Need a quick, impressive holiday appetizer? These goat cheese stuffed dates are the answer! With just 4 ingredients—Medjool dates, goat cheese, pistachios, and pomegranate molasses—you can have a delicious treat in under 15 minutes. Plus, you can customize it with additional toppings like olive oil or herbs. 

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Why you’ll love it

These goat cheese stuffed dates are one to keep in your back pocket for holiday parties! Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:

• Super quick and easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, these savory stuffed dates are perfect for last-minute entertaining or that mid-afternoon snack craving.
• Minimal ingredients: With only four key ingredients—many of which you probably already have in your pantry—you can whip these up anytime.
• Customizable: Make them your own! Add a drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of flaky salt, or fresh herbs to elevate your goat cheese stuffed dates to the next level.
• Versatile: Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, throwing a party, or simply enjoying a fancy snack at home, these little bites are always a hit! 

Why are goat cheese stuffed dates healthy?

These goat cheese stuffed dates are balanced with all the good stuff—energizing carbs, protein, and healthy fats. Here’s some impressive nutritional benefits of each ingredient: 

• Medjool dates are filled with 7 grams of fiber per 4 pieces with zero added sugars, providing a quick energy boost while supporting digestive health. They’re kinda like nature’s candy!
• Pistachios have heart-healthy fats and essential vitamins, like B6, which research shows may play a role in supporting brain health.
• Goat cheese is lower in lactose than traditional cow’s milk cheeses if that’s something you need to limit. Plus, it offers a good amount of calcium and protein.
• Pomegranate molasses is a thick, tangy syrup made by reducing pomegranate juice. Pomegranate juice is rich in antioxidants and nutrients, which some research shows may help improve blood pressure levels. 

Ingredients you’ll need

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious goat cheese stuffed dates:

• Medjool dates: These soft and large dates are best for stuffing. You can usually find these in the produce or bulk section of your grocery store. They’re even available at wholesale stores like Costco.
• Pistachios: Roasted and lightly salted pistachios add a delightful crunch to each bite. Just roughly chop them up before adding.
• Goat cheese: Opt for plain, soft goat cheese. Let it sit at room temperature for a bit to make mixing a breeze! 
• Pomegranate molasses: This one may be a bit harder to find but it should be in the Middle Eastern section of your store. You can also order it online. We love using this one that’s also lightly sweetened with dates. If you don’t want to buy pomegranate molasses, you can use a plain or flavored honey in its place.
• Optional toppings: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding flaky salt, a drizzle of olive oil, fresh herbs, or a touch of honey. The choice is yours!

How to make goat cheese stuffed dates

These goat cheese stuffed dates come together in just a few easy steps:

1. Prepare the dates: Start by making a lengthwise slit in each Medjool date and carefully remove the pit. Be gentle—you want to keep the date intact for stuffing and make sure not to cut the date all the way through.
2. Mix the filling: In a small bowl, combine the goat cheese with 1/2 cup of chopped pistachios. Mix until everything is evenly blended.
3. Stuff the dates: Add about 1 tablespoon of the goat cheese mixture and lovingly stuff it into each date. Don’t be shy—these bites are meant to be flavorful!
4. Drizzle and top: Give each stuffed date a sweet drizzle of pomegranate molasses (about ¼ teaspoon per date) and sprinkle the remaining chopped pistachios on top for that extra crunch.
5. Optional toppings: Elevate your creation with a pinch of flaky salt, a drizzle of olive oil, or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
6. Serve: Arrange your beautiful stuffed dates on a platter and serve immediately, or pop them in the fridge for later.

Recipe tips and tricks

• Serving Suggestions: Elevate your appetizer game by pairing these goat cheese stuffed dates with sparkling wine or other light bites.
• Troubleshooting Tips: 
  • If the goat cheese mixture is too firm to work with, let it sit at room temperature for a few extra minutes to soften.
  • If your dates tear while pitting, don’t worry—simply press them back together after filling, and the stuffing will hold them in place.
  • Lastly, if the pomegranate molasses sinks into the cheese too quickly, drizzle it right before serving to maintain its vibrant presentation.
• Scaling tips: This recipe is super flexible—feel free to double or triple it! Just increase the ingredients proportionally based on how many dates you need.

Customize it your way

Like all of my recipes, these goat cheese stuffed dates are completely customizable to fit your taste and dietary preferences! Here are some fun ways to make it your own:

• Toppings of your choice: Try sprinkling over herbs like fresh thyme, parsley, or rosemary to add an earthy element. For a sweeter bite, add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. For a more savory bite, sprinkle over a touch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil.

Can I make goat cheese stuffed dates ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and stuff these goat cheese stuffed dates a few hours in advance, making them a convenient choice for entertaining. Just remember to hold off on adding the pomegranate molasses and any other toppings until right before serving to keep everything fresh and tasty. These delicious bites can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

We’ve frozen these bites and simply thawed them a couple of hours before serving—they’re still just as delicious!

How do I store leftovers?

If you happen to have leftover goat cheese stuffed dates (though I can’t guarantee they’ll last long!), simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to indulge again, you can enjoy them cold or let them come to room temperature for the best flavor experience.

You can also freeze them by placing the stuffed dates in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to serve, thaw them in the fridge for a few hours or at room temperature until softened.

Need more help with recipes for your busy schedule?

In my coaching + cooking program, I help busy people with beginner cooking knowledge become confident in the kitchen so that they can enjoy nourishing foods they love and stress less about mealtime. Click here to learn more about this virtual program led by a dietitian.

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try these holiday-ready recipes too:

• Date Snickers
• Individual Charcuterie Cups
• Holiday Christmas Rice “Wreath”