Blue Cheese Stuffed Dates
An easy and elegant appetizer combining sweet Medjool dates with creamy blue cheese, toasted nuts, and a drizzle of honey, perfect for parties and gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 20 stuffed dates (about 10 servings) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 20 large Medjool dates, pitted
- 4 ounces blue cheese (such as Gorgonzola or Danish Blue), crumbled or softened
- ½ cup walnuts or pecans, toasted and chopped (optional but recommended)
- 1–2 tablespoons honey
- A few sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Toast the nuts (optional): Place ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Prepare the blue cheese filling: In a small bowl, crumble or soften 4 ounces of blue cheese. For a smoother filling, mash gently with a fork or pulse briefly in a food processor. Stir in the toasted nuts (reserve a few for garnish), 1 tablespoon honey, a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper, and 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme or rosemary if using. Mix until well combined.
- Prepare the dates: Using a small knife, make a lengthwise slit in each date without cutting all the way through. Remove the pit if not already pitted.
- Stuff the dates: Using a small spoon or butter knife, fill each date with about 1 teaspoon of the blue cheese mixture. Avoid overstuffing.
- Arrange and garnish: Place the stuffed dates on a serving platter. Drizzle extra honey over the top and sprinkle with reserved toasted nuts and fresh herb leaves.
- Optional warming: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the platter or baking sheet in the oven for 5–7 minutes until the cheese softens slightly but does not melt completely. Watch closely to avoid drying out the dates.
Notes
Let blue cheese sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before mixing for easier stuffing. Use a sharp paring knife to slit dates gently. Toast nuts for added crunch and flavor. Avoid overstuffing dates to maintain balance. Warm stuffed dates briefly in the oven if desired, but watch closely to prevent cheese from melting too much or dates drying out.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 2 stuffed date
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 13
- Sodium: 210
- Fat: 11
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
Keywords: blue cheese stuffed dates, appetizer, party food, easy appetizer, elegant appetizer, Medjool dates, blue cheese, nuts, honey