Description
These Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates feature a delightful combination of sweet medjool dates filled with honey-dipped feta cheese and coated with parmesan, topped with a crunchy herb-walnut mixture, and baked to golden perfection. A drizzle of honey enhances their natural sweetness, making them an elegant appetizer or snack with vibrant flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Topping:
- 1/3 cup finely chopped walnuts
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped rosemary
- 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
- To taste, freshly ground pepper
Filling and Dates:
- 10 ounces medjool dates, pitted and sliced open on one side
- 3 ounces feta cheese, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- Honey for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting the stuffed dates.
- Prepare the topping: In a bowl, combine finely chopped walnuts, rosemary, scallions, parsley or arugula, olive oil, honey, orange zest, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Mix thoroughly and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Prepare honey and parmesan: Pour honey into a small bowl for dipping. Spread shredded parmesan cheese evenly on a small plate for coating.
- Coat the feta: Dip each piece of feta cheese into the honey, then coat it generously with the shredded parmesan cheese.
- Stuff the dates: Fill each pitted date with one piece of the honey-dipped, parmesan-coated feta cheese, ensuring they are nicely stuffed.
- Arrange in baking dish: Place the stuffed dates evenly in a casserole dish, making sure they are spaced slightly apart for even roasting.
- Add the topping: Sprinkle the prepared walnut-herb topping evenly over the stuffed dates, covering them well.
- Bake the dates: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake the dates for about 15 minutes or until they are warmed through and the topping turns golden and crunchy.
- Finish with honey: Remove the dish from the oven and immediately drizzle more honey over the warm stuffed dates for added sweetness and gloss.
- Serve: Serve the roasted stuffed dates warm, optionally with extra honey on the side for additional drizzling as desired.
Notes
- Use fresh medjool dates for the best flavor and softer texture.
- For a variation, try substituting parsley with arugula for a peppery note.
- Be careful not to overfill the dates to prevent cheese from spilling during baking.
- This dish can be prepared ahead by assembling and refrigerating the stuffed dates prior to baking.
- Serve as an appetizer or a special party snack paired with white wine or sparkling beverages.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: stuffed dates, baked appetizer, feta cheese, parmesan cheese, walnuts, honey, herb topping, Mediterranean snacks
