Name: Stuffed Date Recipes with Cheese and Nuts Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 12 soft Medjool dates (pitted); 4 ounces goat cheese (softened, try Trader Joe's Caramelized Onion); ¼ cup chopped pistachios; 3 tablespoons hot honey (or to taste); 4 ounces brie cheese (cut into 12 small pieces, about 1 teaspoon each); 12 pecan halves; chopped fresh rosemary (to taste); 4 ounces ricotta cheese; ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional); 12 oil-packed sun-dried tomato halves; 12 fresh basil leaves; 4 tablespoons creamy peanut butter; ¼ cup roasted salted peanuts (finely chopped, divided); ½ cup dark chocolate chips (melted); 6 tablespoons creamy almond butter; 12 fresh raspberries; 4 tablespoons creamy peanut butter; 12 thin banana slices; ¼ cup dark chocolate chips (melted)

There's something just irresistible about the simple, sweet, and savory mix in these Stuffed Date Recipes with Cheese and Nuts Recipe ideas. Whether you're after a quick snack or a show-stopping appetizer, these little gems offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures that make your taste buds do a happy dance.

A gray speckled plate holds several dark brown dates, each halved and stuffed with different fillings. One group shows dates filled with smooth tan nut butter topped with bright red raspberries. Another group features dates filled with creamy white cheese, garnished with small green herb sprigs and a single pecan on top. A third type includes dates filled with tan nut butter and sprinkled with chopped light brown nuts. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with some scattered chopped nuts around it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Stuffed Date Recipes with Cheese and Nuts Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Stuffed Date Recipes with Cheese and Nuts Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Stuffed Date Recipes with Cheese and Nuts Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I have to admit, these stuffed dates quickly became my go-to for when I want something easy yet impressive. They’re so versatile, absolutely delicious, and honestly, don’t require fancy skills. Plus, they travel well—perfect for bringing to parties or sneaking bites when no one's watching.

Simple yet impressive: Minimal prep leads to maximum flavor and wow factor on any platter.
Versatile fillings: From tangy cheeses to nut butters and chocolate—you can switch it up and keep things exciting.
Sweet and savory harmony: The natural sweetness of dates balances perfectly with salty, creamy, or crunchy fillings.
Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a casual snack or elegant hors d’oeuvre, these dates fit right in.

A round white plate with a black circle line near the edge holds three types of stuffed dates arranged in a circle. The first type has a light brown peanut butter layer topped with a single red raspberry. The second type is filled with light brown peanut butter, drizzled with dark syrup, and sprinkled with chopped nuts. The third type contains white cream with either a small whole pecan nut and green herb leaves or chopped red pieces, resembling dried tomatoes. The dates are dark brown with a shiny texture, and the plate is on a gray surface with scattered pecans, peanuts, and dried red pieces around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients might sound fancy but are actually everyday pantry and fridge staples that blend beautifully. The soft Medjool dates bring luscious sweetness and a chewy base, while the mixture of cheeses, nuts, and optional additions pack in creamy, crunchy, and herbal notes, making each bite exciting.

Flat lay of a dozen plump soft Medjool dates with glossy skins, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy goat cheese, a small white ceramic bowl filled with vibrant green chopped pistachios, another small white ceramic bowl holding golden amber hot honey, a simple white ceramic plate with 12 neat small pieces of creamy brie cheese, a cluster of 12 pecan halves with rich brown tones, a few sprigs of fresh green rosemary, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth white ricotta cheese, a tiny mound of bright yellow lemon zest, a small white ceramic bowl with oil-packed sun-dried tomato halves in deep red, a small pile of fresh bright green basil leaves, two small white ceramic bowls containing creamy peanut butter and creamy almond butter respectively, a small white ceramic bowl with roasted salted peanuts in small chopped pieces, another small white ceramic bowl filled with shiny dark chocolate chips, a small white ceramic bowl with vibrant red fresh raspberries, and a small pile of thin banana slices with pale yellow color arranged symmetrically, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Medjool Dates: Look for plump and soft dates to make stuffing easier and ensure a tender bite.
Goat Cheese: Its tangy creaminess cuts through the sweetness, giving a fresh balance—caramelized onion varieties add subtle depth.
Pistachios: A colorful, crunchy topper that complements the creamy filling perfectly.
Hot Honey: Adds a sweet-spicy kick, making the savory bites pop with character.
Brie Cheese: Soft and buttery, pairs wonderfully with toasted pecans and fresh rosemary.
Pecan Halves: Their buttery crunch gives texture contrast and warmth.
Fresh Rosemary: Just a sprinkle brings fragrant herbal brightness.
Ricotta Cheese: Mild and fluffy, it balances the punch of sun-dried tomato.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Bursting with umami, they add an intense tang paired with basil.
Fresh Basil Leaves: A refreshing complement that lifts the flavors.
Peanut Butter & Almond Butter: Creamy, rich, and nutty bases for sweeter or dessert-style variations.
Roasted Salted Peanuts: Adds crunch and a salty counterpoint.
Dark Chocolate Chips: Melted and drizzled to bring luscious sweetness and a touch of indulgence.
Fresh Raspberries & Banana Slices: Fresh fruit accents that bring brightness and softness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love experimenting with these stuffed dates depending on the season and what guests prefer. You can easily shift from savory to sweet or keep them vegetarian and nut-free by swapping fillings. The beauty lies in personalizing each bite to your taste.

Variation: My favorite is the brie and pecan combo sprinkled with rosemary—it's heaven when served warm just out of the oven.
Dietary modifications: Swap goat cheese for dairy-free cream cheese or peanut butter, great for vegan friends.
Seasonal twists: In summer, fresh berries and mint add fresh vibrancy, while in winter, a drizzle of warmed honey adds cozy sweetness.
Make it spicy: Try adding a dash of cayenne or chili flakes to the hot honey drizzle for an exciting kick.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Stuffed Date Recipes with Cheese and Nuts Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Dates with Care

Start by making a clean slit along one side of each Medjool date with a small, sharp knife. Gently remove the pit without breaking the date apart. It's key to be gentle here because you want the dates to hold their shape for stuffing. If your dates feel a bit dry, try soaking them in warm water for 10 minutes and pat them dry—makes stuffing so much easier!

Step 2: Fill and Garnish

Choose your filling—whether it’s creamy goat cheese, tangy ricotta, rich peanut butter, or a combination. Use a small spoon or spreader to stuff each date nicely without overfilling, so they close up naturally. Top with nuts, herbs, or drizzle melted chocolate as called for in your chosen combination. Don't rush here; the contrast in textures is what makes these bites unforgettable.

Step 3: Serve or Bake

If you’re going for the brie and pecan version, I like to bake the stuffed dates briefly at 350°F (about 5 minutes) just to soften the cheese and warm the pecans—so good! For sweeter versions with melted chocolate, let the chocolate set at room temperature or pop them in the fridge to firm up. Either way, these bites taste amazing fresh, so don't overthink it.

Top Tip

After making stuffed date recipes with cheese and nuts recipe several times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that keep everything easy and delicious. Trust me, these will save you time and elevate the final taste:

Choose soft Medjool dates: They’re sweet, large, and pliable, making them perfect for stuffing without cracking.
Don’t overfill the dates: Leaving a little room helps the date wrap around the filling, which makes for a neater, easier-to-eat bite.
Warm cheese slightly before stuffing: Softened goat cheese or ricotta spreads more smoothly and prevents tearing the dates.
Prepare nuts just before serving: To keep crunch fresh, toast or chop nuts shortly before assembling your dates.

How to Serve Stuffed Date Recipes with Cheese and Nuts Recipe

Garnishes

My go-to garnishes are a sprinkle of chopped pistachios and a drizzle of hot honey when serving goat cheese stuffed dates—they add brightness and a little texture crunch that makes every bite sing. For savory ones, a pinch of fresh rosemary or a basil leaf makes a beautiful aroma and fresh touch.

Side Dishes

These dates shine on their own, but I love pairing them with a crisp, simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or alongside a creamy cheese board with crackers and olives for a complete party spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, serve these dates on a wooden board topped with edible flowers or in small ramekins with tiny forks for easy nibbling. You can also skewer a few on cocktail picks, alternating the different filling styles—looks fantastic and invites guests to try them all!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover stuffed dates in an airtight container in the fridge. They last well for up to 2 days, but I honestly find they taste best when eaten fresh. The texture holds up nicely, especially the cheese-filled ones, but nut butters can firm up a bit in the cold.

Freezing

Freezing is possible but a bit tricky here—dates themselves freeze well, but chilled cheese and nuts sometimes change texture. If you want to freeze, do it before adding any melted chocolate or fresh herbs. Thaw slowly in the fridge before serving, then add fresh garnishes last minute.

Reheating

For warm versions, like the brie and pecan stuffed dates, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to gently melt the cheese without drying out the dates. Avoid microwaving as it can make the texture uneven, especially with nut butters and chocolate.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of dates for this recipe?

Medjool dates are the best choice for stuffed date recipes because of their soft texture and large size, making them easy to pit and fill. However, if you can’t find them, you can use other soft dates like Deglet Noor, though they tend to be smaller and less sweet.

What’s the best way to pit dates without tearing them?

Use a small, sharp knife to make a lengthwise slit down the side and gently pry the pit out. Take your time to avoid ripping the date, and if your dates feel a bit dry, soaking them briefly in warm water can help soften them for easier pitting.

Can these stuffed dates be made ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and stuff your dates a few hours ahead or even the day before, especially if you’re not using melted chocolate or fresh herbs. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge and add any delicate garnishes just before serving for the best freshness.

What are some good pairing ideas with these stuffed dates?

Stuffed dates with cheese and nuts go beautifully with a crisp green salad, a cheese platter, or some light crackers. For drinks, I like pairing them with sparkling wine, dry white wine, or even a rich cup of coffee or tea, which complements both sweet and savory elements.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, these Stuffed Date Recipes with Cheese and Nuts Recipe have become a little obsession because they're so quick, adaptable, and consistently delicious. They remind me of the joy in simple pleasures and how a few thoughtful ingredients come together to create magic. I hope as you try them yourself, they become a kitchen staple that you turn to time and time again—enjoy every bite!