Gorgonzola Walnut Stuffed Dates: A Sweet and Savory Delight

Looking for a sophisticated and surprisingly easy appetizer that will wow your guests? Look no further than Gorgonzola Walnut Stuffed Dates! This simple recipe combines the sweetness of Medjool dates with the creamy tang of Gorgonzola cheese and the satisfying crunch of walnuts, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cocktail parties, or even a cozy night in, these stuffed dates are incredibly versatile and can be prepared ahead of time, making them a stress-free option for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love These Stuffed Dates

• Effortless Elegance: These dates look and taste incredibly impressive, yet they require minimal effort to prepare.
• Sweet and Savory Perfection: The combination of sweet dates, tangy Gorgonzola, and crunchy walnuts is a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them hours in advance and simply arrange them on a platter when ready to serve.
• Versatile Appetizer: Suitable for various occasions, from casual gatherings to formal events.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding a drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of chili flakes, or using different types of nuts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Medjool Dates: These dates are large, soft, and naturally sweet, making them ideal for stuffing. Look for dates that are plump and moist.
• Gorgonzola Cheese: This Italian blue cheese adds a creamy, tangy, and slightly pungent flavor. You can use either Dolce (sweet) or Piccante (sharp) Gorgonzola, depending on your preference. Dolce is milder, while Piccante has a stronger, more intense flavor.
• Walnuts: Toasted walnuts provide a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that complements the dates and Gorgonzola perfectly. You can use walnut halves or pieces, depending on what you have on hand.
• Optional Garnishes: Honey, balsamic glaze, fresh thyme, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add extra flavor and visual appeal.

Detailed Recipe: Gorgonzola Walnut Stuffed Dates

This recipe is designed to be easy to follow and adapt to your own preferences. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheeses, nuts, and garnishes to create your own signature version of these delicious stuffed dates.

Yields:

Approximately 24 stuffed dates

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cook Time:

5 minutes (for toasting walnuts, optional)

Ingredients:

• 24 Medjool dates, pitted
• 4 ounces Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped
• Optional garnishes: honey, balsamic glaze, fresh thyme sprigs, red pepper flakes

Equipment:

• Small bowl
• Baking sheet (optional, for toasting walnuts)
• Small knife or paring knife
• Serving platter

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Walnuts (Optional): Toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor and adds a pleasant crunch. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the walnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned. Watch them carefully to prevent burning. Let them cool slightly, then coarsely chop them. If you prefer, you can toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until fragrant.
2. Prepare the Dates: If your Medjool dates are not already pitted, use a small knife or paring knife to make a slit lengthwise along one side of each date. Carefully remove the pit.
3. Stuff the Dates: Gently open each date and fill it with a generous amount of crumbled Gorgonzola cheese. Use your fingers to press the cheese into the cavity of the date.
4. Add the Walnuts: Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the Gorgonzola cheese, pressing them lightly to adhere.
5. Arrange on a Platter: Arrange the stuffed dates on a serving platter.
6. Garnish (Optional): Drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, or sprinkle with red pepper flakes for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.
7. Serve: Serve the Gorgonzola Walnut Stuffed Dates immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Tips and Variations

• Cheese Variations: If you’re not a fan of Gorgonzola, you can substitute it with other creamy cheeses, such as goat cheese, cream cheese, or Mascarpone.
• Nut Variations: Pecans, almonds, or pistachios can be used instead of walnuts. Toast them for enhanced flavor.
• Sweetness Boost: For extra sweetness, drizzle the stuffed dates with a little maple syrup or agave nectar.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of chili oil for a spicy kick.
• Bacon-Wrapped Dates: Wrap each stuffed date with a half slice of bacon and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy. This is a decadent and delicious variation!
• Stuffed Date Skewers: Thread the stuffed dates onto skewers with other ingredients like cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, or olives for a colorful and flavorful appetizer.
• Vegan Option: Use a vegan cream cheese alternative and walnuts to make a delightful vegan version. You can also add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Make it a Meal: Add stuffed dates to a cheese board with various cured meats, crackers, and olives for a complete appetizer spread.

Make-Ahead Instructions

These Gorgonzola Walnut Stuffed Dates are perfect for making ahead of time, which is especially helpful when you’re entertaining. You can prepare them up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Stuffing: Stuff the dates with the Gorgonzola cheese and walnuts as directed in the recipe.
• Storage: Place the stuffed dates in an airtight container, arranging them in a single layer to prevent them from sticking together.
• Refrigeration: Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
• Serving: Before serving, remove the stuffed dates from the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This will allow the Gorgonzola cheese to soften slightly and enhance its flavor.
• Garnishing: If you plan to garnish the dates with honey, balsamic glaze, fresh thyme, or red pepper flakes, it’s best to do so just before serving to prevent the garnishes from becoming soggy or losing their flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Gorgonzola Walnut Stuffed Dates are a versatile appetizer that can be served in various ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• As an Appetizer: Serve the stuffed dates as a standalone appetizer at your next party or gathering. They are a great conversation starter and a delicious way to kick off a meal.
• On a Cheese Board: Add the stuffed dates to a cheese board with various cheeses, cured meats, crackers, and olives for a complete and visually appealing appetizer spread.
• With Wine: Pair the stuffed dates with a glass of port wine, dessert wine, or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. The sweetness of the dates and the tanginess of the Gorgonzola complement these wines perfectly.
• As a Dessert: Serve the stuffed dates as a light and elegant dessert option. They are a healthier alternative to traditional sweets and provide a satisfyingly sweet and savory ending to a meal.
• As a Snack: Enjoy a few stuffed dates as a healthy and satisfying snack any time of day. They are a great source of energy and provide a boost of nutrients.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per date)

• Calories: 80-100
• Fat: 4-6g
• Saturated Fat: 2-3g
• Cholesterol: 10-15mg
• Sodium: 50-70mg
• Carbohydrates: 12-15g
• Fiber: 1-2g
• Sugar: 10-12g
• Protein: 1-2g

Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Conclusion

Gorgonzola Walnut Stuffed Dates are a delightful and impressive appetizer that is surprisingly easy to make. With their perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures, these stuffed dates are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a formal event or simply looking for a delicious snack, this recipe is a winner. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy the delightful flavors of Gorgonzola Walnut Stuffed Dates!