The holiday season brings with it a delightful array of flavors and the opportunity to impress friends and family with festive dishes. If you’re on the lookout for an easy yet impressive party appetizer, look no further than the Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates with Honey-Walnut Herb Crunch Recipe. This delicious dish combines the richness of creamy feta and Parmesan cheeses with the natural sweetness of dates, all enveloped in a savory, crunchy topping. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a special treat for Christmas Eve dinner, these stuffed dates offer the ideal balance of salty and sweet, making them a crowd-pleasing holiday party food that’s easy to prepare.
Why These Stuffed Dates Make Perfect Holiday Party Food
The holiday season often calls for appetizers that are not only flavorful but also easy to prepare, especially when hosting a large gathering. The Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates with Honey-Walnut Herb Crunch are the epitome of party food that’s both simple and sophisticated. These little bites are guaranteed to elevate your holiday party spread and provide guests with a unique experience, blending both salty and sweet flavors.
What makes this dish ideal for your upcoming holiday get-together? It’s the perfect balance of flavors—salty feta and Parmesan cheese harmonizing with the naturally sweet taste of Medjool dates, roasted to perfection. The added honey-walnut crunch brings a delightful texture, making every bite a satisfying and memorable experience.
In addition, this recipe offers flexibility. You can make it in advance, freeing you up to focus on other aspects of the party. Plus, it’s a recipe that requires minimal ingredients and doesn’t demand much cooking expertise, making it a go-to for busy hosts.
Ingredients for Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates with Honey-Walnut Herb Crunch
To create this festive appetizer, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Stuffed Dates:
- 20 large Medjool dates (pitted)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional for added creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or rosemary, if preferred)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Honey-Walnut Herb Crunch:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- A pinch of sea salt
For Roasting:
- A drizzle of olive oil
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates with Honey-Walnut Herb Crunch
Step 1: Prepare the Dates
Start by preparing the dates. Slice each date lengthwise on one side and remove the pit, being careful not to cut all the way through the date. You want to create a pocket that you can stuff with the delicious cheese mixture.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and cream cheese (if using). Mix them together until smooth. Add fresh thyme leaves, and season with salt and pepper to taste. The fresh herbs will provide a lovely aromatic flavor, making your stuffed dates a true holiday treat.
Step 3: Stuff the Dates
Take each date and carefully stuff it with the cheese mixture. Don’t overstuff them—just enough to fill the date while allowing the stuffing to peek out a little. These dates should be packed with cheesy goodness without overflowing.
Step 4: Prepare the Honey-Walnut Herb Crunch
Now, it’s time to make the topping. In a separate small bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, honey, olive oil, and fresh parsley. Add a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness of the honey and provide a contrast to the salty cheese. Mix everything together, ensuring the walnuts are evenly coated with the honey and olive oil.
Step 5: Assemble the Dates for Roasting
Place your stuffed dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle them lightly with olive oil, and then sprinkle the honey-walnut herb crunch mixture on top of each stuffed date. This will add a wonderful crunch to each bite, making it a perfect contrast to the softness of the dates and cheese.
Step 6: Roast the Dates
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and roast the stuffed dates for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to ensure they don’t burn.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the dates are roasted to perfection, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs. The final result is a tray of irresistible stuffed dates that are crunchy on top and soft and creamy on the inside.
How to Serve Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates at Your Holiday Party
When it comes to serving, presentation is key for any holiday appetizer. Arrange the roasted stuffed dates on a beautiful serving platter and drizzle a little extra honey over the top if desired for added sweetness. These dates also pair wonderfully with a variety of drinks, such as sparkling wine, champagne, or a festive cocktail. The rich flavors of the dates will complement the acidity of these beverages beautifully.
For your Christmas Eve dinner, serve the stuffed dates as an appetizer before the main course. Their elegant appearance and delicious flavor will surely impress your guests and set the tone for the rest of the evening.
Why This Recipe is Ideal for Your Holiday Party
- Holiday Party Food Easy to Make: The ingredients are simple, and the steps are straightforward, allowing you to quickly prepare a crowd-pleasing appetizer without much effort. There’s no need to spend hours in the kitchen—this recipe can be prepped in advance and baked just before your guests arrive.
- A Perfect Balance of Salty and Sweet: The combination of salty feta and Parmesan with sweet Medjool dates creates an unforgettable flavor profile. The honey-walnut herb crunch adds a delightful texture, making this dish a stand-out choice for your holiday appetizers.
- A Holiday Appetizer That’s Uniquely Festive: This stuffed date recipe offers something a little different from the usual holiday party appetizers like deviled eggs or pigs in a blanket. Its unique mix of savory, sweet, and crunchy elements will have guests coming back for more.
- Crunch Recipe for Textural Appeal: One of the highlights of this dish is the crunch factor, courtesy of the walnuts and the crispy roasted topping. Each bite provides a satisfying contrast between the creamy cheese filling and the crispy topping, creating an experience that’s both tasty and texturally intriguing.
- Versatile and Customizable: The basic recipe is easily adaptable. You can swap out the feta and Parmesan for other cheeses if you prefer something milder or sharper, and you can experiment with different nuts for the crunch topping. Feel free to get creative with fresh herbs to make this recipe uniquely yours.
Variations and Tips for Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates
- Add Bacon: For an extra layer of flavor, wrap each stuffed date in a slice of bacon before roasting. The smoky bacon adds a rich savory depth that perfectly complements the sweet dates and tangy cheese.
- Spicy Option: If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture. This will balance the sweetness of the dates with a spicy kick.
- Vegan Version: For a vegan alternative, swap the dairy cheeses for plant-based cheeses like cashew cheese or vegan cream cheese. You can also substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for honey to keep the dish plant-based.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed dates and the honey-walnut crunch up to 24 hours in advance. Simply stuff the dates, top them with the crunch, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to roast. When you’re ready to serve, just pop them in the oven for a quick warm-up.
Pairing Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates with Other Holiday Party Food
This dish works wonderfully as part of a larger spread of holiday appetizers. Pair it with:
- Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory bites filled with cheese and herbs are another great way to satisfy your guests.
- Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil: A fresh, flavorful option that balances the richness of the stuffed dates.
- Charcuterie Platter: A mix of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and nuts complements the flavors in the stuffed dates, making for a well-rounded party food offering.
- Cheese and Fruit Pairings: Serve alongside cheeses like brie, goat cheese, or cheddar, paired with fresh fruits like grapes or figs.
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Holiday Appetizer
If you’re looking for holiday appetizer ideas that will wow your guests, Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates with Honey-Walnut Herb Crunch is a must-try recipe. This dish hits all the right notes with its combination of savory, sweet, and crunchy elements, making it a memorable choice for your next holiday party. Not only does it make a stunning addition to your spread, but it’s also a breeze to prepare, allowing you to spend more time celebrating and less time in the kitchen.
Whether you’re hosting a Christmas Eve dinner or a festive holiday gathering, these stuffed dates are bound to become a favorite on your list of holiday party food—easy to make, delicious to eat, and absolutely irresistible.
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