Why You’ll Love This Herbed Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates

• Effortless Elegance. These look like they came from a gourmet charcuterie board, but they come together in under 20 minutes. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you look like a culinary genius with minimal actual effort.
• The Perfect Flavor Balance. You get the natural, deep sweetness from the Medjool date, which is perfectly cut by the tangy, creamy goat cheese. The fresh herbs add a bright, savory note that ties everything together in the most satisfying way.
• Incredibly Versatile. Serve them as a starter, a party appetizer, a fancy snack, or even as part of a cheese plate. They’re equally at home at a casual gathering or a more formal event.
• A True Crowd-Pleaser. I’ve yet to meet someone who doesn’t adore these. They’re a fantastic option for entertaining because they appeal to a wide range of tastes—and they’re naturally gluten-free, which is always a bonus.

Ingredients & Tools

• 16-18 large Medjool dates
• 4 oz (about 115 g) soft goat cheese (chèvre), at room temperature
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1/2 small lemon, for zesting
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 1 pinch of flaky sea salt (like Maldon)
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp walnuts or pecans, finely chopped (optional, for crunch)

Tools: A small mixing bowl, a small spoon or piping bag, a sharp paring knife, a microplane or zester.

The quality of your ingredients really shines here, so it’s worth seeking out plump, soft Medjool dates and a good, creamy goat cheese. The fresh herbs are non-negotiable—they provide that essential burst of freshness that makes the filling so vibrant.

Serves: 4-6 (as an appetizer) | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes

Before You Start: Tips & Ingredient Notes

• Choosing Your Dates. Medjool dates are ideal because they’re large, soft, and incredibly sweet. Give them a gentle squeeze at the store—they should feel supple, not hard or dry. If they seem a little firm, you can soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to soften them up.
• Room Temperature is Key. Letting the goat cheese sit out for 20-30 minutes before you start is a small step with a big payoff. It will mix much more smoothly with the other ingredients, creating a creamy, lump-free filling that’s easy to pipe or spoon.
• Herb Freshness. Honestly, dried herbs just won’t give you the same bright, lively flavor. The fresh parsley, chives, and thyme are the stars of the filling. If you have a little mint on hand, a teaspoon of that can be a lovely addition too.
• The Lemon Zest Secret. Don’t skip the lemon zest! It doesn’t make the filling taste lemony, per se, but it adds a incredible brightness that cuts through the richness of the cheese and the sweetness of the date. It’s a little trick that elevates the whole experience.

How to Make Herbed Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates

Serving Suggestions

Complementary Dishes

• A Simple Charcuterie Board — Arrange the stuffed dates alongside slices of prosciutto or salami, some marinated olives, and a few crackers. The salty meats create a fantastic contrast with the sweet and creamy dates.
• A Bed of Arugula — Serve these on a platter over a layer of peppery arugula lightly dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. It turns the appetizer into a light, elegant salad course.
• With Soup — A creamy tomato soup or a simple lentil soup becomes a much heartier meal with a few of these stuffed dates on the side. They add a touch of sophistication to a cozy classic.

Drinks

• A Crisp Rosé — The dryness and berry notes of a good rosé wine complement the sweet and savory flavors of the dates perfectly without overpowering them.
• A Citrusy IPA — If you’re a beer lover, the herbal notes in the cheese can stand up to the bitterness of an IPA, especially one with citrusy hop characteristics.
• Sparkling Water with Lemon — For a non-alcoholic option, the bubbles and citrus cleanse the palate beautifully between each rich, flavorful bite.

Something Sweet

• Dark Chocolate Almond Bark — A few pieces of dark chocolate with almonds after this appetizer continues the theme of fruit and nut flavors in a more decadent, dessert-like way.
• Lemon Sorbet — The bright, clean flavor of lemon sorbet is a refreshing palate-cleanser that feels light and elegant after the rich dates.
• Shortbread Cookies — Simple, buttery shortbread cookies are a subtle and lovely way to end the meal without introducing too many competing flavors.

Top Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using cold, hard goat cheese. This is the number one issue! Cold cheese is crumbly and difficult to mix, leading to a lumpy filling that’s hard to get into the dates. Taking the time to let it come to room temperature makes the process so much smoother—literally.
• Mistake: Cutting the dates all the way through. You just want a pocket, not two separate halves. If you cut them completely in half, they lose their neat, parcel-like shape and can be messier to eat. A gentle, controlled slit is all you need.
• Mistake: Skipping the final sprinkle of salt. I’ve messed this up before too, thinking the cheese was salty enough. But that flaky salt on top just before serving is a game-changer. It adds a final layer of texture and makes all the other flavors pop.
• Mistake: Making them too far in advance. While you can prep the filling and pit the dates a few hours ahead, I don’t recommend stuffing them more than an hour or two before serving. The dates can start to weep moisture into the cheese, making the filling a bit wet.

Expert Tips

• Tip: Toast your nuts. If you’re adding the optional walnuts or pecans, toast them in a dry pan for a few minutes until fragrant before chopping. This deepens their flavor immensely and adds a wonderful nutty aroma to the filling.
• Tip: Get creative with fillings. This is a fantastic base recipe. Once you’ve mastered it, try adding a tiny bit of finely chopped sun-dried tomato or a dash of smoked paprika to the cheese mixture for a different flavor profile.
• Tip: Use a grapefruit spoon. If you find pitting dates a bit fiddly, a serrated grapefruit spoon is your secret weapon. The tiny teeth grip the pit perfectly, making it easy to scoop out in one go.
• Tip: For a warmer appetizer. You can bake these! Arrange the stuffed dates on a baking sheet and warm them in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, just until the cheese is soft and slightly warm. It’s a lovely variation for a chilly evening.

FAQs

Can I make these stuffed dates ahead of time?
Yes, but with a bit of strategy. You can pit the dates and prepare the herbed goat cheese filling separately, storing them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Let the filling come back to room temperature before you stuff the dates. I’d recommend assembling them no more than an hour or two before serving for the best texture. If you need to make them further in advance, the warmed version (baked just before serving) holds up better.

What can I use instead of goat cheese?
If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, cream cheese is a great substitute. Make sure it’s full-fat and brought to room temperature for easy mixing. You could also use a soft feta, but be aware that feta is much saltier, so you’ll want to taste the filling before adding any extra salt. The flavor will be different but still delicious.

My dates are a bit dry. What can I do?
It happens! Place the dates in a heatproof bowl and cover them with very warm (not boiling) water. Let them soak for about 10 minutes. This will rehydrate them and make them plump and soft again. Just be sure to pat them completely dry with a paper towel before you pit and stuff them, so you don’t add extra water to the filling.

Are these considered healthy?
As a blogger, I focus on the joy of cooking with whole, simple ingredients. Dates are a whole fruit, naturally sweet and a source of fiber. Goat cheese provides protein and fat. Together, they create a balanced bite that is satisfying and made from recognizable ingredients. It’s a great alternative to highly processed appetizers.

Can I freeze herbed goat cheese stuffed dates?
I wouldn’t recommend it. Freezing will drastically change the texture of both the date and the cheese filling. The date can become mushy upon thawing, and the creamy filling can become watery and grainy. This is a recipe best enjoyed fresh for optimal taste and texture.