
Sweet, salty, and perfectly crisp
These Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates are the ultimate sweet-and-savory appetizer—rich, creamy cheese tucked inside warm caramelized dates, finished with a crunchy honey-walnut herb topping. They’re elegant enough for holiday entertaining but simple enough for busy weeknights or last-minute guests. Roasting intensifies the natural sweetness of the dates, while the salty cheese and nutty crunch create an irresistible contrast. Whether served as a party bite, brunch addition, or wine-night snack, this recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal prep and maximum wow factor.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Servings: 16 stuffed dates
📝 Ingredients List
Stuffed Dates
- 16 Medjool dates, pitted
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
Honey-Walnut Herb Crunch
- ⅓ cup walnuts, finely chopped
- 1½ tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- Pinch of salt
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Small mixing bowls
- Spoon or small spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife & cutting board
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Prep the dates
Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Gently open each pitted date without tearing and arrange cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet. - Mix the cheese filling 🧀
In a bowl, combine feta and Parmesan. Spoon about 1–2 teaspoons of cheese mixture into each date, pressing lightly so it stays in place. - Roast until warm & melty 🔥
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until dates are softened and cheese looks lightly golden and creamy. - Make the crunch topping 🌰
While dates roast, mix chopped walnuts, honey, olive oil, herbs, and salt in a small bowl. Texture should be sticky but crumbly. - Finish & serve ✨
Remove dates from oven and immediately sprinkle with honey-walnut herb crunch. Let cool 2–3 minutes before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- Make ahead: Stuff dates up to 24 hours in advance and roast just before serving.
- Extra flavor: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the walnut mix for subtle heat.
- Cheese swap: Goat cheese works beautifully if you want a creamier filling.
- Storage: Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat briefly in the oven.