Goats cheese stuffed dates

A delightful treat, goats cheese stuffed dates are perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy night in. These little bites pack a punch of flavor and are sure to impress at any gathering. With the sweet richness of dates paired with creamy goat cheese and a hint of savory turkey bacon, they make an exquisite appetizer for pre-drinks or festive dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and can be made in just 30 minutes.
• Flavorful Combination: The sweet dates, tangy goats cheese, and savory turkey bacon create a harmonious blend that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Versatile Serve: Perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or as a simple snack, these stuffed dates fit any occasion.
• Healthier Alternative: Using turkey bacon instead of traditional pork products makes this dish lighter without sacrificing taste.
• Impressive Presentation: Stuffed dates look elegant on a serving platter, making them ideal for impressing guests.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious goats cheese stuffed dates, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Sharp knife
• Baking tray or baking dish
• Food processor
• Cold frying pan

Importance of Each Tool

• Sharp knife: A good knife ensures clean cuts when slicing the dates, making stuffing easier.
• Baking tray or baking dish: A sturdy tray helps in even baking and prevents sticking.
• Food processor: This tool quickly blends the goats cheese mixture into a smooth consistency.

Ingredients

• 20 dates
• 250 g Turkey Bacon (diced)
• 40 g walnuts (roughly chopped)
• 1 tbsp rosemary (finely diced)
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 250 g goats cheese
• 1 orange zest
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• salt and pepper

How to Make Goats Cheese Stuffed Dates

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180 degrees C / 350 degrees F. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect warm and gooey texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Dates

Using a sharp knife:
1. Slice the dates lengthways without splitting them in half.
2. Remove the seeds from each date and discard them. Set the prepared dates aside.

Step 3: Cook the Turkey Bacon and Walnuts

In a cold pan:
1. Add the diced Turkey Bacon.
2. Turn the heat to high and cook for about 3 minutes while stirring occasionally.
3. Add the walnuts, two-thirds of the rosemary, maple syrup, and brown sugar.
4. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes until the turkey bacon is crispy and you achieve a jammy consistency.

Step 4: Make the Goats Cheese Mixture

In a food processor:
1. Combine the goats cheese, two-thirds of the orange zest, olive oil, and add salt and pepper to taste.
2. Blend until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Stuff the Dates

1. Take roughly a teaspoon of the goats cheese mixture and stuff it into each date.
2. Place the stuffed dates onto a baking tray or into a baking dish.
3. Sprinkle the candied walnuts and turkey bacon mixture over the top.

Step 6: Bake & Serve

1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
2. Once baked, sprinkle over remaining rosemary and orange zest before serving immediately.

Enjoy your delicious goats cheese stuffed dates!

How to Serve Goats cheese stuffed dates

Goats cheese stuffed dates are a delightful treat that can elevate any gathering, whether it’s a casual get-together or a festive dinner. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance this decadent snack.

Pair with Fresh Greens

• Tossed Salad: Serve the stuffed dates on a bed of mixed greens dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• Spinach Salad: A spinach salad with walnuts and cranberries complements the richness of the goats cheese.

Accompany with Dipping Sauces

• Balsamic Reduction: Drizzle balsamic reduction over the stuffed dates for an added layer of flavor.
• Honey Dip: A simple honey dip enhances sweetness and balances the savory notes of the dish.

Create a Charcuterie Board

• Cheese Variety: Include different cheeses alongside the goats cheese stuffed dates for diverse flavor pairings.
• Crackers and Bread: Offer an assortment of crackers or sliced baguette for guests to enjoy with the dates.

Enjoy as Part of a Tapas Spread

• Small Plates: Incorporate these stuffed dates into a tapas menu with other small bites like olives, hummus, and bruschetta.
• Wine Pairing: While avoiding alcohol, serve with sparkling grape juice for an elegant touch.

How to Perfect Goats cheese stuffed dates

To make sure your goats cheese stuffed dates turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Using fresh, high-quality goats cheese and plump dates will significantly enhance the flavor.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste your mixture before stuffing. Adjust maple syrup or brown sugar based on your preference for sweetness.
• Mind Your Seasoning: Don’t forget to season your goats cheese mixture well with salt and pepper to balance flavors.
• Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add dried fruits or herbs into the stuffing for extra texture and taste.
• Watch Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time; you want them warm but not overcooked.

Best Side Dishes for Goats cheese stuffed dates

Pairing side dishes with goats cheese stuffed dates can create a well-rounded meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized adds color and nutrition to your plate.
2. Quinoa Salad: This protein-packed salad brings freshness and is easy to prepare ahead of time.
3. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Filled with rice, beans, or lentils, they provide heartiness alongside the sweet bites.
4. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread offers a satisfying crunch that contrasts well with soft stuffed dates.
5. Couscous Pilaf: Fluffy couscous tossed with herbs and nuts makes for an aromatic side that pairs beautifully.
6. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad: A vibrant salad loaded with chickpeas, cucumbers, and feta complements the rich flavors nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Goats cheese stuffed dates, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Bold Preparation: Not properly prepping the dates can lead to messy stuffing. Always slice them carefully without splitting them in half to maintain their shape.

• Bold Overcooking: Cooking the turkey bacon too long can make it tough. Keep an eye on it and aim for a crispy texture while maintaining a bit of chewiness.

• Bold Cheese Consistency: Failing to blend the goats cheese mixture until smooth can result in an uneven texture. Ensure you blend until well combined for a creamy filling.

• Bold Skipping Seasoning: Neglecting salt and pepper in the goats cheese mix can dull the flavors. Always taste and adjust seasoning before stuffing the dates.

• Bold Ignoring Garnish: Forgetting to add the final touches, like rosemary and orange zest, can make your dish less appealing. Don’t skip this step; garnishes enhance both flavor and presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Best consumed within 3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Goats cheese stuffed dates

• Place in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Goats cheese stuffed dates

• Bold Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and bake for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Bold Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30 seconds, checking frequently.
• Bold Stovetop: Warm gently in a pan over low heat, turning occasionally to avoid burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Goats cheese stuffed dates:

What variations can I try with Goats cheese stuffed dates?

You can experiment with different nuts like almonds or pecans, or use different herbs such as thyme or basil for unique flavors.

Can I substitute goats cheese?

Yes, if you’re looking for a milder flavor, cream cheese or ricotta can work well as alternatives.

How do I ensure my Goats cheese stuffed dates are not too sweet?

Balance the sweetness by adding a pinch of salt or using less maple syrup in the filling.

Are Goats cheese stuffed dates suitable for parties?

Absolutely! They are an impressive appetizer that is sure to delight your guests at any gathering.

How should I serve Goats cheese stuffed dates?

Serve them warm as they come out of the oven, garnished with extra herbs or zest for added freshness and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Goats cheese stuffed dates are a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors that make them perfect for any occasion. Their versatility allows you to customize the fillings and garnishes based on personal preferences. Whether served as an appetizer at parties or enjoyed as a snack, these treats are sure to impress your family and friends. Try them today!