Stuffed Dates (recipe roundup)

Stuffed Dates are an easy appetizer and each recipe here includes suggested variations. These recipes may call for Medjool dates; they originated in Morocco, and arrived in California in 1927.

Image credit

• Bacon-Wrapped Dates
• Boursin®-Stuffed Dates
• Feta-Stuffed Dates

Photo credit: Thomas J. Story

Bacon-Wrapped Dates ingredients (2)

Makes 18 pieces 

6 strips thin-sliced bacon
18 Medjool dates, pitted


Variation

• Stuff a slice of water chestnut in each date before wrapping with bacon.
• Cheese-Stuffed Dates With Prosciutto via Leite's Culinaria (Giada De Laurentiis, Giada at Home: Family Recipes from Italy and California)

Bacon-Wrapped Dates Directions

Cut bacon crosswise into four-inch (4-inch) lengths. Wrap each date snugly with a piece of bacon, overlapping ends.

Place dates, seam-sides down, in a ten to twelve-inch (10- to 12-inch) nonstick skillet over Medium heat. Turn dates occasionally until bacon is browned and crisp on all sides, about six to eight (6 to 8) minutes total.

Drain on paper towels. Serve warm or cool.

Source: GA, Sunset Magazine

Website

Boursin®-Stuffed Dates ingredients (2)

Makes about 34 pieces

1 (2-lbs / 907g) box dried Medjool dates, pitted (You'll have about 18 extra dates to use for another purpose.) 

1 (5.2-oz / 150g) box Boursin® Cheese Garlic & Fine Herbs, (a brand of Gournay cheese)


Variations
Stuff with Mock Boursin Cheese Spread. You'll have a small amount of extra spread, or increased yield.

Stuff with softened Neufchâtel cheese blended with

• Diced fresh jalapeño pepper or
• Fresh orange or lemon juice and a bit of the zest or
• Shredded sharp White Cheddar cheese

Boursin®-Stuffed Dates Directions

Bring Boursin® Cheese to room temperature. Then, neatly spoon into the pitted Medjool dates. Place on tray and serve.

For advance preparation, cover the stuffed dates tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to twenty-four (24) hours. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Source: GA

Source

Feta-Stuffed Dates ingredients (2)

Makes about 24 pieces

1.5-lbs dried Medjool dates, pitted
Crumbled feta cheese


Variation
Stuff with crumbled blue cheese.

Feta-Stuffed Dates Directions

Stuff each date with feta and place on serving plate. Serve immediately or cover tightly and refrigerate until serving time.

Source: My Persian Kitchen

Stuffed Dates Notes

Dates are very nutritious and are an excellent source of dietary fiber (LiveStrong.com).

To make slicing the Medjools easier, first place your knife under hot water.

Carefully slice dates lengthwise and gently remove pits.Neatness counts in presentation!

Medjool dates are available at Whole Foods Market and frequently at Costco. Dried Medjools are more expensive than some other dates; however, you get what you pay for. Medjool dates are sweet, of plump size and nice texture. 

You might like
Moroccan Carrot Salad with Oranges & Medjool Dates
Roasted Carrots with Dates & Raisins


Index
Appetizers and Snacks > Finger foods

Page last modified 24 December 2015