Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates

Introduction

When I first tried making Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates, I was unsure of how the combination of sweet dates and savory cheese would come together. However, the moment I took the first bite, I was hooked! The contrast between the caramel sweetness of the dates, the tangy creaminess of the feta, and the salty richness of the Parmesan was simply divine. Roasting the dates made them tender and warm, creating the perfect base for the creamy cheese filling. The addition of honey and balsamic glaze took this simple appetizer to a whole new level, adding a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor. My family absolutely loved these stuffed dates, and they disappeared within minutes at our dinner party. This recipe is now a staple in our home, perfect for any occasion. Whether as a light appetizer or a snack, these Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates Recipe

This Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates recipe combines the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love it:

• Unique Flavor Combination: The contrast of sweet dates, savory feta and Parmesan cheese, and aromatic rosemary and honey makes each bite bursting with flavor.
• Easy to Make: Despite its sophisticated taste, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare. It requires just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
• Impressive Yet Simple: These stuffed dates are elegant enough to serve at dinner parties or gatherings, yet simple enough to enjoy as a weeknight snack.
• Perfect Appetizer or Snack: These stuffed dates are great for snacking, serving as an appetizer, or even as a side dish to complement a meal.
• Customizable: The recipe can be modified with different herbs, nuts, or cheeses to suit your personal taste.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates:

• 10 ounces pitted Medjool dates, sliced open on one side
• Honey, for drizzling
• 3 ounces feta cheese, sliced into 1-inch pieces
• 3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 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

Follow these easy steps to prepare these savory-sweet stuffed dates:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a casserole dish or baking sheet.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, rosemary, scallions, parsley (or arugula), olive oil, honey, orange zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Prepare the Feta: In a separate small bowl, pour honey. On a small plate, place the shredded Parmesan cheese. Dip each piece of feta cheese into the honey, then coat it with the Parmesan cheese.
4. Stuff the Dates: Slice open the Medjool dates on one side to remove the pit. Stuff each date with one piece of the coated feta cheese mixture.
5. Arrange the Stuffed Dates: Place the stuffed dates in the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining walnut and herb mixture over the stuffed dates.
6. Roast the Dates: Bake the stuffed dates for 15 minutes, or until the dates are warm and the topping is golden.
7. Drizzle and Serve: Remove the dates from the oven and drizzle them with a bit of honey. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Here’s the approximate nutrition breakdown for one stuffed date (serving size: 1 date):

• Serving Size: 1 stuffed date
• Calories: 120 kcal
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 16 stuffed dates (approximately)

How to Serve

These Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates are a versatile treat that can be served in many ways:

• As an Appetizer: Serve as an elegant starter at a dinner party or holiday gathering.
• As a Snack: These stuffed dates are perfect for snacking any time of day, offering a satisfying blend of sweetness and richness.
• With Drinks: Pair these dates with your favorite cocktail or wine. They go especially well with a glass of white wine or a light spritzer.
• As Part of a Charcuterie Board: Add them to your charcuterie board along with cheeses, olives, and nuts for a sophisticated snack or appetizer.
• With Salads: Top a fresh green salad with these stuffed dates to add a sweet and savory element to your meal.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Dates: Make sure to use fresh Medjool dates, as they are softer and sweeter compared to other varieties, which will give you a better texture and flavor in this dish.
2. Try Different Cheeses: While feta and Parmesan are delicious together, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese, blue cheese, or even a mix of mozzarella and ricotta for a creamier filling.
3. Herb Variations: If you don’t have rosemary, you can substitute with thyme or basil for a different herbal flavor.
4. Make Ahead: You can stuff and assemble the dates in advance, then bake them right before serving. This makes it easier to prepare for a party or dinner event.
5. Add Bacon: For an extra layer of flavor, wrap each stuffed date with a small slice of bacon before roasting. The smokiness will complement the sweet and savory combination of the dates and cheese.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of date? While Medjool dates are ideal due to their softness and sweetness, you can use other types of dates, such as Deglet Noor, but be sure to soften them first by soaking them in warm water.
2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, this recipe is already vegetarian as long as you omit bacon or other animal-based ingredients.
3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free? To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the feta and Parmesan with dairy-free cheese options available at your local store.
4. Can I prepare these stuffed dates ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dates up to the point of baking and store them in the fridge until ready to bake. Just bake them before serving.
5. Can I freeze these stuffed dates? Yes, you can freeze these stuffed dates after assembly. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen at 375°F for about 20 minutes.
6. How can I make the stuffed dates spicier? For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small diced chili to the stuffing mixture or drizzle a spicy hot sauce over them after baking.
7. What can I serve with these stuffed dates? These stuffed dates pair well with fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or even as a side dish to grilled meats.
8. Can I use a different nut in place of walnuts? Yes, you can substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or pine nuts depending on your preferences.
9. How do I store leftover stuffed dates? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for about 5-10 minutes before serving.
10. How can I make the stuffed dates more savory? To make the stuffed dates more savory, consider adding some crumbled bacon or a drizzle of balsamic glaze right before serving.

Conclusion

Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates are a delightful appetizer or snack that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. The rich feta and Parmesan cheese, combined with the crunchy walnuts and fragrant rosemary, create a mouthwatering filling for the dates. Roasting them brings out the natural sweetness of the dates while melting the cheese into a creamy filling. Drizzling with honey and balsamic glaze adds an extra layer of flavor, making each bite irresistible. Whether you’re entertaining guests, hosting a dinner party, or simply looking for a unique snack, this recipe is sure to impress and become a favorite in your kitchen!

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