Cheese Stuffed Dried Apricots

The Ultimate Sweet & Savory Bite for Elegant Appetizers and Amazing Food Platters

Introduction

When it comes to crafting unforgettable appetizers, it’s all about contrast—sweet and savory, creamy and chewy, soft and crunchy. Enter Cheese Stuffed Dried Apricots, a deceptively simple yet delightfully elegant finger food that hits every note. These bite-sized gems are a fusion of Mediterranean charm and gourmet creativity, making them perfect for entertaining, gifting, or adding to a gorgeous grazing board.

Whether you’re seeking dried apricot appetizer recipes for the holidays, wine nights, or an addition to your collection of amazing food platters, this recipe delivers. It’s gluten-free, customizable, and can even be made into a vegan dried apricot recipe with simple swaps. Plus, with a quick caramelized topping, you’ll learn how to make caramelized apricots the easy way to elevate these treats even further.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Sweet, creamy, and savory in every bite
✅ Uses pantry-staple ingredients like dry apricot and cheese
✅ Perfect for holiday spreads or everyday snacking
✅ Naturally gluten-free and easy to make vegan
✅ Ready in under 20 minutes

🍑 What Are Cheese Stuffed Dried Apricots?

At their core, cheese stuffed dried apricots are exactly what they sound like: dry apricots split and filled with creamy cheese, usually goat cheese, ricotta, or cream cheese. They’re soft, chewy, tangy, and just a touch sweet. You can also roll them in crushed nuts, drizzle with honey, or caramelize the tops for added decadence.

These bites are inspired by Turkish apricot balls y Middle Eastern mezze traditions, where dried fruits and creamy cheese often complement one another. Think of them as a bite-sized version of a fruit and cheese board—except portable and perfect for appetizers easy finger food!

🧀 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a base recipe for 24 cheese stuffed dried apricots:

For the Main Bites:

24 dried apricots (unsulfured if possible) – Choose soft and plump ones for easier stuffing.
100g (about 3.5 oz) goat cheese – Soft, creamy, and tangy. Sub with cream cheese or cashew cheese for vegan version.
1 cucharada de miel o jarabe de arce – Optional, for mixing into the cheese.
1/2 tsp orange zest (or lemon zest) – Adds a fresh citrus kick.
1/4 tsp sea salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.

Ingredientes Opcionales:

Chopped pistachios, almonds, or walnuts – For crunch and color.
Fresh thyme or rosemary leaves – For a savory, herby twist.
Balsamic glaze or pomegranate molasses – A rich drizzle for finishing.
Honey or maple syrup – For light sweetness.
Brown sugar for caramelization

🔪 How to Make Cheese Stuffed Dried Apricots (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Soften the Dried Apricots (if needed)

If your dry apricot is firm, soak them in warm water for about 5 minutes, then pat dry. This makes them more pliable for stuffing.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, mix together:

100g goat cheese
1 cucharada de miel o jarabe de arce
1/2 tsp citrus zest
Una pizca de sal

Mash until creamy and well combined. If you’re using cream cheese, ensure it’s softened for easy mixing.

👉 Vegan Tip: Use store-bought vegan cream cheese or blend soaked cashews with a touch of lemon juice, garlic powder, and maple syrup for a homemade option.

Step 3: Fill the Apricots

Slice each apricot lengthwise halfway—don’t cut all the way through. Think of it as creating a small pocket.
Using a small spoon, pastry bag, or even your fingers, fill each apricot with about 1 tsp of the cheese mixture.
Gently press to seal or leave slightly open to showcase the filling.

Step 4: Add Optional Toppings

Now comes the fun part—flavor and texture!

Sprinkle with chopped pistachios or walnuts.
Add a tiny sprig of rosemary or a thyme leaf for visual flair.
Drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze.

If you’re going for caramelized apricots, sprinkle the tops lightly with brown sugar and use a kitchen torch to brulée the tops—just like a mini crème brûlée.

Paso 5: dejamos Enfriar y Servir

Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature.

🔥 How to Make Caramelized Apricots (Optional Upgrade)

Want to elevate your cheese stuffed dried apricots with a crispy, sweet top? Try this:

Ingredientes:

Filled apricots
Brown sugar (1/4 tsp per apricot)
Kitchen torch

Instrucciones:

Once stuffed, sprinkle each apricot top with a small amount of brown sugar.
Use a culinary torch to gently melt and caramelize the sugar until golden and crispy.
Let cool for 1-2 minutes before serving.

This gives your appetizers a crisp finish and a luxe look—perfect for amazing food platters or holiday bites.

🌿 Variations and Ideas

1. Turkish Apricot Balls Variation
Blend dried apricots, walnuts, and a bit of tahini in a food processor. Roll into balls and coat in coconut or pistachios. This is a no-cheese, vegan dried apricot recipe that’s great for snacks!

2. Cheese Swaps

Ricotta: Creamy and mild. Add chopped herbs.
Blue cheese: For a bold flavor contrast.
Brie: Soft and decadent—perfect for warming slightly.

3. Nuts & Herbs

Top with toasted pine nuts or almond slivers.
Add minced mint or basil for a fresh flavor.

4. Sweet Finish

Dust with cinnamon or cardamom.
Drizzle with pomegranate molasses or fig jam.

🧺 Serving Ideas

These bites are ideal for:

Cheese boards & grazing tables
Holiday parties and potlucks
Eid, Christmas, or Rosh Hashanah gatherings
Cocktail hours & wine pairings
Appetizers easy finger food displays

Pair with:
🧀 Hard cheeses like manchego or gouda
🍷 Wines like sauvignon blanc, rosé, or pinot noir
🥖 Crackers, olives, and marinated vegetables

Create a whole Middle Eastern-inspired board with stuffed grape leaves, baba ghanoush, Turkish apricot balls, and nuts.

🥄 Storage Tips

Refrigere: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Hacer Antes: Assemble the day before and refrigerate. Add any crispy toppings (like brulée sugar or nuts) just before serving.
Freezing not recommended due to texture change.

🥗 Nutrition Facts (Per 1 stuffed apricot)

Calories: 60-80
Protein: 2-3g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fat: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Fiber: 1g

Rich in potassium, beta-carotene, and healthy fats (if using nuts). You can easily boost the protein by using a Greek yogurt cheese blend or high-protein vegan cheese.

📝 Final Thoughts

Cheese Stuffed Dried Apricots are a little bite of magic—chewy, creamy, slightly sweet, and delightfully savory. They’re an instant hit on any party tray and a no-fuss way to add gourmet flair to your snack table. This recipe bridges cultures, drawing on the elegance of Turkish apricot balls and the creativity of modern dried apricot appetizer recipes.

Whether you’re planning an elaborate charcuterie spread or simply want a beautiful vegan dried apricot recipe for your guests, this dish will deliver every time.