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Savory Blue Cheese and Pancetta Stuffed Dates

These stuffed dates are a perfect balance of sweet and savory, featuring Medjool dates filled with tangy blue cheese and crispy pancetta. The dish involves stuffing, baking, and a brief crisping stage to achieve a tender, caramelized exterior with a warm, melty interior. They make an impressive appetizer with a delightful crunch and rich flavor profile.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 16 pieces Medjool dates pitted
  • 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbled
  • 4 slices crispy pancetta cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • 1/4 cup nuts chopped walnuts or almonds, toasted
  • 1 tablespoon honey optional for extra sweetness
  • fresh thyme or black pepper for garnish

Equipment

  • small sharp knife
  • Spoon
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

  1. Using a small sharp knife, carefully slit each date lengthwise to create an opening, then gently remove the pit without tearing the skin.
  2. In a small bowl, crumble the blue cheese and chop the crispy pancetta into small bits. Mix them together, and add a teaspoon of honey if you like a touch of sweetness.
  3. Stuff each date with a small spoonful of the cheese mixture, pressing gently so it fills the cavity evenly and slightly overflows.
  4. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  5. Arrange the stuffed dates on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly so they don’t touch.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the pancetta is crispy and golden brown.
  7. Remove from the oven and let the dates rest for 2 minutes, allowing the filling to set slightly.
  8. Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with a sprig of thyme or a crack of black pepper, and sprinkle with toasted nuts for added crunch.

Notes

For extra flavor, try adding a light drizzle of honey before baking or sprinkle fresh herbs over the finished dish.