Description
These Goats Cheese Stuffed Dates are an irresistible appetizer combining sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Medjool dates are filled with a creamy goat cheese mixture zested with orange and olive oil, then topped with a crispy turkey bacon and walnut blend, baked to warm perfection. Perfect for entertaining or as a sophisticated snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Dates and Filling
- 20 dates
- 250 g goat cheese
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Bacon and Nut Topping
- 250 g turkey bacon, diced
- 40 g walnuts, chopped
- 1 tbsp rosemary, finely diced (divided)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180 degrees C (350 degrees F) to prepare for baking the stuffed dates.
- Prepare Dates: Slice each date lengthwise and carefully remove the pit to create a cavity for the filling.
- Cook Bacon Mixture: Heat a cold pan over high heat, then add the diced turkey bacon. Cook for about 3 minutes until it begins to brown. Add the chopped walnuts, two-thirds of the rosemary, maple syrup, and brown sugar, continuing to cook for an additional 5 minutes until the mixture is crispy and caramelized.
- Make Goat Cheese Filling: In a food processor, blend the goat cheese with orange zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy for easy stuffing.
- Stuff Dates: Using about one teaspoon of the goat cheese mixture, fill each pitted date. Arrange the stuffed dates on a baking tray and generously top each with the crispy turkey bacon and walnut mixture.
- Bake: Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes until the dates are warmed through and the toppings meld together beautifully.
Notes
- Use Medjool dates for their large size and natural sweetness.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute turkey bacon with crispy fried mushrooms or smoked tempeh.
- The goat cheese mixture can be prepared ahead and refrigerated to save time.
- Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
- Adjust maple syrup and brown sugar to taste for sweetness balance.
