Feta-Parmesan Roasted Stuffed Dates
Sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy — these roasted stuffed dates are the perfect bite-sized appetizer. Naturally sweet Medjool dates are filled with tangy feta, topped with nutty Parmesan, crunchy walnuts, and fragrant rosemary, then roasted until warm and slightly caramelized. A drizzle of honey ties everything together for an irresistible flavor contrast.
📝 Description
This dish is a beautiful balance of flavors:
- Sweet from the dates and honey
- Salty & tangy from feta and Parmesan
- Crunchy from walnuts
- Herbaceous from fresh rosemary
Perfect for holiday platters, dinner parties, Ramadan iftar spreads, or elegant snack boards.
🛒 Ingredients
- 10 ounces pitted Medjool dates, sliced open on one side
- Honey, for drizzling
- 3 ounces feta cheese, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- ¾ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup walnuts, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Prepare Dates
Gently open each sliced date to create space for stuffing.
3️⃣ Stuff
Insert a small piece of feta into each date. Press gently closed.
4️⃣ Top
Sprinkle shredded Parmesan over the stuffed dates.
Top with finely chopped walnuts and rosemary.
5️⃣ Roast
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese softens and the tops turn lightly golden.
6️⃣ Finish
Remove from oven and drizzle lightly with honey while warm.
Serve immediately or at room temperature.
🍽 Servings
- Makes about 18–22 stuffed dates
- Serves 6–8 people as an appetizer
💡 Tips for Best Results
✔ Use soft, fresh Medjool dates for easy stuffing
✔ Toast walnuts for 3–4 minutes before using for deeper flavor
✔ Don’t overbake — dates can become too soft
✔ Add a pinch of cracked black pepper or chili flakes for contrast
✔ For extra elegance, finish with flaky sea salt
🔄 Substitution Ideas
- Swap walnuts for pistachios or pecans
- Use goat cheese instead of feta for a creamier texture
- Add a small almond inside before stuffing
- Wrap each date with half a strip of bacon before baking for a savory twist
🥗 Nutritional Information (Approx. Per 1 Stuffed Date)
- Calories: 95–110 kcal
- Protein: 2–3g
- Fat: 5–6g
- Carbohydrates: 12–14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10–11g
(Values vary depending on portion size.)
🌿 Health Benefits
- Dates: Rich in fiber and antioxidants
- Feta & Parmesan: Provide calcium and protein
- Walnuts: Source of omega-3 fatty acids
- Rosemary: Contains natural antioxidants
This snack offers natural sweetness with healthy fats and protein for better satiety than candy or processed sweets.
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Stuff and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Roast just before serving.
Q: Can I serve them cold?
Yes, but they taste best slightly warm when the cheese is soft.
Q: Can I air fry them?
Yes. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes until warmed through.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly in the oven.
Q: Are they very sweet?
They’re naturally sweet from the dates, but the salty cheese balances it beautifully.