Description
Succulent Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates deliver Mediterranean elegance with minimal ingredients. Bold cheese and sweet dates create an irresistible appetizer that will delight guests at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 10 oz (280 grams) Medjool dates, pitted and sliced open on one side
- 3 oz (85 grams) feta cheese, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- ¾ cup (75 grams) Parmesan cheese, shredded
- ⅓ cup (40 grams) walnuts, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 tbsps scallions
- 2 tbsps parsley (or arugula), chopped
- 1 ½ tsps olive oil
- 1 ½ tsps honey
- 1 tsp orange zest
- ¼ tsp salt
- Pepper, to taste
- Honey, for drizzling
Instructions
- Preparation: Ignite the oven to 375°F (190°C), positioning the rack centrally for uniform roasting.
- Topping Creation: Whisk walnuts, rosemary, scallions, parsley, olive oil, honey, orange zest, salt, and pepper into a vibrant, aromatic blend.
- Cheese Coating: Dip feta pieces first in honey, then roll generously in Parmesan to craft a crisp, savory exterior.
- Date Assembly: Delicately split Medjool dates, extract pits, and nestle the honey-Parmesan feta inside each tender pocket.
- Baking Process: Arrange stuffed dates in a single layer within a baking dish, lavish with walnut-herb mixture, and roast for 15-18 minutes until golden and heated through.
- Finishing Touch: Drizzle additional honey over the roasted dates, creating a glistening, sweet accent.
- Serving: Present immediately while warm, allowing guests to savor the complex interplay of textures and flavors.
Notes
- Select Premium Dates: Choose plump, soft Medjool dates for the best texture and sweetness, ensuring they’re fresh and free from blemishes.
- Cheese Coating Technique: Gently roll feta in honey first, then Parmesan for a perfect crispy exterior that caramelizes beautifully during roasting.
- Herb Mixture Matters: Finely chop herbs to distribute flavors evenly, releasing maximum aromatic oils and creating a more cohesive topping.
- Temperature Precision: Watch closely during the last few minutes of roasting to prevent burning, as the honey and Parmesan can quickly turn from golden to overdone.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 178
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg