Last Updated on January 18, 2024 by Karen
These Blue Cheese and Walnut Stuffed Dates are one those effortless appetizers that never fail to impress – simple, elegant, and the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors!
One of my favorite tapa dish is Blue Cheese and Walnut Stuffed Dates. When you put toasted walnuts, blue cheese, and sweet medjool dates all together – you’ve got one elegant, simple, yet DELICIOUS snack or appetizer that you can whip up in minutes!
Blue cheese and walnut stuffed dates are a delectable appetizer featuring the sweet, chewy texture of dates paired with the savory richness of blue cheese and the crunchy nuttiness of walnuts. Originating from the Mediterranean region, this fusion of tastes and textures has evolved into a beloved dish that perfectly balances savory and sweet notes. These stuffed dates are a perfect one-bite snack for gatherings, cocktail parties, or as a starter for a gourmet dinner.
What ingredients are needed to make Blue Cheese and Walnut Stuffed Dates?
Walnuts: Walnut halves are easier to stuff into the dried dates, but chopped walnuts work also. The walnut complements the sweetness of the dates and rounds out the sharpness of the blue cheese very well.
Medjool dates: Medjool dates are known for their large size, sweet and caramel-like flavor, and chewy texture. They have a reddish color and their size makes them perfect for stuffing, and their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with the savory blue cheese and nutty walnuts, creating a balanced and delicious appetizer. These dates are readily available in most grocery stores and are commonly used in recipes that call for stuffed dates due to their taste and size. My grocery store also carries deglet noor dates, which have lighter amber color and more chewy. It’s an all-purpose date for snacking as well as in baking recipes.
Blue cheese: Almost all blue cheese varieties work for this dish. Whether it’s the creamy Gorgonzola, the sharp Roquefort, or the rich Stilton, the choice of blue cheese adds a distinctive character to these stuffed dates. See more below on which blue cheese to use in this recipe.
Cream cheese: You can use full fat or low-fat cream cheese.
Can I use pitted dates?
Yes. You can use pitted dates for ease and convenience. Whenever I’m making stuffed dates, though, I always use the unpitted kind and take the pits out myself. It adds an extra step, but I find that unpitted dates tend to taste fresher and more sticky. Just make a lengthwise slit in each medjool date and remove the pit carefully, creating enough space for the blue cheese and walnut stuffing.
What blue cheese is best for stuffed dates?
The choice of blue cheese for stuffed dates ultimately depends on your personal preference and availability. Here are a few popular options:
Gorgonzola: This Italian blue cheese has a creamy texture with a tangy and slightly salty taste. It pairs well with the sweetness of the dates and the nuttiness of walnuts.
Roquefort: A classic French blue cheese known for its strong and tangy flavor profile. It’s crumbly and has a distinct sharpness that can add a bold kick to the stuffed dates.
Stilton: An English blue cheese with a rich and mellow flavor. It’s creamy, slightly tangy, and less assertive compared to Roquefort, making it a good option for those who prefer a milder blue cheese.
Danish Blue: A milder blue cheese with a creamy texture and a slightly salty taste. It’s less pungent than some other varieties, making it a good choice for those who are new to blue cheese or prefer a milder flavor.
Feel free to explore these options or any other blue cheese varieties available to you. It’s best to choose a blue cheese that suits your taste preferences and complements the overall flavor profile of the stuffed dates.
Here’s how to make Blue Cheese and Walnut Stuffed Dates:
Prepare the dates: Carefully open up the date lengthwise, creating enough space for stuffing.
Stuff with cream cheese: Take a small amount of cream cheese (usually a teaspoon or less depending on the size of the date) and press it into the cavity of each date.
Add walnuts and blue cheese: Take a walnut halve and some crumbled blue cheese and place it on top of the cheese cheese in the date, gently pressing it in to secure.
Serve: Arrange the stuffed dates on a serving platter. They can be served at room temperature or slightly warmed in the oven for a few minutes to enhance the flavors and soften the cheese.
What are some ways to serve it?
A Standalone Appetizer or Finger Food: Arrange these gastronomic delights on a beautifully adorned platter, inviting guests to savor the amalgamation of flavors. The arrangement of stuffed dates amidst fresh herbs or drizzled with honey can enhance the visual appeal.
Complement to Cheese Boards: Elevate a cheese board’s allure by incorporating these stuffed dates, imparting a unique and complementary taste to other cheeses and accompaniments. Pair them with a selection of aged cheeses, fruits, and nuts for a diverse tasting experience.
Perfect Pairing: The nuanced flavors of these stuffed dates harmonize exquisitely with a glass of wine, creating a sensory symphony on the palate. Consider serving them alongside a robust red wine or a sweet dessert wine to enhance the overall dining experience.
Can you make these Blue Cheese and Walnut Stuffed Dates ahead of time?
Yes, you can absolutely make blue cheese and walnut stuffed dates ahead of time! They’re a great appetizer for preparing in advance. Just prepare the stuffed dates a day ahead. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Take them out about 30 minutes before serving to bring them to room temperature, enhancing their flavors.
Are Blue Cheese and Walnut Stuffed Dates healthy?
Medjool Dates: Beyond their irresistible taste, Medjool dates offer health benefits. They are a natural source of energy, contain essential minerals like potassium and magnesium, and are rich in fiber, aiding digestion and promoting satiety.
Blue Cheese: While indulging in its intense flavor, blue cheese offers nutritional value. It contains calcium and protein, vital for bone health and muscle repair, and probiotics that promote gut health.
Walnuts: These nutrient-packed nuts are known for their heart-healthy properties. Rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, walnuts support brain health, reduce inflammation, and contribute to overall well-being.
Here are some variations to this Blue Cheese and Walnut Stuffed Dates recipe:
One thing that I love about this recipe is that it is very easy to customize to suit your taste and the taste of your guests.
- Bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with blue cheese and walnuts: wrap each stuffed date with half strip of savory bacon, then baking or broiling it until the bacon is crispy. This enhances the overall savory-sweet profile. For a healthier twist, consider using turkey bacon or plant-based alternatives.
- Flavor with herbs: add some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic layer to this culinary creation. A sprinkle of finely chopped herbs can bring a refreshing contrast to the richness of the blue cheese and walnuts.
- Substitute the walnuts with pecans, almonds, pistachios, or cashew nuts.
- Use spiced or candied nuts: Instead of plain walnuts, use spiced nuts (like spiced pecans or almonds) or candied nuts for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
- Different cheese combinations: Not a fan of blue cheese? You can use other kinds of soft cheese such as goat cheese, feta cheese, mascarpone, or just use a little bit more cream cheese to hold it together.
- Fruit additions: Enhance the flavor profile by adding a small slice of apple or pear inside the date along with the cheese and nut for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze: Before serving, drizzle a little bit of honey or a balsamic reduction over the stuffed dates for a touch of sweetness and complexity.
These variations can add different textures, tastes, and levels of complexity to your stuffed dates, making them even more appealing to various palates and preferences. Feel free to mix and match or create your own unique combination!
These Blue Cheese and Walnut Stuffed Dates offer a delightful combination of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors, making them a popular appetizer for parties, gatherings, as part of a tapa style meal, or even as a unique addition to a cheese board. These stuffed dates are a low-maintenance appetizer that you’re basically just assembling everything you can find in the fridge and pantry. It’s a nice last-minute snack you can throw together when you have friends stopping by. Plus, the salty, sweet, and nutty combination is always a crowd pleaser!
Tips for making stuffed dates:
- Soaking the dates in warm water before stuffing can help enhance their natural sweetness and make them softer and easier to work with.
- Give the walnuts a quick toast in a pan or in the oven to bring out their nutty flavor and give them some crispiness. That’s a crucial step you wouldn’t want to skip!
I’d love to hear what other combinations of nuts and cheese you use – just leave a message in the comments section below.
Blue Cheese and Walnut Stuffed Dates
Ingredients
- 12 whole or halved walnut
- 12 large Medjool dates sliced lengthwise and pitted
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 2 oz blue cheese crumbled
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Toast walnuts in a baking sheet until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Remove from baking sheet and allow to cool.
- Using a piping bag or a small spoon, stuff each pitted date with half teaspoon of cream cheese.
- Gently press walnut pieces and blue cheese crumbles into each date.
- Serve at room temperature.
Looks delish and simple to make! Making it for my next get together!
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How long do these keep? Can they be done a day ahead?
Yes! They can be made ahead, just refrigerate and take them out to warm at room temperature before serving.