Delightful Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates with a sweet and crunchy honey-walnut herb topping. This appetizer combines the natural sweetness of Medjool dates with tangy cheeses and a fragrant, toasted walnut crunch for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:12 servings
Ingredients
Dates and Cheese Filling
12 large Medjool dates
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Honey-Walnut Herb Crunch
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Dates: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully slice each Medjool date lengthwise and remove the pit to create a pocket for the filling.
Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine the crumbled feta and grated Parmesan cheese until well mixed. Spoon the cheese mixture into each pitted date, pressing gently to fill evenly.
Prepare the Honey-Walnut Crunch: Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped walnuts and toast for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until they are golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat, then stir in the honey and chopped fresh thyme. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Assemble and Bake: Arrange the stuffed dates on a baking sheet and drizzle the honey-walnut herb mixture evenly over each one. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes until the cheese is warm and slightly melted.
Serve: Remove the dates from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm as an elegant appetizer or snack perfect for sharing.
Notes
Medjool dates are preferred for their large size and natural sweetness, but any large soft dates can be used as a substitute.
Use fresh thyme for the best flavor, but dried thyme can be used in smaller amounts if needed.
Walnuts can be substituted with pecans or almonds for different nutty flavors and textures.
For a vegan version, substitute feta and Parmesan with plant-based cheese alternatives.
Be careful not to overtoast the walnuts to avoid bitterness.
Serving the dates warm enhances the melty texture of the cheese and the aroma of the herb crunch.
