Whipped Feta Stuffed Dates with Candied Pecans Recipe
Whipped Feta Stuffed Dates are a delightful appetizer featuring Medjool dates filled with a creamy whipped feta and cream cheese mixture, topped with sweet and spicy candied pecans. This elegant dish combines salty, sweet, and spicy flavors perfectly, making it an ideal party snack or holiday appetizer for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's gatherings.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Honey Pecans
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
Dates and Cheese Filling
- 6 ounces feta cheese crumbles
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 20 to 30 pitted Medjool dates
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the pecans and stuffed dates.
- Candy the Pecans: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat ¼ cup honey for 20 seconds until warm. Stir in 1 cup pecan halves to coat them evenly. Spread the coated pecans on the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon sugar, ¼ teaspoon salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking. Remove from oven and let cool before chopping the pecans roughly.
- Prepare Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine 6 ounces feta cheese crumbles and 3 ounces softened cream cheese. Using a hand-held electric mixer, beat the cheeses together until smooth and creamy, creating a whipped feta filling.
- Stuff the Dates: With your hands, take small amounts of the whipped cheese mixture and shape each into an oval roughly the size of a large grape. Stuff each pitted Medjool date with the cheese mixture, ensuring the filling fits well inside.
- Arrange and Bake Dates: Place the stuffed dates cut side up on the baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes until the cheese is warmed through and slightly set.
- Add Candied Pecans: Remove the dates from the oven and immediately sprinkle chopped candied pecans over the top of each date. Press gently if needed to adhere the pecans to the cheese filling.
- Serve: These stuffed dates can be served warm or at room temperature, making them a versatile and crowd-pleasing appetizer option.
Notes
- Ensure dates are pitted before stuffing for ease of preparation.
- Use a hand-held electric mixer for the smoothest cheese filling consistency.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne in the pecans according to your preferred spice level.
- These can be prepared a few hours ahead; refrigerate and warm slightly before serving.
- Medjool dates are preferred for their size and soft texture but can substitute with other large, soft dates.
