Get ready to fall in love with a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and nutty flavors – the Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates Recipe. Each bite offers the luscious sweetness of Medjool dates paired with creamy feta cheese, all wrapped in a golden Parmesan crust and topped with a fragrant herb and walnut mixture. This recipe is an absolute showstopper when it comes to appetizers or a sophisticated snack. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or treating yourself, these roasted stuffed dates are sure to impress and satisfy every craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
While this recipe might feel fancy, it relies on simple, quality ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating that perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the natural sweetness of the dates to the sharpness of Parmesan and the fresh brightness of herbs, every element shines.
- 10 ounces pitted Medjool dates, sliced open: The sweet, chewy base that’s naturally delicious and perfect for stuffing.
- Honey, for drizzling: Adds a subtle floral sweetness that enhances the dates and cheese combination beautifully.
- 3 ounces feta cheese, sliced into 1-inch pieces: Creamy and tangy, feta gives a rich contrast to the dates’ natural sugar.
- 3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese: Brings a savory, nutty crust when baked, elevating the texture and flavor depth.
- 1/3 cup walnuts, finely chopped: Adds wonderful crunch and an earthy undertone that complements the cheese and fruit.
- 1 tablespoon rosemary, finely chopped: Infuses the dish with fragrant, piney notes that brighten the overall taste.
- 2 tablespoons scallions, chopped: Offers a mild oniony sharpness to balance the rich and sweet elements.
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (or arugula): Provides fresh green flavor and vivid color to the topping.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil: Helps bind the topping ingredients and adds a smooth, fruity richness.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons honey: Mixed into the topping for an extra hint of sweetness that ties everything together.
- 1 teaspoon orange zest: Lifts the dish with citrus brightness, cutting through the richness wonderfully.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors so nothing falls flat.
- Pepper, to taste: Adds a subtle kick to round out the palette of flavors.
How to Make Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures the dates warm through evenly and the Parmesan topping gets beautifully golden without burning.
Step 2: Prepare the Topping
In a bowl, combine the finely chopped walnuts, rosemary, scallions, parsley (or arugula), olive oil, honey, orange zest, salt, and pepper. Stir everything gently yet thoroughly so all those vibrant ingredients meld into a flavorful, textured topping that will crown each stuffed date beautifully.
Step 3: Prepare the Feta
Here comes a fun little assembly trick: dip each feta piece into honey first, allowing it to get a light coat of sweetness. Then, roll the honey-coated feta in shredded Parmesan cheese to create a savory crust once roasted. This step gives the feta a lovely crispiness and an extra layer of flavor that’s essential to this wonderful Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates Recipe.
Step 4: Stuff the Dates
Carefully slice open each pitted Medjool date along one side without splitting it too much. Remove any leftover pit remnants if necessary. Then, stuff each date with one piece of the parmesan-coated feta. The combination of the gooey cheese inside the sweet date is pure magic in every bite.
Step 5: Arrange and Top
Place the stuffed dates snugly in a casserole dish or a rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle the walnut and herb mixture evenly over the top, making sure each date gets a nice coating of that flavorful, crunchy topping ready for roasting.
Step 6: Roast to Perfection
Bake the dates for about 15 minutes, watching closely as the tops turn golden and the dates soften and warm through. This roasting time allows the flavors to meld wonderfully and the topping to crisp just enough.
Step 7: Drizzle and Serve
Pull the dish from the oven and immediately drizzle with a little extra honey, giving a glossy, sweet finish that perfectly balances savory flavors. Serve these warm and watch your guests fall head over heels for this irresistible appetizer.
How to Serve Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle with a few extra chopped fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary right before serving for an extra pop of color and fresh aroma. A light grind of black pepper or a few chili flakes can add a touch of heat if you want to experiment with flavor layers.
Side Dishes
Pair these luscious bites with crisp green salads dressed in lemon vinaigrette or alongside a cheese and charcuterie board for a fancy twist. Their sweet and savory notes make them an excellent complement to cured meats, olives, and crusty bread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these dates on a beautiful platter lined with fresh greens or edible flowers for an eye-catching presentation. For an elegant party option, skewer each stuffed date with toothpicks to make it easy for guests to grab and enjoy as finger food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay delicious for up to 3 days, just keep in mind the topping is best consumed fresh for maximum crunch.
Freezing
You can freeze the prepared stuffed dates before roasting: arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. When ready, bake directly from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the roasting time.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place the dates in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes or until warmed through. This quick refresh revives their gooey texture and toasty topping beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?
Absolutely! While feta offers a tangy creaminess perfect for this recipe, goat cheese or cream cheese could also work well if you prefer a milder flavor.
Are other nuts suitable for the topping?
Yes, pecans or almonds make excellent alternatives to walnuts and provide their own unique crunch and nuttiness.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is not spicy by default, but you can easily add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the topping for a gentle heat boost.
Can I prepare these dates vegan?
You can make a vegan version by swapping feta and Parmesan with vegan cheese alternatives and using maple syrup instead of honey.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect snack for gluten-sensitive friends.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a sweet and savory bite that’s easy to prepare but tastes like a gourmet indulgence, give this Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates Recipe a try. It’s one of those recipes that people rave about at parties and ask to make again, so dive in and enjoy creating something truly special in your kitchen. Your taste buds will thank you!
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Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates are a delightful appetizer combining sweet Medjool dates stuffed with honey-coated feta cheese and topped with a savory walnut and herb mixture. Roasted to perfection, they offer a warm, sweet, and tangy bite perfect for entertaining or a special snack.
Ingredients
Dates and Cheese
- 10 ounces pitted Medjool dates, sliced open on one side
- 3 ounces feta cheese, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Honey, for drizzling and coating
Walnut and Herb Topping
- 1/3 cup walnuts, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons scallions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (or arugula)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons honey
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting the stuffed dates.
- Prepare the topping: In a mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped walnuts, rosemary, scallions, parsley (or arugula), olive oil, honey, orange zest, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Prepare the feta cheese: Place honey in a small bowl and shredded Parmesan on a plate. Dip each piece of feta cheese into the honey, ensuring it is coated, then roll or press it onto the Parmesan to cover it evenly.
- Stuff the dates: Carefully slice open each pitted Medjool date on one side to create a pocket. Stuff each date with one piece of the honey and Parmesan coated feta cheese.
- Arrange the dates: Place the stuffed dates evenly in a casserole dish or on a baking sheet. Sprinkle the prepared walnut and herb topping generously over the dates.
- Roast: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the dates are warm and the topping turns golden and fragrant.
- Drizzle and serve: Remove the dates from the oven, drizzle additional honey over them for extra sweetness, and serve warm for a sweet and savory treat.
Notes
- Use Medjool dates for their large size and natural sweetness, ideal for stuffing.
- Coating the feta cheese with honey and Parmesan adds a lovely balance of sweetness and umami.
- Feel free to substitute parsley with arugula for a peppery note.
- Serve these warm as an elegant appetizer or a unique snack.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and serve at room temperature or gently warmed.
