medjool dates: Choose large, soft, and plump ones—they’re perfect for stuffing and bursting with natural sweetness.
• Goat cheese: I recommend a creamy log-style goat cheese, softened to room temperature so it’s easy to spread inside the dates.
• Walnuts: Very finely chopped to add a subtle crunch without overpowering the delicate filling.
• Fresh rosemary: Minced finely for a gentle, fragrant herbal note that complements the nuts and cheese.
• Orange zest and juice: This brings brightness and a slightly tangy twist that keeps the flavors lively.
• Ground cinnamon: Just a pinch to add warmth and depth to the overall taste.
• Sea salt: A little salt rounds out the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps meld the walnut topping together beautifully.
• Hot honey (optional): Drizzle this on top right before serving for a touch of spicy-sweet magic.

Variations

I love experimenting with different flavors in this Roasted Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese, Walnuts, and Orange Zest Recipe. Feel free to customize it to suit your mood or what you have on hand—you’ll find it’s so forgiving.

• Swap the nuts: I sometimes use pecans or toasted almonds instead of walnuts for a slightly different crunch and flavor profile.
• Try different herbs: Fresh thyme or sage can be great alternatives to rosemary, each adding its own fragrant touch.
• Use honey variations: If you don’t have hot honey, a regular honey or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze pairs wonderfully.
• Make them vegan: Substitute the goat cheese with a cashew-based vegan cheese spread—still delicious and creamy.

How to Make Roasted Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese, Walnuts, and Orange Zest Recipe

Step 1: Get the Dates Ready for Their Delicious Filling

Start by preheating your oven to 375ºF—this ensures it’s nice and ready when your dates are prepped. Using a small, sharp paring knife, carefully slice open each Medjool date lengthwise, but don’t cut all the way through; you want it to act like a little pocket. Then gently pry open the date and fill it with 1 to 2 teaspoons of softened goat cheese. I like to use my fingers here because the cheese is soft and spreads easily—I promise it’s less messy than it sounds!

Step 2: Mix Your Walnut and Herb Topping

In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped walnuts, minced fresh rosemary, orange zest and juice, ground cinnamon, sea salt, and extra-virgin olive oil. Mix it well until everything is evenly coated and aromatic. This mixture is what takes the flavor of these stuffed dates to the next level, so don’t rush this step. The olive oil helps everything stick together nicely and keep the nuts from drying out during roasting.

Step 3: Bake Until Warm and Inviting

Arrange the stuffed dates snugly in a 9×9-inch baking pan or a small baking sheet to keep them cozy as they roast. Spoon the walnut topping generously over each date. Then, pop the pan into the preheated oven for about 15 minutes. You’re looking for the goat cheese to get soft and slightly golden, and the walnut mixture to toast lightly, enhancing the aroma. Once they come out, let the dates rest for 5 minutes—this helps the flavors settle and makes them safer to eat without burning your mouth!

Step 4: Finish with a Sweet Drizzle

Right before serving, drizzle a little hot honey over the warm dates. This step is optional but trust me, it adds a fantastic spicy-sweet contrast that will have your guests raving. Serve them warm, and watch how quickly they disappear!

How to Serve Roasted Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese, Walnuts, and Orange Zest Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a few extra bits of fresh rosemary or orange zest on top just before serving, which brightens the look and aroma. Sometimes, a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt adds a gourmet finish that makes each bite pop even more.

Side Dishes

These roasted stuffed dates are fantastic alongside a cheese and charcuterie board, or paired with a light salad featuring arugula and citrus segments. For a heartier spread, try serving with roasted seasonal vegetables or crusty bread to scoop up any leftover olive oil and honey.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to arrange these dates on a beautiful wooden board with edible flowers or pomegranate seeds scattered around for a pop of color. Serving them in bite-sized mini cupcake liners makes them easy to grab at parties and adds a polished touch that guests appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep beautifully for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, though the texture of the walnuts is best right after baking.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these once or twice by lining them up on a baking sheet first, then transferring the frozen dates to a freezer-safe container. They thaw quickly in the fridge overnight and still taste great, but the texture of fresh walnuts is a bit less crunchy.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm them in a 300ºF oven for about 5-7 minutes. This softens the cheese back to that melt-in-your-mouth texture and lightly toasts the topping without drying out the dates.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Roasted Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese, Walnuts, and Orange Zest Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it’s simple, surprisingly elegant, and always brings smiles. I love how it transforms humble ingredients into something that feels indulgent and memorable. If you’re looking for a no-fuss appetizer that your guests will actually talk about afterwards, give these a try—I think you’ll agree, they’re a total winner.

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