Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates – Elegant, Sweet, Savory Party Appetizer
Introduction
Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates are one of those appetizers that feel fancy with almost zero effort. They’re the perfect combination of sweet, salty, creamy, chewy, and crunchy—everything you want in a single bite. Whether you’re putting together a holiday spread, planning a romantic dinner, or creating an elegant party platter, these stuffed dates always impress.
What makes them so irresistible is their balance. The natural caramel-like sweetness of Medjool dates pairs beautifully with the tangy creaminess of goat cheese. Add a drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of nuts, and maybe even a piece of crisp bacon, and you have a gourmet bite that tastes like it took hours—even though it comes together in minutes.
In this recipe, you’ll learn the best types of dates to use, how to prepare the filling, how to add variations, storage tips, and presentation ideas to elevate this simple appetizer into something unforgettable.
Ingredients Breakdown
Medjool Dates
Large, soft, naturally sweet dates. Choose plump ones. If using regular dates, adjust filling amount.
Goat Cheese
Creamy goat cheese gives tang and smooth richness. You can use plain goat cheese or herbed goat cheese.
Honey
Adds sweetness and a glossy finish. Maple syrup also works.
Nuts
Pistachios, almonds, or walnuts add crunch and balance. Chop finely for easier topping.
Fresh Herbs
Thyme or rosemary add freshness and elevate the flavor profile.
Optional: Bacon
Wrapping the dates in bacon adds smoky, salty crunch—great for savory lovers.
Optional Seasonings
Black pepper, smoked paprika, cinnamon, or flaky sea salt.
Substitutions
Goat cheese → cream cheese, ricotta, mascarpone
Honey → maple syrup or date syrup
Nuts → pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds (nut-free option)
Herbs → mint, basil, chives
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dates
Slice each date lengthwise and remove the pit. Keep the date intact like a small pocket.
Tip: Use fresh, room-temperature dates—they’re softer and easier to fill.
Step 2: Prepare the Goat Cheese
Spoon or pipe softened goat cheese into a small bowl. Mix with herbs or seasonings if desired.
Tip: Let goat cheese soften for 10 minutes for easier spreading.
Step 3: Fill the Dates
Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each date with about 1 teaspoon of goat cheese.
Step 4: Add Crunch
Top the goat cheese with chopped pistachios, almonds, or walnuts. Press gently so they stick.
Step 5: Drizzle with Honey
Lightly drizzle honey over the stuffed dates. A little goes a long way.
Step 6: Add Herbs
Sprinkle thyme or rosemary over the top for flavor and presentation.
Step 7: For Bacon Variation (Optional)
Wrap stuffed dates with half a slice of bacon, secure with a toothpick, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 14–18 minutes.
Tips and Variations
Tips for the Best Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates
Use soft Medjool dates for easy filling.
Chop nuts finely so they stick better.
Add honey sparingly to avoid overpowering sweetness.
For extra creaminess, mix goat cheese with ricotta.
Variations
Stuffed with Cheese + Herbs
Mix goat cheese with thyme, rosemary, or basil.
Bacon-Wrapped
Perfect for savory lovers—crispy and smoky.
Nut-Free Option
Use roasted pumpkin seeds or omit toppings.
Sweet Version
Add a tiny sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Spicy Version
Top with crushed red pepper or chili crisp.
Dairy-Free Version
Use plant-based cream cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates are incredibly versatile and pair well with:
Charcuterie boards
Cheese platters
Fresh fruit (grapes, berries)
Salads with balsamic glaze
Warm bread or crackers
Garnishes:
Fresh thyme or rosemary
Flaky sea salt
Balsamic reduction drizzle
Pairing Ideas:
Sparkling wine
Red wine (Pinot Noir)
Herbal teas
Cold brew coffee
Mediterranean-themed dinner nights
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Refrigeration
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Not recommended—the texture becomes mushy.
Reheating (for bacon-wrapped version)
Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 8–10 minutes.
Avoid microwaving to keep bacon crisp.
Freshness
Best served the day they are prepared or within 24 hours.
Recipe Notes
Can be prepped ahead—assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
Use Medjool dates for the best texture and flavor.
Herbed goat cheese adds depth without extra effort.
You can pipe the filling for a cleaner presentation.
Mini appetizer skewers make serving easier.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 98 |
| Fat | 4.5g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5g |
| Carbs | 13g |
| Sugar | 12g |
| Fiber | 1.5g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Sodium | 42mg |
| Cholesterol | 8mg |
| Calcium | 26mg |
| Iron | 0.3mg |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients used.
Recipe Card Summary
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Servings: 12 stuffed dates
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (or 15 minutes if bacon-wrapped)
Total Time: 10–25 minutes
Ingredients
12 Medjool dates, pitted
4 oz goat cheese
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons chopped pistachios or almonds
Fresh thyme or rosemary
Optional: 6 slices of bacon, halved
Instructions
- Slice and pit the dates.
- Soften goat cheese and mix with herbs if desired.
- Fill each date with 1 teaspoon goat cheese.
- Top with chopped nuts.
- Drizzle lightly with honey.
- Add herbs and serve.
- Optional: wrap with bacon and bake at 375°F for 14–18 minutes.
Notes
Best made with Medjool dates.
Nut-free and dairy-free substitutions available.
Great for parties and charcuterie boards.
Nutrition
Approx. 98 calories per stuffed date.
Diet Tags
Gluten-Free
Vegetarian (without bacon)
High-Calcium
Mediterranean-Inspired
No-Refined-Sugar (if honey is omitted or replaced)
Health Benefits
Dates provide natural energy and fiber.
Goat cheese contains calcium and easy-to-digest protein.
Nuts offer healthy fats and antioxidants.
Fresh herbs bring micronutrients and fragrance.
FAQs
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before serving.
2. Can I use cream cheese instead of goat cheese?
Absolutely. It makes the recipe milder and slightly sweeter.
3. Are these served warm or cold?
They can be enjoyed at room temperature or chilled. Bacon-wrapped versions are best warm.
4. What nuts work best?
Pistachios for color, almonds for crunch, or walnuts for richness.
5. Can I make them without nuts?
Yes. Omit the nuts or swap with seeds for a nut-free option.
Final Thoughts
Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates are proof that simple ingredients can create truly unforgettable flavors. They’re elegant enough for celebrations yet easy enough for everyday snacking. Whether you’re hosting guests, curating a charcuterie board, or looking for a quick, impressive bite, these stuffed dates always deliver.
Try them once, and you’ll find yourself making them again and again. When you do, feel free to share your experience—your feedback helps me continue bringing you recipes that shine.