Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates Recipe

You need these goat cheese stuffed dates in your life right now! Sticky-sweet Medjool dates stuffed with creamy dollops of goat cheese, then topped with crunchy chopped walnuts, make the perfect sweet and salty love affair, great for quick snacking and entertaining. Try these no-cook, bite-sized treats once, and you’ll always have a winning party appetizer up your sleeve.

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I’ve had my fair share of moments when I had to entertain unexpected guests, needed a quick snack to impress at a potluck, or had to whip up something fast for my kids. Goat cheese stuffed dates were my lifesaver during all those times! All I needed were 3 ingredients – dates, cheese, and nuts – and I had a mind-blowingly delicious treat on my hands that could serve a crowd. 

I’m so excited to share this quick recipe with you! There are so many variations of stuffed dates, and I’m sharing a simple recipe so you can easily make it your own. I myself have tried other flavors and experimented with different ingredients, but goat cheese stuffed dates are hands down still my fave.

These little bites of heaven are great for any occasion, year-round. We love them for date night, game day, or happy hour. They make an amazing afternoon snack, lunchbox treat, and party appetizer. They look gorgeous on a holiday spread, too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No cooking required: Just stuff, top, and serve – no need to heat up the kitchen!
• So, so good!: The magic lies in their perfect flavor and texture combo. The soft, sweet dates paired with creamy, tangy goat cheese and rich, crunchy walnuts are just *chef’s kiss*
• Mess-free treat: These two-bite treats are neat and convenient to eat, making them the perfect grab-and-go snack or appetizer for any occasion.
• Make-ahead friendly: Assemble these goat cheese stuffed dates a day or two before you need to serve them. Keep them in the fridge, let them come to room temperature, and enjoy! 
• Endlessly customizable: Whether you prefer sweet, savory, or a mix of both, these stuffed dates are the perfect base to get creative and enjoy an easy, indulgent snack anytime.

How to Make Stuffed Dates

Not everyone is a fan of dates, but if there’s one appetizer that can change someone’s mind, it’s these goat cheese stuffed dates. They’re bound to win anyone over; not only are they good, but a whole batch takes just 15 minutes to make. You can serve them as is, but I love them baked – it brings out the caramel-y flavor of the dates and the cheese becomes all melty. I’ve provided instructions for this below as well.

Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients You Need

• Medjool dates: Medjool dates are perfect for this recipe because of their soft texture, natural sweetness, and large size. 
• Goat cheese: Tart and creamy goat cheese perfectly complements the sweetness of the dates. For easier handling, I like to leave it out at room temperature to soften for about 15 to 20 minutes before I start the recipe.
• Walnuts: Adds richness and a nice texture contrast to the dates and cheese.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Now that you have your simple ingredients ready, it’s time to assemble these beauties. In just 2 simple steps, you’ll have a delicious party favorite ready to enjoy.

Step 1: Assemble

First, open each date and remove the pit by slicing one side from top to bottom. Stuff the dates with goat cheese and top each one with walnuts. Press the nuts gently into the cheese so they hold in place.

Step 2: Serve

Serve like this or warm in a preheated oven at 350 F on a baking sheet for 10 minutes until dates soften and are warmed through. I like to finish them off with a drizzle of hot honey, or some olive oil and a pinch of sea salt before serving.

Substitutions

Goat cheese stuffed dates require only 3 simple ingredients, but you may prefer alternatives. Whether you’re swapping cheeses or nuts, or looking for a different texture, this recipe is super adaptable. Here are some ideas to get you started.

• Goat cheese: Not a fan of goat cheese? Use cream cheese for a milder flavor or blue cheese for extra funk. Feta cheese also works great! If you’re looking for a plant-based alternative, try nut butter.
• Walnuts: If walnuts aren’t available, chopped almonds or pistachios are great substitutions.

Variations

One of the best things about stuffed dates is how versatile they are. You can easily switch up the ingredients to match your mood, preferences, or even the occasion. While goat cheese stuffed dates have amazing flavors, keep it exciting by trying new variations. They only take minutes to whip up, anyway! Here are some of my favorites!

• Take this treat to the next level by making bacon-wrapped stuffed dates! Wrap each stuffed date in a thin slice of bacon, secure with a toothpick, and arrange them on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes at 400 F or until the bacon is nice and crispy. 
• Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika before serving for a hint of heat.
• Try other cheese and nut variations like cream cheese and almonds, blue cheese and pecans, or herbed cheese and pistachios.
• For a more indulgent take, stuff the dates with peanut butter, then top with milk, dark, or white mini chocolate chips. My kids’ favorite!

Expert Tips

• Use a sharp knife for slicing: Cleanly slice the dates down the middle without cutting them all the way through to make stuffing easier.
• Don’t overstuff: Overstuffing can make the stuffed dates look messy. I like to use a small spoon or piping bag to evenly distribute the cheese and maintain a nice cheese-to-date ratio.
• Toast the nuts: Lightly toast the walnuts for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
• Add a garnish: A sprig of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary on top can add a subtle flavor boost and improve visual appeal.
• Serve with toothpicks: The dates become a bit sticky when baked, so I like to add some toothpicks or cocktail forks to the serving platter for the guests’ convenience.

How to Store This Recipe

Place leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 1 week. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving. If you want them warm, heat in the oven at 350 F for 15 minutes or until warmed through.

What to Serve with Stuffed Dates

Serve goat cheese stuffed dates as part of or alongside a charcuterie spread with an assortment of meats, cheeses, fruits, and nuts. They also pair well with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or crostini and some fresh fruits like grapes, apples, and pears. For the holidays, enjoy these stuffed dates with a glass of cranberry margarita or a mug of slow cooker mulled wine.

If you make these stuffed dates, please leave a review. I really appreciate each and every 5-star rating and review comment!