Feta Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates with Honey Walnut Herb Crunch Recipe
Introduction
Feta Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates with Honey Walnut Herb Crunch is a delightful appetizer that blends sweet, salty, and nutty flavors. This elegant yet simple dish is perfect for entertaining or a special treat anytime.
Ingredients
- 12 large dates
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh mixed herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley), chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully pit the dates if they are not already pitted and stuff each date with a small amount of crumbled feta cheese.
- Step 2: Place the stuffed dates on a baking sheet and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over them. Roast in the oven for about 10 minutes until the cheese is slightly melted and golden.
- Step 3: While the dates are roasting, prepare the walnut herb crunch by mixing chopped walnuts, honey, and fresh herbs in a small bowl.
- Step 4: Remove the dates from the oven and immediately spoon the honey walnut herb mixture over each one. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, lightly toast the walnuts before mixing them with honey and herbs.
- Try using goat cheese or blue cheese instead of feta for a different taste.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes to the walnut mix for a subtle spicy kick.
- Use dried herbs if fresh ones are not available, but reduce the quantity by half as dried herbs are more concentrated.
Storage
Store any leftover stuffed dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or serve cold, as the texture may change slightly. The walnut herb topping is best added fresh before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare these dates ahead of time?
You can stuff the dates with cheese a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated, but it’s best to roast and add the walnut topping just before serving for the freshest texture and flavor.
Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?
Yes, pecans or almonds work well as alternatives and add a different crunch and flavor to the topping.
PrintFeta Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates with Honey Walnut Herb Crunch Recipe
Delight in the perfect blend of sweet and savory with these Feta Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates topped with a honey walnut herb crunch. This elegant appetizer features dates filled with creamy feta and sharp parmesan cheese, roasted to enhance their natural sweetness, then finished with a crunchy mixture of honey-glazed walnuts and fresh herbs for a burst of flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 stuffed dates (serves 6–8 as appetizer) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dates and Filling
- 16 Medjool dates, pitted
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Walnut Herb Crunch
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Dates: Carefully slice each date on one side to create an opening for stuffing without cutting all the way through. Remove the pits if not already pitted to make room for the filling.
- Stuff the Dates: Mix together the crumbled feta and grated Parmesan cheese in a bowl. Using a small spoon or your fingers, stuff each date generously with the cheese mixture, pressing gently to fill the cavity.
- Roast the Stuffed Dates: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffed dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast them for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese softens and the dates are warmed through, careful not to overcook to prevent burning.
- Prepare the Honey Walnut Herb Crunch: While the dates roast, combine chopped walnuts, honey, fresh parsley, thyme, and a pinch of salt in a small skillet over medium heat. Toast the mixture gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until the walnuts are fragrant and coated evenly with the honey and herbs. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Assemble and Serve: Once the dates are roasted, transfer them to a serving platter and spoon the honey walnut herb crunch generously over the top. Serve warm or at room temperature for a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Notes
- Medjool dates are preferred for their size and sweetness but substitute with other large soft dates if unavailable.
- Adjust the amount of honey in the walnut herb crunch to suit your sweetness preference.
- Herbs like rosemary or basil can be used as alternatives for a different flavor profile.
- For a nuttier flavor, walnuts can be toasted separately before mixing with honey and herbs.
- This appetizer can be prepared ahead; roast dates and prepare walnut crunch separately, then assemble before serving.
Keywords: stuffed dates, feta cheese appetizer, roasted dates, honey walnut topping, Mediterranean appetizers, easy party snacks, savory stuffed fruit
