Goats cheese stuffed dates

Goats cheese stuffed dates are the perfect addition to your appetizer spread. These delectable bites combine sweet and savory elements, making them an ideal choice for pre-drinks or festive gatherings. Each date is stuffed with creamy goats cheese, enhanced by crispy turkey bacon and crunchy walnuts. The combination of textures and flavors makes this dish a standout at any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these tasty treats in no time.
• Versatile Flavor Profile: The mix of sweet dates, savory turkey bacon, and tangy goats cheese creates a delightful taste experience.
• Impressive Presentation: Stuffed dates look elegant on any platter, making them perfect for entertaining guests.
• Healthy Snacking Option: Packed with wholesome ingredients, these bites offer a delicious way to enjoy nutritious flavors without sacrificing taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make these goats cheese stuffed dates, you’ll need some essential tools that will help streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Sharp knife
• Baking tray
• Food processor
• Cooking pan

Importance of Each Tool

• Sharp knife: Essential for slicing the dates without damaging them.
• Baking tray: Provides a stable surface for cooking your stuffed dates evenly.
• Food processor: Makes blending the goats cheese mixture quick and easy.
• Cooking pan: Perfect for sautéing the turkey bacon and walnuts to achieve that crispy texture.

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Ingredients

For this tasty appetizer, gather the following ingredients:

For the Stuffing

• 20 dates
• 250 g turkey bacon (diced)
• 40 g walnuts (roughly chopped)
• 1 tbsp rosemary (finely diced)
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp brown sugar

For the Cheese Mixture

• 250 g goats cheese
• 1 orange zest
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper

How to Make Goats cheese stuffed dates

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180 degrees C / 350 degrees F. This ensures that your dates will be perfectly baked by the time they are ready to serve.

Step 2: Prepare the Dates

Using a sharp knife, slice each date lengthways and carefully remove the seed. Be cautious not to split the dates in half as you do this. Once done, set them aside on a plate.

Step 3: Cook Turkey Bacon and Walnuts

In a cold pan, add your diced turkey bacon. Turn the heat to high and cook for about 3 minutes while stirring occasionally. Then, add the chopped walnuts, two-thirds of the finely diced rosemary, maple syrup, and brown sugar. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the turkey bacon becomes crispy and everything has reached a jammy consistency.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Mixture

In a food processor, combine your goats cheese with two-thirds of the orange zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Blend until smooth and well combined—this will be your creamy filling!

Step 5: Stuff the Dates

Take roughly a teaspoon of your goats cheese mixture and stuff each date generously. Place them onto a baking tray or into a baking dish. Then sprinkle your candied walnut and turkey bacon mixture all over each stuffed date.

Step 6: Bake & Serve

Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through. After baking, sprinkle over any remaining rosemary and orange zest before serving immediately to enjoy their warm flavor explosion!

How to Serve Goats cheese stuffed dates

Goats cheese stuffed dates make for a delightful snack or appetizer that can elevate any gathering. Here are some creative serving suggestions to impress your guests.

As Part of a Cheese Platter

• Combine with various cheeses, crackers, and fruits for a colorful spread. The creamy goats cheese pairs beautifully with tangy or sweet accompaniments.

With Fresh Herbs

• Garnish the stuffed dates with fresh herbs like basil or mint. This adds color and a refreshing flavor that complements the richness of the goats cheese.

Drizzled with Balsamic Reduction

• A drizzle of balsamic reduction enhances the sweetness of the dates and adds a tangy contrast to the creamy filling.

Paired with Nuts

• Serve alongside assorted nuts, such as almonds or pistachios. This adds crunch and a nutty flavor that balances the soft texture of the goats cheese.

On Skewers

• For easy handling, thread stuffed dates onto skewers. This makes them perfect for parties where guests can grab them easily.

How to Perfect Goats cheese stuffed dates

Creating perfect goats cheese stuffed dates is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish shines.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh dates and high-quality goats cheese will significantly enhance the flavor of your dish.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste your goats cheese mixture before stuffing it into the dates. Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
• Don’t overstuff: A teaspoon of filling per date is ample. Overfilling can make them messy and difficult to handle.
• Careful baking: Watch the baking time closely. You want them warmed through without becoming overly dried out.
• Experiment with flavors: Try adding different herbs or spices to the goats cheese mixture for unique flavor profiles.
• Serve immediately: These treats are best enjoyed warm, so serve them right after baking for maximum enjoyment.

Best Side Dishes for Goats cheese stuffed dates

Pairing side dishes with goats cheese stuffed dates can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette will complement the richness of the stuffed dates without overpowering them.
2. Crostini with Tomato Salsa: Crispy crostini topped with fresh tomato salsa offer a refreshing contrast to the creamy filling.
3. Quinoa Salad: A nutty quinoa salad mixed with vegetables provides a hearty side that balances well with sweet flavors.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add an earthy element that pairs nicely with the sweetness of the dates.
5. Hummus Platter: Serve alongside various hummus flavors, providing guests with different tastes and textures.
6. Chickpea Salad: A chickpea salad seasoned with lemon, garlic, and herbs offers protein and freshness that enhances your appetizer experience.
7. Stuffed Peppers: Mini bell peppers filled with cream cheese or feta provide a colorful and flavorful addition to your spread.
8. Olive Tapenade: A savory olive tapenade on toasted bread rounds out your appetizer menu beautifully, adding depth to each bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Goats cheese stuffed dates turn out perfectly, here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough salt and pepper can make your dish bland. Always taste and adjust seasoning as you go.
• Overstuffing the dates: Using too much filling can cause the dates to break. Aim for a teaspoon of the goats cheese mixture per date for a perfect balance.
• Not preheating the oven: Baking in an unheated oven can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 180 degrees C / 350 degrees F before baking.
• Using stale dates: Stale or hard dates won’t have the right texture. Choose fresh, plump dates for the best results.
• Neglecting presentation: A simple garnish like extra rosemary and orange zest adds beauty. Take a moment to present your dish nicely for a stunning finish.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Goats cheese stuffed dates

• Place in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Goats cheese stuffed dates

• Oven: Preheat to 180 degrees C / 350 degrees F and bake for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals (15-20 seconds) until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Goats cheese stuffed dates that can help enhance your cooking experience.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute goats cheese with cream cheese or ricotta if you prefer a milder flavor.

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply omit any meat ingredients like turkey bacon and use additional walnuts or other nuts for added crunch.

What can I serve with Goats cheese stuffed dates?

These stuffed dates pair well with salads, charcuterie boards, or as finger foods at parties.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and stuff the dates ahead of time and bake them just before serving.

Final Thoughts

These Goats cheese stuffed dates are not only delicious but also versatile. They make an excellent appetizer for any gathering or special occasion. Feel free to customize by adding different nuts or herbs based on your taste preferences!