Christmas Roasted Stuffed Dates

Bring a little festivity and elegance to your appetizer spread with these Christmas Roasted Stuffed Dates. Tender Medjool dates, roasted to caramelized perfection, are filled with creamy cheese, crunchy nuts, and aromatic holiday spices making an unforgettable bite-sized treat.

Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or a bustling holiday party, these dates deliver both richness and simplicity. They’re easy to make, easy to love, and perfect for Christmas entertaining. Sweet, savory, and utterly indulgent your guests won’t be able to skip them.

Finish the meal on dessert note: Christmas Gingerbread Chocolate Tart

What Are Roasted Stuffed Dates / Why They’re Special

Christmas Roasted Stuffed Dates are a holiday-worthy twist on a classic stuffed date appetizer: pitted Medjool dates are roasted, filled with a flavorful mixture (cream cheese, goat cheese or blue cheese), topped with nuts or honey, and spiced to match the season. The roasting draws out natural sugars and enhances texture — melts inside while slightly crisp outside.

Why they’re special

• Elegant & impressive yet simple to prepare.
• Combine sweet fruit, savory fillings, nut crunch and holiday spice.
• Perfect finger food for holiday parties.
• Simple enough for weeknight make-ahead, elevated enough for guests.
• Versatile: can go sweet, savory, or balanced.

Discover a savory star to pair: Cranberry & Camembert & Pistachio Christmas Tree Puff Pastry

Ingredients You’ll Need

Base Ingredients

• 20 Medjool dates, pitted
• 4 oz cream cheese or goat cheese, softened
• ¼ cup chopped nuts (pistachios, walnuts, almonds)
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• 2 tbsp butter or olive oil (for roasting)
• Optional: pinch of sea salt & orange zest

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Prep the Dates

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice each date lengthwise (one side) and remove pit if not already removed.

Step 2 – Make the Filling

In a bowl mix cheese, chopped nuts, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg and a pinch of salt. Stuff each date with about 1 tsp of this mixture.

Step 3 – Roast for Caramelization

Place stuffed dates on parchment-lined baking tray. Drizzle butter/olive oil over them. Roast 10-12 minutes until edges crisp and cheese is melty.

Step 4 – Garnish & Serve

Remove from oven, drizzle extra honey, sprinkle more nuts and orange zest if using. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips / Variations / Why You’ll Love It

Tips

• Use Medjool dates for size and texture.
• For easy pitting, press firmly on one side of date to split.
• Roast on high rack for crisp edges.
• Keep warm or reheat before serving.

Variations

• Spiced Holiday Stuffing: Add candied ginger, allspice, and toasted pecans.
• Savory Blue Cheese Version: Use blue cheese + walnuts + balsamic reduction drizzle.
• Vegan Version: Use dairy-free cheese + maple syrup + dried cranberries.
• Chocolate Drizzle Version: After roasting, drizzle dark chocolate and sprinkle sea salt.

Why You’ll Love It

• Bite-sized holiday elegance.
• Fast prep (<15 mins) with big impact.
• Great for appetizers, desserts, or snack buffet.
• Blend of textures & flavors sweet, salty, crunchy.

✨ Spiced Holiday Stuffing Variants

(Paragraphe non traité par concurrents)
To add extra holiday flavor and texture combos, try three stuffing options:

• Maple-pecan-bourbon (maple syrup + toasted pecans + splash of bourbon).
• Citrus-pistachio-cranberry (orange zest + chopped pistachios + dried cranberries).
• Savory-fig-goat-cheese (goat cheese + chopped dried figs + rosemary).
  Arrange them on a platter with labels so guests can choose their favorite flavor — a festive interactive spread.

✨Make-Ahead & Party Platter Hack

(Paragraphe non traité par concurrents)
Roast the stuffed dates earlier in the day and keep warm in a low oven (200°F/95°C) with foil tent. Place on a large festive platter, garnish just before guests arrive, and pair with small cheese forks or toothpicks. For a larger party, double batch and set out refill pans discreetly the hot, fresh taste remains intact and you spend less time in the kitchen once guests arrive.

FAQs

Conclusion

These Christmas Roasted Stuffed Dates bring sweet, savory, warm, and crunchy all into one gorgeous bite. They’re easy to make, perfect for holiday parties, and guaranteed to vanish fast. Add them to your appetizer board or dessert table this season and impress your guests with minimal stress.