When I think about holiday snacks, I want something that feels indulgent but doesn’t require a ton of effort. These stuffed dates hit that sweet spot—rich, savory, and surprisingly elegant. They’re a neat trick to bring a wow factor without breaking a sweat. Plus, they’re perfect for nibbling and offer that warm, cheesy, smoky bite everyone loves.
Why I Keep Coming Back to This Snack
It’s quick to assemble, yet feels fancy enough for guests. The flavor combo is addictive—salty, sweet, smoky, and cheesy all at once. Plus, the versatility means I can tweak ingredients based on what’s in the pantry or mood. It’s a dependable, crowd-pleasing bite that makes any holiday table feel special.
Inside the Flavors: What’s Going on in These Dates
- Dates:: Sweet and chewy, they form a fantastic caramel-like base. Use Medjool for best flavor.
- Blue cheese or goat cheese:: Adds a salty, tangy punch that contrasts with the sweet dates. Swap with cream cheese if you prefer milder.
- Prosciutto or bacon:: Wraps add crispiness and smoky aroma, balancing sweetness. Try ham or turkey for a leaner option.
- Optional herbs or nuts:: A sprinkle of thyme or chopped pistachios can elevate the flavor and texture.
- Olive oil or melted butter:: A light brush before baking enhances browning and crispness.
Tools of the Trade for Stuffed Date Magic
- Baking sheet with parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Small knife or paring knife: To carefully pit and slit the dates.
- Cheese grater (if shredding cheese): For quick, even cheese preparation.
- Tongs or toothpicks: To handle hot dates and wrap with prosciutto.
Crafting the Perfect Stuffed Date Snack
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
Step 2: Pit the dates carefully, making a small slit if needed.
Step 3: Stuff each date with a small piece of blue cheese or goat cheese.
Step 4: Wrap each stuffed date with a half slice of prosciutto or bacon.
Step 5: Place the wrapped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 6: Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the prosciutto is crispy and the cheese is bubbling.
Step 7: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Stuffed Dates with Blue Cheese and Prosciutto
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using a small knife, carefully slit each date lengthwise to create an opening, then gently remove the pit if present.
- Stuff each date with a small piece of blue cheese or goat cheese, pressing gently to fill the cavity fully.
- Take a half slice of prosciutto and wrap it snugly around each stuffed date, securing it with tongs or toothpicks if needed.
- Place the wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
- Brush each prosciutto-wrapped date lightly with olive oil or melted butter to enhance browning and crispness.
- Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, until the prosciutto is crispy and the cheese is bubbling inside.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the dates cool slightly, allowing the cheese to set just enough for easy eating.
- Use tongs or toothpicks to transfer the warm stuffed dates to a serving platter, then serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
Crispy, Chewy, and Juicy: Cooking Checkpoints
- Dates should be soft and slightly caramelized after baking.
- Prosciutto or bacon should be crispy and golden.
- Cheese inside should be melted and oozy.
- Watch for burning edges; reduce oven temp slightly if needed.
Common Pitfalls and How to Dodge Them
- Oven cold when you put in dates.? FORGOT to preheat oven → Always get oven warming early.
- Cheese oozes out during baking.? DUMPED too much cheese → Use a small amount; overstuffed dates leak.
- Bacon burns before cheese melts.? OVER-TORCHED bacon → Check after 15 min; adjust time.
- Dates split open during baking.? DIDN’T slice dates deep enough → Make a small slit to prevent bursting.
These stuffed dates are a little unexpected, but they pack a punch of salty, sweet, and smoky flavors that make them irresistible. The process is straightforward, but the flavor combo feels fancy enough for a holiday gathering. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add a sprinkle of herbs before baking. Enjoy the warm, gooey bites that always seem to disappear faster than you think.
I’m Mayank, the creator, cook, and writer behind this blog. FeastChase is not just a collection of recipes — it’s a journey through tastes, memories, and moments that bring people together at the table.