Stuffed dates get the royal treatment –yet with total ease!– in this, one of my all-time favorite recipes. A shower of lime zest and dusting of salt, warmed in evoo, help make this the most sophisticated appetizer in my repertoire. Everyone loves them for their deep caramel-like flavor, even the date-wary!

Stuffed dates are not just one of the most delicious foods you can make or eat–for me, they hold special memories and are so evocative of my time in culinary school in California (see my story). It was there that I was dazzled by the dates we learned in class, so much so that they found their way to this site early on and then into my first cookbook. Even though dates are so much a part of the cuisine of the Middle East and Lebanon, it took that California dreamin’ and this recipe for stuffed dates for my attention to be truly peaked! I serve them every chance I get as a nibble, a sophisticated yet incredibly easy appetizer, or a simple after-dinner treat, a mignardise at its finest with wonderful flavor and texture. I like to make extra and eat them as a simple snack too. 

Big, chewy medjool pitted dates are what I’ve always considered nature’s candy–such sweet dates with their deep caramel-y flavor with brown sugar notes. My easy recipe features soft dates filled with toasted almonds and finished with a dusting of lime zest (so unexpected!) and fine sea salt–served warm after a brief sauté with just a little bit of olive oil in a pan, stovetop. 

Ingredient Notes

When making stuffed dates, it’s essential to choose the right type of date. Fresh medjool dates are my favorite for their large size, soft texture, and great flavor. These chewy dates bring a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with a variety of fillings. 

While the date can be filled in countless ways, here we are stuffing with roasted, salted almonds. Nut variations are fine of course but you want the nut to fit into the date nicely. 

To elevate your stuffed dates, you can incorporate dried fruits, orange zest, or lime zest into pretty much any filling. You might even consider drizzling the top of each date with a touch of honey or spicy honey for an extra kick.

The warming process is straightforward. Preheat your oven and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once your dates are filled, you can roast them for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This step is optional, but it certainly enhances the flavors by caramelizing the edges of the dates.

Variations

There are countless fun ideas for variations of stuffed dates. For the filling, the date is your blank canvas in lots of ways. consider using a creamy cheese mixture. Cream cheese is a classic option, providing a rich and tangy flavor. Alternatively, creamy goat cheese, creamy boursin cheese, or a spicy cheese mixture that includes red pepper all will contrast the sweetness of the date beautifully.

You can also experiment with different types of nut butter for a more health-conscious option. Your favorite nut butter, such as peanut butter, will add a great taste profile.

If using any of these creamy fillings, turning my stuffed dates recipe into something like goat cheese stuffed dates, be sure to fill and close the whole date around the filling before warming in olive oil, or else the filling will be messy. Alternatively, if leaving the date openly stuffed, simply stuff your whole dates with your favorite nut butter or one of the creamy fillings here and enjoy them at room temperature without warming them in evoo. You can also drizzle with evoo and bake the dates to warm them through briefly at 350°F for about 15 minutes.

You can also create a savory option by wrapping your dates with a slice of bacon. This adds a smoky flavor that complements the sweet dates really well. For another unique twist, try using blue cheese or a mix of creamy dollops of goat cheese and chopped dried fruit. This combination goes all in on the creamy and chewy elements.

Another great recipe: stuff dates with a mixture of cream cheese mixed with cocoa powder, to go the dessert route. Add some confectioners’ sugar to the mix since the cocoa is bitter and unsweetened. YGarnish with a drizzle of hot honey for an exquisite touch.

Don’t forget to consider the holiday season! Stuffed dates make fantastic finger foods for festive gatherings. Fill them with a mixture of dried fruits and nuts for a wholesome snack that adds a touch of elegance to cheese boards for holiday parties. 

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers after a gathering, don’t worry; stuffed dates store well. I always make extra because I want them leftover!! To maintain their freshness, place any uneaten dates in an airtight container. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider placing them in the refrigerator. They can last at least a week when stored properly.

For those who prepare the whole batch in advance, you can also freeze them. Just make sure to use a storage container that is freezer-safe and airtight. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply thaw them at room temperature.

More recipes with dates to try

Get more great date flavor baking a loaf of my date nut bread. Add slices to your cheese board for a delicious base for cheeses.

Bake a melty Baked Brie and try it with chopped dates in place of the jam.

Dates are DIVINE in my old-fashioned Coconut Date Balls recipe too.