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Stuffed Dates with Blue Cheese

These stuffed dates combine sweet, chewy medjool dates with a sharp, creamy blue cheese filling, creating a flavor-rich bite that balances sweetness and savory tang. The dish involves simple steps of pitting, stuffing, and baking, resulting in a glossy, bubbling, caramelized exterior with a soft interior. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or quick snack with a surprising flavor punch.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 pieces Medjool dates plump and glossy, soak if dry
  • 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbled finely
  • 1/4 cup nuts toasted walnuts or pecans, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon honey for drizzling
  • optional fresh herbs or spices thyme or smoked paprika

Equipment

  • small sharp knife
  • spoon or toothpick
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Using the sharp knife, slice each date lengthwise about three-quarters of the way through without cutting all the way through.
  2. Carefully remove the pit from each date, gently prying it out with the tip of the knife or a toothpick, leaving a hollow pocket.
  3. In a mixing bowl, crumble the blue cheese finely until it resembles small crumbs and is easy to stuff.
  4. Use a spoon or your fingers to stuff each date with about a teaspoon of blue cheese, pressing gently to fill the pocket completely.
  5. Sprinkle the chopped toasted nuts into the stuffed dates, pressing them slightly into the cheese for added crunch.
  6. Arrange the stuffed dates on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced apart to allow for even baking.
  7. Drizzle each stuffed date with a small amount of honey for a shiny, caramelized glaze.
  8. Bake the dates in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and the edges are golden brown.
  9. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the dates rest for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to settle and the cheese to firm slightly.
  10. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for extra flavor, then serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

For a vegan version, substitute blue cheese with seasoned crumbled tofu and skip the honey. Toast nuts lightly to bring out their aroma, and ensure dates are soft for easy stuffing. Serve these warm for the best melty cheese experience.