Sweet medjool dates, creamy honey goat cheese, crunchy walnuts, and a hint of thyme—simple, delightful, and perfect for any occasion!

Do you ever get hit with a memory so strong you feel like you’re right back in that exact moment?

This recipe actually takes me back to one of the best nights of my life: the night of our engagement. It’s funny because I still have the menu framed in my kitchen—yes, I’m that sentimental! Each dish from that evening felt like its own little piece of magic, like a tiny story in an unfolding book, one after another. And tucked somewhere between the more “serious” courses was this small, unexpected bite—these honey goat cheese-stuffed dates. We hadn’t tried anything like them before, yet they were so simple. It’s funny because they’re just stuffed dates, right? But they held so much flavor and sophistication in each bite.

Over the years, I’ve been recreating that meal. Some ingredients are a bit… rare (who keeps fennel pollen around?!), but thankfully these dates are doable. They’ve become a staple for us now, and every time I make them, I get this wave of nostalgia. Plus, they’re just sweet enough without going overboard. A perfect little bite to remember one of my favorite nights.

What makes this Honey Goat Cheese Dates with Walnuts recipe truly special?

Perfect Sweetness Balance: Let’s be real—dates are naturally super sweet. But pairing them with creamy, tangy honey goat cheese? Chef’s kiss. The goat cheese cuts through the sweetness just enough that it doesn’t feel like a sugar overload. Ideal for anyone who loves that sweet-meets-savory combo.
Quick to Make, High in Elegance: This recipe might take all of five minutes (seriously!), but it somehow feels fancy. Like, this is the kind of thing you’d see served at a swanky dinner party. Last-minute guests? No problem. You whip these up, and you’ll look like a total pro without breaking a sweat.
Textures Galore: Every bite has something going on. You’ve got the smooth creaminess of the goat cheese, the chewiness of the date, the crunch of the walnuts… it’s like a little adventure for your taste buds. And that thyme on top? Just rounds it all off. Perfect for those who like their snacks with a bit of character.

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What You Need To Make This Honey Goat Cheese Dates with Walnuts Recipe?

Look, this is one of those recipes where each ingredient matters. Here’s the rundown of what you’ll need and why it’s worth finding the best version of each.

Medjool Dates: These are not your run-of-the-mill, shriveled dates. They’re big, plump, and naturally sweet. Basically, think of them as the Rolls Royce of dates. When you see fresh, shiny dates at the store, grab them—they’ll make all the difference.
Honey Goat Cheese: Now, you could mix goat cheese and honey yourself, but hey, why not save yourself a step if you can find it pre-mixed? This cheese brings a tangy sweetness without tasting overly sugary, which is why it works so well with the dates.
Walnuts: Chopped walnuts add that perfect bit of crunch. If you’re feeling fancy, toast them for a couple of minutes first. They don’t need much, just a quick toast to bring out the nuttiness. And honestly, that extra crunch really makes the whole bite.
Honey: This is where you can get creative. I usually go with a mild honey, but if you’ve got something like lavender or orange blossom honey, even better. Just a drizzle over the top for a final sweet touch.
Fresh Thyme: A few leaves for garnish, and trust me, it makes a difference. Thyme adds this slightly earthy, herbal vibe that cuts through the sweetness. Plus, it looks pretty. Can’t hurt, right?

Steps To Make Honey Goat Cheese Dates with Walnuts

Making these dates is about as straightforward as it gets, but even the simplest recipes have their little secrets to make them just right.

Step 1: Prepare the Dates
Take each date and make a small cut down the center. Be careful not to slice all the way through. It should open up like a little pocket (a mini cheese boat, if you will). Then, take out the pits if they’re still hanging around—no one wants a surprise pit in the middle of a fancy appetizer.
Step 2: Add the Goat Cheese
Now, grab a small spoon or even a butter knife and start stuffing each date with a bit of goat cheese. You don’t need to go overboard; just enough to fill the cavity without it spilling out all over. If you’re aiming for a classy look, you can use a piping bag, but honestly, a spoon works just fine and gives it that “I made this myself” vibe.
Step 3: Top with Walnuts
Sprinkle some chopped walnuts on top of each date. Don’t be shy! The walnuts add that much-needed crunch. If you want to go the extra mile, toast the walnuts for a minute or two beforehand—they’ll taste even better and make your kitchen smell amazing.
Step 4: Drizzle with Honey and Garnish with Thyme
Right before serving, give each date a light drizzle of honey. It’s the finishing touch that takes these from “good” to “whoa, where’d you learn to make these?!” Then, add a little sprig of thyme or a few leaves on each. The thyme gives it that earthy depth, and trust me, it’s worth the extra effort.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Put these beauties on a platter and watch them disappear. They’re best at room temperature, so don’t worry if they sit out for a bit while everyone’s arriving. If you do make them ahead, give them 15-20 minutes out of the fridge before serving, so the flavors really shine. And brace yourself—these will go fast.

Storage Options:

These are surprisingly great for make-ahead! You can prep everything, skip the honey and thyme for now, and just store the stuffed dates in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready to serve, let them come to room temp, drizzle with honey, add thyme, and you’re good to go. They hold up really well, but let’s be real—they’ll probably get eaten way before then.

Variations and Substitutions:

One of the best parts of this recipe? It’s so easy to play around with! Here are a few ideas to switch things up.

Swap Goat Cheese for Cream Cheese: Not everyone’s into goat cheese, and that’s totally cool. Cream cheese is milder, a bit more subtle, but still creamy enough to work perfectly. Plus, it pairs nicely with the dates and walnuts.
Try Other Nuts: Walnuts are classic, but almonds, pecans, or pistachios? Game-changer. Each brings its own flavor and crunch factor, so feel free to try a few options and see what you like best.
Add a Bit of Spice: Feeling adventurous? A pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes before the honey drizzle adds a surprising kick that works surprisingly well with the sweetness of the dates.
Use Flavored Honey: If you’ve got a unique honey on hand, like lavender or rosemary, use it! That extra hint of floral or herbaceous flavor can make these feel extra special and will leave people wondering what your secret ingredient is.
Fresh Herbs Alternatives: If you’re out of thyme, don’t panic. Rosemary, basil, or even a hint of mint can give a new twist to these bites. Each one brings its own unique touch, so go with what you’ve got on hand or what sounds good.

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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!