Description
Delight in these Best Christmas Stuffed Dates, a perfect blend of sweet Medjool dates, creamy goat cheese, crunchy toasted walnuts, and a touch of spicy red pepper flakes, all drizzled with hot honey. This elegant and easy-to-make appetizer brings a festive twist to your holiday gatherings with its harmonious balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Stuffed Dates
- 20 large Medjool dates, pitted and split lengthwise
- 4 oz goat cheese, softened at room temperature
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup chopped walnuts, lightly toasted
Finishing Touches
- Hot honey for drizzling (Mike’s Hot Honey recommended)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little extra kick)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dates: Cut each Medjool date in half lengthwise and carefully remove the pit from every piece to create a cavity for stuffing.
- Stuff the Dates: Open each date half and fill the cavity generously with softened goat cheese. Next, gently press a lightly toasted walnut piece into the goat cheese, ensuring it is firmly nestled within the filling.
- Add Finishing Touches: Drizzle each stuffed date lightly with hot honey to introduce a layer of sweet heat. Optionally, sprinkle red pepper flakes or Aleppo pepper on top for a subtle spicy contrast, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Notes
- Use large Medjool dates for the best size and sweetness balance.
- Lightly toasting walnuts elevates their flavor and adds crunch.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Softening goat cheese at room temperature ensures it’s easy to spread inside the dates.
- Hot honey varieties differ in heat; choose the one that suits your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for toasting walnuts)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: stuffed dates, holiday appetizer, goat cheese, Medjool dates, walnuts, hot honey, Christmas recipe, festive snack
