Delicious Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates in 27 Minutes

Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates: The Only Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Imagine hosting a dinner party where your guests can’t stop raving about a simple yet sophisticated appetizer that steals the show. Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates are that star, transforming ordinary dates into an irresistible treat with a creamy cheese filling that’s both sweet and savory. As a beloved recipe from Chef Lalybeth on cookinwithlalyta.com, this dish combines the natural sweetness of Medjool dates with the tangy richness of feta and Parmesan cheeses, roasted to perfection for an effortlessly elegant appetizer. In just 27 minutes, you’ll create a crowd-pleaser that’s ideal for Mediterranean-inspired gatherings or quick weeknight indulgences.

The moment these Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates emerge from the oven, their golden-brown exteriors release an enticing aroma of warm, caramelized dates mingling with the sharp, nutty notes of melted cheeses. Each bite delivers a delightful contrast: the soft, juicy interior of the date yields to the creamy, gooey cheese center, balanced by a hint of peppery spice and a drizzle of olive oil that adds a subtle earthiness. This recipe’s textures are spot-on, with the dates becoming tender and slightly chewy, while the cheese mixture achieves a luxurious melt that coats your palate, making it impossible to eat just one.

What sets this Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates recipe apart on cookinwithlalyta.com is its foolproof execution, honed by Chef Lalybeth’s years of kitchen expertise. You’ll discover the Chef’s Secret to achieving an extra creamy cheese blend that elevates the flavors without overwhelming the natural sweetness of the dates. This guide isn’t just a recipe—it’s a comprehensive resource with step-by-step tips, ingredient insights, and answers to common questions, ensuring every home cook feels confident and successful. Stick around for serving ideas, storage hacks, and FAQs that make this the ultimate go-to for roasted stuffed dates.

Why This Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates Recipe is a Game-Changer

The Chef’s Secret lies in the irresistibly creamy cheese filling, achieved by thoroughly mixing feta and Parmesan for a seamless blend that melts uniformly during roasting. This technique ensures every date is infused with a rich, tangy creaminess that complements the dates’ natural sugars, creating a sweet-savory delight that’s unmatched. By grating the Parmesan fresh and crumbling the feta by hand, you lock in moisture and flavor, preventing the cheese from drying out in the oven.

Unbeatable Texture: The science behind the perfect texture comes from the high moisture content in Medjool dates, which softens beautifully at 400°F, while the cheeses’ fats emulsify for a bubbly, gooey interior. This combination avoids any toughness, as the olive oil helps conduct heat evenly, resulting in a tender, caramelized exterior that contrasts with the smooth cheese core.

Foolproof for a Reason: This recipe has been tested multiple times in real kitchens to guarantee consistent results, even for beginners. With precise measurements and timings, you’ll avoid common pitfalls like over-stuffing, which could cause the dates to burst, making it a reliable choice for any occasion.

Ingredient Spotlight: Quality Makes the Difference

Medjool dates are the star of Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates, offering a plump, sweet base that’s essential for this recipe’s sweet-savory balance. Their large size and soft texture make them ideal for stuffing, as they hold the cheese mixture without breaking. Always opt for fresh, high-quality Medjool dates for their natural moisture and rich flavor; dried or lower-grade varieties can result in a tougher bite. If substituting, try large Deglet Noor dates for a similar sweetness, but note they may cook faster due to their firmer texture.

Crumbled feta cheese brings a tangy, salty punch to Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates, providing the creamy element that melts into the dates during roasting. Its moisture content helps create that irresistible creaminess, so choose a block of high-quality feta and crumble it yourself for better control over texture. Quality matters here because pre-crumbled versions often contain additives that can alter the taste. For a substitution, goat cheese works wonderfully, offering a similar tanginess with a milder flavor, or use vegan feta alternatives made from tofu for a dairy-free option.

Grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, umami depth to the cheese mixture in Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates, enhancing the overall savory profile without overpowering the dates’ sweetness. Freshly grated Parmesan melts more evenly than pre-shredded, ensuring a smooth integration with the feta. Prioritize aged Parmesan for its intense flavor, as it elevates the dish’s complexity. If you’re substituting, Pecorino Romano provides a sharper, saltier alternative, or nutritional yeast for a vegan twist that mimics the cheesy essence while keeping the recipe plant-based.

Olive oil serves as a subtle enhancer in Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates, adding a fruity note and helping the dates achieve a golden roast. Extra-virgin olive oil is best for its purity and flavor, which complements the Mediterranean cuisine vibe. Using a high-quality oil prevents any bitterness, ensuring the dates roast evenly. Substitute with avocado oil for a neutral taste and higher smoke point, or melted butter for a richer finish, though it will slightly alter the dish’s lightness.

Freshly ground black pepper adds a gentle heat and aroma to Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates, balancing the cheeses’ saltiness with its peppery kick. Grinding it fresh ensures maximum flavor potency, as pre-ground pepper loses its essence quickly. Quality matters for that fresh zing, which elevates the overall taste. If substituting, try a pinch of cayenne for more spice, or smoked paprika for a smoky undertone that pairs well with the roasted elements.

Fresh herbs for garnish, like parsley or mint, provide a vibrant, aromatic finish to Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates. They add a pop of color and freshness, enhancing the appetizer’s visual appeal. Opt for organic herbs to avoid pesticides, as their delicate flavors shine through. If unavailable, substitute with dried herbs in a pinch, though they won’t offer the same brightness—use half the amount to prevent overpowering the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even heat distribution. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect roast without burning the dates.

Pro Tip: Use a high-quality parchment paper to avoid any grease spots, as it promotes better airflow and crispiness.

Step 2: Mix the Cheeses

In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, mixing them until well blended for a uniform texture. This creates the creamy filling that will melt beautifully inside the dates.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t rush the mixing; uneven blending can lead to pockets of unmelted cheese, so take a minute to ensure it’s smooth to prevent inconsistent results.

Step 3: Stuff the Dates

Carefully stuff each of the 12 pitted Medjool dates with about 1 teaspoon of the cheese mixture, using a small spoon or your fingers to gently press it in without tearing the date.

Pro Tip: Slightly slit the dates lengthwise if they’re not pre-pitted, making it easier to stuff without overfilling, which helps maintain their shape during roasting.

Step 4: Prepare for Roasting

Arrange the stuffed dates on the prepared baking sheet, then drizzle them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper to taste for added flavor.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Over-drizzling oil can make the dates greasy, so use just enough to coat lightly, ensuring they roast rather than fry.

Step 5: Roast the Dates

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the dates for 10-12 minutes, or until they are softened and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Pro Tip: Check at the 10-minute mark to avoid over-roasting; the dates should be tender but not mushy for the best texture.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove the dates from the oven and let them cool slightly for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired for an extra touch of flavor.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Serving them straight from the oven can cause burns, so allow a brief cooling period to let the cheeses set without losing their warmth.

Serving & Presentation

For an impressive presentation of Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates, arrange them on a rustic wooden platter with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like mint or parsley for a pop of green. This not only enhances visual appeal but also adds a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory dates. Consider plating them alongside complementary items such as sliced prosciutto or crackers for a charcuterie board vibe, making it a versatile appetizer for Mediterranean dinners.

Pair these roasted stuffed dates with light wines like a crisp white Sauvignon Blanc to balance their sweet-savory flavors, or serve as a starter before a main course of grilled fish or salads. For creative garnishes, try a drizzle of balsamic reduction for a tangy twist, elevating the dish for special occasions while keeping it simple for everyday enjoyment.

Make-Ahead & Storage Solutions

Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare the cheese mixture up to 3 days in advance by mixing the feta and Parmesan, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stuff the dates no more than a day ahead, keeping them uncooked and covered in the fridge to maintain freshness—roast just before serving for the best texture.

Storing Leftovers: Once cooled, place any leftover Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to a month, preserving their flavors without sogginess.

The Best Way to Reheat: To restore the original crispy texture and gooey cheese, reheat refrigerated dates in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. For frozen ones, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as above, avoiding microwaves which can make them rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates

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• Author: Chef Lalybeth
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delicious roasted dates stuffed with a mixture of feta and parmesan cheese, perfect as an appetizer.

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Ingredients

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• 12 Medjool dates, pitted
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional: Fresh herbs for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the feta cheese and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
3. Carefully stuff each date with about 1 teaspoon of the cheese mixture.
4. Place the stuffed dates on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with black pepper.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the dates are softened and the cheese is bubbly.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

These dates are best served warm and can be prepared ahead for parties. Pair with a light wine for an enhanced flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Method: Appetizer
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 15g
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 5g