A delightful appetizer featuring Medjool dates filled with honey goat cheese, topped with chopped walnuts, a drizzle of honey, and fresh thyme. Perfectly balanced, this easy-to-make dish combines sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures in each bite.
Begin by carefully slicing a small opening along one side of each date. Do not cut all the way through; the dates should open like a pocket. If any dates still contain pits, remove them to ensure they are hollow and ready for filling.
Fill with Goat Cheese
Using a small spoon, place a portion of honey goat cheese into each date, pressing it gently to fill the cavity without overflowing. For a cleaner presentation, a piping bag can also be used to add the goat cheese.
Add Walnut Topping
Sprinkle a few pieces of chopped walnuts atop each stuffed date, pressing slightly to ensure they adhere to the cheese. Toasting the walnuts beforehand for a few minutes can enhance their flavor if desired.
Drizzle with Honey and Garnish
Just before serving, drizzle a thin layer of honey over the dates for added sweetness and shine. Finish with a garnish of fresh thyme leaves, which will add an aromatic note and visual appeal.
Serve and Enjoy
Arrange the dates on a serving platter and present them at room temperature. These appetizers are best enjoyed fresh but may be refrigerated briefly if made in advance.
Notes
This recipe is naturally gluten-free. However, to ensure complete gluten-free compliance, confirm that all ingredients, particularly the goat cheese and honey, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.