Suddenly, something as simple and sweet as the Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese and Nuts Recipe feels like the ultimate little treat—like a burst of sunshine and savory charm all wrapped up in one bite. These bites bring together creamy, crunchy, and sweet all at once, making them irresistibly special and perfect for almost any occasion.

A gray stone plate holds around fifteen dark brown dates, each split open and filled with different toppings. Some dates are filled with a smooth light brown peanut butter and topped with a bright red raspberry. Others have a creamy white cheese with a single pecan and small green herb leaves on top. A few dates are filled with a creamy peanut mix and sprinkled with chopped light brown nuts. The dates have a shiny, sticky texture, and nut pieces are scattered around the plate. The plate is set on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese and Nuts Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese and Nuts Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese and Nuts Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get enough of how versatile and quick the Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese and Nuts Recipe is—whether you’re hosting or just craving a quick snack, it really hits the sweet spot every time.

Effortless Elegance: You can whip these up in minutes and still wow everyone with a sophisticated flavor combo.
Customizable Flavors: From creamy goat cheese to sweet chocolate, you get to tailor each bite to exactly what you love.
Perfect Party Pleaser: These stuffed dates always steal the show and spark conversations at any gathering.
Healthy-ish Indulgence: With natural sweetness from dates and protein-packed nuts, they’re a treat that feels a little better for you.

A white plate sits on a white marbled surface with 18 stuffed dates arranged in a circle. There are five types of toppings in groups: soft brown peanut butter with a bright red raspberry on top; light tan peanut butter sprinkled with chopped nuts; creamy white cheese topped with a small pecan and green herbs; smooth white cheese with a slice of red sun-dried tomato inside; and light tan peanut butter topped with banana slices and a dark syrup drizzle, sprinkled with crushed nuts. Around the plate, there are scattered pecans, peanuts, sun-dried tomatoes, and an open package of pecans. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here does a little magic—dates give this sticky sweetness, while soft cheeses like goat cheese melt into a luxurious creaminess. Then nuts bring in crunch and that earthy note that perfectly balances things out. Here are some pointers to grab the best of each.

Flat lay of a cluster of soft Medjool dates with shiny wrinkled skins, a small mound of creamy white goat cheese, a neat pile of chopped green pistachios, a small white ceramic bowl filled with amber hot honey, several wedges of pale brie cheese, a handful of glossy pecan halves, a few sprigs of fresh green rosemary, a dollop of white ricotta cheese sprinkled lightly with grains of kosher salt, tightly coiled sun-dried tomato halves with rich red color, bright fresh green basil leaves, a small heap of smooth creamy peanut butter, finely chopped roasted salted peanuts scattered nearby, two small white bowls containing melted dark chocolate chips with a deep brown sheen, a small mound of creamy almond butter with a soft texture, fresh plump red raspberries, and thin slices of ripe yellow banana arranged with perfect symmetry, all placed on simple white ceramic bowls and plates, arranged on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Medjool Dates: Opt for soft and plump ones—you want dates that are easy to stuff and naturally juicy.
Goat Cheese: Creamy and slightly tangy, this cheese pairs beautifully with the dates' sweetness; Trader Joe’s Caramelized Onion variety is a delightful twist.
Pistachios: These lend a subtle crunch and a gorgeous green pop; roughly chop them for texture contrast.
Hot Honey: Adds an unexpected sweet heat that makes every bite interesting—adjust according to your spice love.
Brie Cheese: Soft and buttery, brie works wonderfully with pecans for a nutty and creamy combo.
Pecan Halves: Choose fresh, unsalted ones to keep the flavors balanced and the texture perfect.
Fresh Rosemary: Just a pinch for an herbal lift that makes these taste like little gourmet bites.
Ricotta Cheese: Mild and creamy, incorporating lemon zest brightens it up beautifully.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Go for oil-packed for lusciousness and a bit of tang.
Fresh Basil Leaves: Adds bright herbal notes that balance richness and sweetness.
Creamy Peanut Butter & Almond Butter: Use natural, unsweetened if you want control over sweetness.
Roasted Salted Peanuts: They give crunch and a salty contrast that's crucial, so finely chop for a nice finish.
Dark Chocolate Chips: Melting these over the peanut butter-stuffed dates gives a dreamy finish—choose high quality for the best flavor.
Fresh Raspberries & Banana Slices: Add fresh fruit for pops of color and fresh bursts of flavor.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I absolutely love playing around with this Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese and Nuts Recipe. It’s like a blank canvas—you can swap the nuts, switch cheeses, or even explore sweet versus savory. Experiment and find your favorite combo, just like I did over multiple gatherings!

Variation: One of my favorites is adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze over the ricotta and sun-dried tomato stuffed dates for a tangy kick—it elevates the dish instantly.
Dietary Mods: You can make this vegan by using plant-based cheese alternatives and nut butters—dates still do their magic.
Seasonal Twists: During holidays, I swap out toppings to include crushed pistachios dyed green or red for festive color.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese and Nuts Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Dates

Start by cutting a neat slit along each date with a small, sharp knife—just enough to remove the pit. I like to use Medjool dates for their ideal size and softness. Arrange them on a plate if serving fresh or on parchment-lined baking paper if you plan to warm them later. This way, you avoid any sticky mess and keep things tidy.

Step 2: Stuff with Creamy Goodness

Grab your goat cheese or ricotta and use a small spreader or teaspoon to fill each date gently. Don’t overstuff—just a little creaminess inside each date completes the flavor beautifully without overwhelming the sweet chewiness of the date itself.

Step 3: Layer in Texture and Toppings

This is the fun part! Sprinkle chopped pistachios, tuck in pecan halves, or add a dash of chopped herbs like rosemary or fresh basil leaves. For chocolate lovers, dip the peanut butter-stuffed dates in melted dark chocolate and finish with a topping of chopped nuts for extra bite. This contrast between creamy, crunchy, and sweet is what makes these bites feel so special.

Step 4: Drizzle and Finish

If you like a little surprise kick, drizzle some hot honey on top of the goat cheese and pistachio version. It adds a lovely contrast between sweet heat and creamy flavor that’s absolutely addicting. For the fruity almond butter dates, pressing a fresh raspberry into the center finishes them off with a fresh pop of flavor and color.

Top Tip

Over the years of making this Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese and Nuts Recipe, I’ve learned a few little secrets to nail it every time. These tips make the difference between a “meh” bite and a bite worthy of impressed smiles.

Choose Soft Dates: I always scout for Medjool dates that are a bit sticky and plump—if your dates are dry, they’ll be harder to stuff and less juicy.
Room Temperature Cheese: Let goat cheese or ricotta come to room temperature before spreading. That way, it goes in smoothly and doesn’t tear the delicate dates.
Use a Small Spreader or Teaspoon: This helps distribute the cheese evenly and prevents clumps that can crush the dates.
Skip Overfilling: Less is more with these—overstuffing can make them messy and hard to eat. Keep it balanced for perfect handheld snacks.

How to Serve Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese and Nuts Recipe

Garnishes

I tend to keep garnishes simple but impactful—fresh rosemary or a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios always adds a fresh aroma and a feast for the eyes. A drizzle of hot honey on top of the goat cheese version adds a glossy finish that’s just so inviting.

Side Dishes

Pair these stuffed dates with a crisp, light green salad or a cheese board featuring olives, crackers, and fruit for a beautiful snack spread. They also go surprisingly well alongside a cold glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon.

Creative Ways to Present

I love arranging these on a wooden board with little bowls for hot honey and melted chocolate for dipping. For special occasions, try threading a few onto cocktail picks, mixing different stuffed varieties—they become little edible works of art that guests adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover stuffed dates in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually layer them with parchment paper in between to keep the nuts from sogging up the dates. They hold up well and are great chilled or at room temperature.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these a couple of times successfully, especially the plain goat cheese-stuffed ones without fresh herbs. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

To warm these up, I pop them in the oven at 300°F (about 150°C) for 5 minutes—just enough to soften the cheese and bring out aroma without melting everything into a mess. It revives that fresh-from-the-kitchen vibe nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese and Nuts Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dates a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. Just add any fresh herbs or final drizzles right before serving to keep them vibrant.

What cheese works best if I don’t have goat cheese?

Brie or ricotta cheese are great alternatives—they’re soft and mild enough to complement the sweetness of the dates without overpowering them. You can also try cream cheese if you prefer.

Can I use other nuts besides pistachios or pecans?

Definitely! Almonds, walnuts, or even chopped hazelnuts work wonderfully. Just toast them lightly if possible for extra depth of flavor and crunch.

Are these Stuffed Dates suitable for kids?

Absolutely! The almond butter and banana or peanut butter and chocolate versions tend to be big hits with kids. Just watch out with hot honey or rosemary on those as some children might prefer the milder, sweeter versions.

Final Thoughts

This Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese and Nuts Recipe is one of those little kitchen gems I keep coming back to, whether I’m putting together an elegant appetizer or a no-fuss anytime nibble. It’s this perfect blend of sweet and savory, creamy and crunchy, easy yet impressive. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for these little bites again and again, just like I do!