Name: Feta-Parmesan Roasted Dates: Honey Crunch Bliss!
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Ingredients: 20 Medjool dates, pitted; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess); 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup chopped walnuts; 2 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary or thyme; Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

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Are you tired of serving the same predictable appetizers at your gatherings? Looking for that perfect sweet-savory bite that will have your guests raving?

At Cooks Foody, our Feta-Parmesan Roasted Dates have become our signature crowd-pleaser that disappears minutes after hitting the table.

As Elizabeth from our Austin kitchen discovered while experimenting with Mediterranean flavors, these honey-drizzled, cheese-stuffed dates create that magical “mmm” moment with the very first bite. The combination of creamy cheese, sweet dates, and crunchy topping delivers a texture and flavor explosion that’s both sophisticated and comforting.

With over five years of perfecting this recipe through countless dinner parties and holiday gatherings, we’ve fine-tuned every element to ensure these roasted dates achieve the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory notes.

In this guide, you’ll discover how to select the juiciest dates, master the stuffing technique, achieve that perfect caramelization, and even prepare them ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.

Why These Feta-Parmesan Roasted Dates Work

Uses readily available Medjool dates found in most grocery stores
Requires just 10 minutes of prep time for an elegant appetizer
Perfect for both casual gatherings and formal dinner parties
Creates a beautiful sweet-savory balance that appeals to most palates
Can be prepped ahead and roasted just before serving
Offers an impressive presentation with minimal effort

Choosing the Right Dates for Roasting

Best Varieties for This Recipe

Medjool dates are the gold standard for this recipe due to their large size, soft texture, and natural caramel-like flavor. Their generous cavity makes them ideal for stuffing with our feta-parmesan mixture. Deglet Noor dates, while smaller, can also work in a pinch just expect a slightly different texture and flavor profile.

Buying Tips

Look for dates that appear plump, glossy, and wrinkle-free. They should feel soft but not mushy when gently squeezed. Avoid dates with crystallized sugar on the surface (white spots), as these indicate they’re past their prime. When possible, purchase dates with pits still intact, as they tend to be more moist and flavorful.

Substitutions

If dates aren’t available, you can try this same technique with fresh figs (halved) during their season, or even with dried apricots for a different but equally delicious flavor profile. Each substitution will create a unique taste experience while maintaining the sweet-savory balance.

Ingredients & Prep for Feta-Parmesan Roasted Dates

Feta-Parmesan Roasted Dates: Honey Crunch Bliss!

Date Prep Essentials

Before stuffing, slice each date lengthwise along one side and remove the pit while keeping the date intact. This creates a perfect pocket for your cheese filling. For extra tenderness, you can soak very dry dates in warm water for 10 minutes, then pat completely dry before proceeding.

Filling Ingredients

16 large Medjool dates, pitted
4 oz crumbled feta cheese
2 oz freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Zest of 1 lemon
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp honey, plus more for drizzling
¼ cup chopped pistachios or walnuts

Pantry Staples

You’ll need olive oil for the baking sheet, flaky sea salt for finishing, and optionally, a balsamic glaze for an elegant presentation. These simple ingredients elevate the dates from good to extraordinary.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Feta-Parmesan Roasted Dates

Pre-Cooking Prep for Dates

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly oil a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, combine the crumbled feta, grated Parmesan, thyme leaves, lemon zest, and black pepper.
Gently mix in 1 tablespoon of honey to bind the cheese mixture.

Cooking Method for Roasted Dates

Using a small spoon, stuff each date with the feta-Parmesan mixture, being generous but avoiding overfilling.
Arrange dates on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
Sprinkle the chopped nuts evenly over each stuffed date, pressing gently to adhere.
Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of honey over all dates.
Roast in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, until the cheese is warm and slightly melted, and the nuts are toasted.

Doneness Check for Dates

The dates are ready when they’re warm throughout and the nuts have turned golden brown. You’ll notice the cheese becoming slightly soft but still maintaining its shape. Be careful not to overcook, as the dates can quickly go from perfect to burnt.

Resting and Serving Dates

Allow the dates to cool for 3-5 minutes after removing from the oven. This brief rest helps the flavors meld while preventing mouth burns from too-hot cheese. Just before serving, drizzle with additional honey if desired and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

Pro Tips for Perfect Feta-Parmesan Roasted Dates

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Don’t overpack the cheese mixture, as it may overflow during baking
Keep dates slightly separated on the baking sheet to ensure even roasting
Watch carefully during the last few minutes to prevent burning the nuts
For softer dates, microwave them for 10 seconds before slicing and pitting

Tool Recommendations

A small paring knife works best for slicing dates, while a demitasse spoon is perfect for stuffing the cheese mixture. For presentation, serve on a wooden board or slate plate to enhance their rustic elegance.

Storage & Make-Ahead Options

Prep the dates up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate, covered. Bring to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking. Leftover roasted dates can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and enjoyed cold or reheated for 3-4 minutes in a 350°F oven.

Looking for more inspiration for your next gathering? Check out our Pinterest board full of appetizer ideas that will make your next event unforgettable!

Flavor Variations for Roasted Dates

Spicy Twist

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture or drizzle with hot honey instead of regular honey. For an interesting contrast, try incorporating a tiny amount of minced preserved lemon into the filling.

Mediterranean Inspired

Replace the Parmesan with manchego cheese and add a pinch of smoked paprika to the filling. Top with chopped Marcona almonds instead of walnuts for an authentic Spanish touch.

Herbal Infusions

Experiment with different herbs in the cheese mixture. Rosemary provides an earthy depth, while basil offers a fresher note. Fresh mint paired with a honey-lime drizzle creates a bright, unexpected variation.

Variation	Cheese Base	Topping	Drizzle	Best Served With
Classic	Feta & Parmesan	Walnuts	Honey	Prosecco
Mediterranean	Feta & Manchego	Almonds	Honey & Paprika	Spanish Red Wine
Spicy	Feta & Pepper Jack	Pistachios	Hot Honey	IPA Beer
Herbaceous	Goat Cheese & Feta	Pine Nuts	Herb Oil	Sauvignon Blanc

Serving Suggestions for Feta-Parmesan Roasted Dates

These elegant bites pair beautifully with a range of accompaniments. Serve alongside a cheese board with fresh and dried fruits, nuts, and crackers for a complete appetizer spread. For beverages, these dates complement both sparkling wines and fuller-bodied whites like Chardonnay.

For a more substantial offering, arrange the dates on a platter with prosciutto-wrapped melon, fresh figs, and toasted bread. The combination of sweet, salty, and savory elements creates a balanced tasting experience.

Want to create a complete Mediterranean-inspired spread? Check out our White Christmas Cranberry Margarita for a festive holiday drink that pairs beautifully with these dates.

FAQs About Roasted Dates

Can I make these dates vegan?
Yes! Substitute the cheese with dairy-free alternatives like almond ricotta or cashew cream cheese. Add nutritional yeast for a “cheesy” flavor and keep the honey drizzle or substitute with maple syrup.

How far in advance can I prepare these?
You can stuff the dates up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate them covered. Bring to room temperature before baking. For best results, add the nut topping and honey just before roasting.

My dates are very dry. Can I still use them?
Absolutely! Soak overly dry dates in warm water for 10-15 minutes, then pat them completely dry before proceeding with the recipe. This will restore some moisture and make them easier to work with.

Can I freeze these appetizers?
While you can freeze the prepared but unbaked dates for up to one month, the texture of the cheese may change slightly upon thawing. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3-4 minutes to the cooking time.

Conclusion

These Feta-Parmesan Roasted Dates with Honey Crunch deliver an impressive blend of flavors and textures that will elevate any gathering. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity minimal ingredients and effort with maximum impact.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply treating yourself to something special, these dates strike the perfect balance between sophisticated and approachable. The combination of creamy cheese, sweet dates, crunchy nuts, and honey drizzle creates a memorable bite that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Ready to continue your culinary adventure? Try our Candy Cane Brownie Bombs for a chocolatey treat that’s perfect for the holidays, or explore our White Christmas Cranberry Margarita for another festive option.

Feta-Parmesan Roasted Dates: Honey Crunch Bliss!